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, 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.
Geology B.S./B.A.
In addition to meeting the general University degree requirements, the major must meet the following departmental requirements:
Requirements
Geology Courses (51-52 credits):
| G 200 | Field Studies | 1 |
| G 201 | Dynamic Earth: Interior | 3 |
| G 202 | Dynamic Earth: Surface | 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 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 |
| G 324 | Computer Applications and Information Technology | 5 |
| G 326 | Numerical Modeling of Earth Systems | 5 |
| G 434 | Structural Geology and Tectonics | 5 |
| G 435 | Sedimentology and Stratigraphy | 5 |
| G 485 | Field Methods in Geosciences | 4 |
| | | |
At least 16 credits of electives must be chosen from upper-division geology courses excluding:
| G 301 | Geology for Engineers | 3 |
| G 340U | Life of the Past | 4 |
| G 341U | Geology of the Oregon Country | 4 |
| G 342U | Volcanoes and Earthquakes | 4 |
| G 344U | Geology and the National Parks | 4 |
| G 345U | Life in the Universe | 4 |
| G 346 | Exploring Mars | 4 |
| G 351U | Introduction to Oceanography | 4 |
| G 352U | Minerals in World Affairs | 4 |
| G 353 | Natural History of Dinosaurs | 4 |
| G 355 | Earth and Space Sciences for Elementary Educators | 4 |
| G 374/Geog 320 | Geomorphic Processes | 4 |
| G 450 | Middle School Earth/Space Sciences | 4 |
| G 453 | Geology of the Pacific Northwest | 4 |
| G 454 | Cascade Volcanoes | 1 |
This may include up to 8 credits of upper-division mathematics, science, or engineering courses approved by the undergraduate adviser. Students may use up to 4 credits from an approved summer field camp course.
Mathematics through calculus (16 credits):
Allied Sciences Courses
| | One year of 200-level chemistry or equivalent with labs | 13-16 |
| | | |
| Ph 201 | General Physics | 4 |
| Ph 202 | General Physics | 4 |
| Ph 203 | General Physics | 4 |
| | | |
| | or | |
| | | |
| Ph 211 | General Physics (with Calculus) | 4 |
| Ph 212 | General Physics (with Calculus) | 4 |
| Ph 213 | General Physics (with Calculus) | 4 |
| | | |
| | or | |
| Ph 211 | General Physics (with Calculus) | 4 |
| Ph 212 | General Physics (with Calculus) | 4 |
| | And | |
| EAS 211 | Statics | 4 |
Total Credit Hours: 110-115
Courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) are not acceptable toward fulfilling departmental major requirements.