Undergraduate Programs
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.
Space Planetary Science Minor
Requirements
To earn a minor in space and planetary science, a student must complete a minimum of 28 credits (at least 16 credits of which must be taken in residence at PSU), to include the following:
Eight credits selected from the following:
| G 201 | Dynamic Earth: Interior | 3 |
| G 204 | Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| G 202 | Dynamic Earth: Surface | 3 |
| G 205 | Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| | | |
| | or | |
| G 207 | Computer Based Geology Laboratory | 2 |
| | | |
| | or | |
| Ph 121 | General Astronomy | 4 |
| Ph 122 | General Astronomy | 4 |
| | or | |
| Ph 261 | General Astronomy | 4 |
| Ph 262 | General Astronomy | 4 |
Sixteen credits of electives selected from the following
(may include other elective courses pre-approved by the undergraduate adviser.):
Four credits selected from the following:
| G 404 | Cooperative Education/Internship | 4 |
| G 405 | Reading and Conference | 4 |
Total Credit Hours: 28
Students are encouraged to contact the Department of Geology and ask for the undergraduate adviser, for help in designing a program leading to a minor in geology, environmental geology, computer applications, or space and planetary science. Upper division courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) are not acceptable toward fulfilling departmental minor requirements with the exceptions of G 404 and G 405 which are offered only for pass/no pass.