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Undergraduate Programs

The Department of Geology offers programs leading to the bachelor’s degree in geology and earth science, as well as studies in geochemistry, planetary science, volcanology, glaciology, hydrogeology, and environmental and engineering 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 energy industries; and as teachers in elementary, middle and high schools and at the college level.

Geologists who have graduated from PSU are employed in natural hazards analysis and planning, climate change research, assessment of ground and surface water resources, exploration, development and management of mineral and energy resources, geotechnical and geoengineering studies, urban planning and GIS, 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.

Degree Maps and Learning Outcomes

Admission requirements

Geology B.S./B.A.

Earth Science B.A./B.S.

Geology Minor

Environmental Geology Minor

Space Planetary Science Minor

Computer Applications with an Emphasis in Geosciences Minor

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 (46-47 credits):

G 201Dynamic Earth: Interior

3
G 202Dynamic Earth: Surface

3
 
G 204Geology Laboratory

1
G 205Geology Laboratory

1
or
G 207Computer Based Geology Laboratory

2
  
G 203Historical Geology

3
G 206Historical Geology Lab

1
G 312Mineralogy

3
G 313Methods in Mineralogy

2
G 314Petrology

3
G 315Lithology and Petrography

2
G 318Processes in the Surface Environment

3
G 319Processes in the Surface Environment: Methods

2
G 324Data Management and Analysis

5
G 434Structural Geology and Tectonics

5
G 435Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

5
G 485Geologic Mapping

4

4 credits of adviser-approved Field Camp may substitute for G485.

At least 16 credits of electives must be chosen from upper-division geology courses numbered G410 or higher:

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.

Two terms of calculus plus one additional mathematics or statistics course (12 credits):

Mth 251Calculus I

4
Mth 252Calculus II

4
 
and
  
Mth 253Calculus III

4
or
Mth 261Introduction to Linear Algebra

4
or
Stat 451Applied Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I

4

Allied Sciences Courses (25 credits):

Two terms of 200-level chemistry with labs:
Ch 221General Chemistry I

4
Ch 227General Chemistry Laboratory

1
Ch 222General Chemistry II

4
Ch 228General Chemistry Laboratory

1
 
Two terms of 200-level physics with labs:
Ph 201General Physics

4
And
Ph 202General Physics

4
or
Ph 203General Physics

4
  
or
 
Ph 211General Physics (with Calculus) I

4
And
Ph 212General Physics (with Calculus) II

4
or
Ph 213General Physics (with Calculus) III

4
 
And
 
Ph 214Lab for Ph 201 or Ph 211 or Ph 221 or Ph 231

1
and
Ph 215Lab for Ph 202 or Ph 212 or Ph 222 or Ph 232

1
or
Ph 216Lab for Ph 203 or Ph 213 or Ph 223 or Ph 233

1
 
One additional 200-level chemistry or physics class with lab:
Ch 223General Chemistry III

4
Ch 229General Chemistry Laboratory

1
or
Ph 202General Physics

4
Ph 215Lab for Ph 202 or Ph 212 or Ph 222 or Ph 232

1
or
Ph 212General Physics (with Calculus) II

4
Ph 215Lab for Ph 202 or Ph 212 or Ph 222 or Ph 232

1
or
Ph 203General Physics

4
Ph 216Lab for Ph 203 or Ph 213 or Ph 223 or Ph 233

1
or
Ph 213General Physics (with Calculus) III

4
Ph 216Lab for Ph 203 or Ph 213 or Ph 223 or Ph 233

1
or
Advisor-Approved 200+ level Biology Course with Lab

5

Total Credit Hours: 99-100

Courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) are not acceptable toward fulfilling departmental major requirements.