The Department of Geology offers programs leading to the bachelor’s degree in geology and earth science, as well as studies in numerical modeling, geochemistry, geomicrobiology, glaciology, hydrogeology, engineering geology, planetary geology, and environmental geology.
The programs serve both majors in geology and earth science and non-majors: those who may wish to broaden their science background; those preparing to teach general or earth sciences or geology in elementary or secondary schools; and those preparing for a master’s or a doctoral degree.
Post-baccalaureate students (with a bachelor’s degree, not in geology) who wish to become professional geologists may complete this curriculum while doing both undergraduate and graduate work in geology.
Geologists are employed by government agencies at federal, state, county, and city levels; by independent consulting firms to work with engineers, architects and planners; in the construction, mining, and petroleum industries; and as teachers in elementary and high schools and at the college level.
Geologists who have graduated from PSU are employed as researchers in mitigation of environmental problems, assessment of ground and surface water resources, exploration, development and management of mineral and fuel resources, urban planning, GIS, evaluation of the effects of forest roads and quarries on watershed health, management of their own companies, and instruction at all educational levels.
Students majoring in geology and earth science should plan to complete the required mathematics, chemistry, and physics courses as early in their program as possible.
Earth Science B.A./B.S.
Requirements
In addition to meeting the general University degree requirements, the major must meet the following departmental requirements:
Geology Courses
| G 201 | Geology | 3 |
| G 202 | Geology | 3 |
| | | |
| G 204 | Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| G 205 | Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| | Or | |
| G 207 | Computer Based Geology Laboratory | 2 |
| | | |
| G 203 | Historical Geology | 3 |
| G 206 | Historical Geology Lab | 1 |
| G 200 | Field Studies | 1 |
| G 312 | Mineralogy | 3 |
| G 313 | Methods in Mineralogy | 2 |
| G 314 | Petrology | 3 |
| G 315 | Lithology and Petrography | 2 |
| G 318 | Processes in the Surface Environment | 3 |
| G 319 | Processes in the Surface Environment: Methods | 2 |
At least 16 credits of electives must be chosen from upper-division geology courses
May include either G 355 or G 450, but excludes:
| G 301 | Geology for Engineers | 3 |
| G 340 | Life of the Past | 4 |
| G 341 | Geology of the Oregon Country | 4 |
| G 342 | Volcanoes and Earthquakes | 4 |
| G 344 | Geology and the National Parks | 4 |
| G 345 | Life in the Universe | 4 |
| G 346 | Exploring Mars | 4 |
| G 351 | Introduction to Oceanography | 4 |
| G 352 | Minerals in World Affairs | 4 |
| G 353 | Natural History of Dinosaurs | 4 |
| G 355 | Geosciences for Elementary Educators | 4 |
| G 374 | Geomorphic Processes | 4 |
| G 450 | Middle School Earth/Space Sciences | 4 |
| G 453 | Geology of the Pacific Northwest | 4 |
| G 454 | Cascade Volcanoes | 1 |
Up to 8 credits may be taken in upper-division math, science, or engineering.
Eight credits from the following courses:
| G 340 | Life of the Past | 4 |
| G 341 | Geology of the Oregon Country | 4 |
| G 342 | Volcanoes and Earthquakes | 4 |
| G 344 | Geology and the National Parks | 4 |
| G 345U | Life in the Universe | 4 |
| G 346 | Exploring Mars | 4 |
| G 352 | Minerals in World Affairs | 4 |
| G 353 | Natural History of Dinosaurs | 4 |
| G 374 | Geomorphic Processes | 4 |
| G 453 | Geology of the Pacific Northwest | 4 |
| G 454 | Cascade Volcanoes | 1 |
Non-Geology Courses
8 credits of upper-division pre-approved sustainability-related courses
Mathematics to include either
Option 1
Option 2
| Mth 111 | Introductory College Mathematics I | 4 |
| Mth 112 | Introductory College Mathematics II | 4 |
| | Or | |
| | passing the appropriate placement test | |
| | And | |
| Mth 212 | Foundations Of Elementary Mathematics II | 4 |
Statistics to include:
| Stat 243 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics I | 4 |
| Stat 244 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics II | 4 |
Allied Sciences
| | One year of 200-level college chemistry or equivalent with labs | 15 |
| | | |
| | One year of 200-level biology plus labs | 15 |
| | Or | |
| | One year of 200-level physics plus labs | 15 |
Courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) are not acceptable toward fulfilling departmental major requirements.