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.
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 201 | Dynamic Earth: Interior | 3 |
G 202 | Dynamic Earth: Surface | 3 |
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G 204 | Geology Laboratory | 1 |
G 205 | Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| or | |
G 207 | Computer Based Geology Laboratory | 2 |
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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 | Data Management and Analysis | 5 |
G 434 | Structural Geology and Tectonics | 5 |
G 435 | Sedimentology and Stratigraphy | 5 |
G 485 | Geologic 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):
Allied Sciences Courses (25 credits):
| Two terms of 200-level chemistry with labs: | |
Ch 221 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
Ch 227 | General Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
Ch 222 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
Ch 228 | General Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
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| Two terms of 200-level physics with labs: | |
Ph 201 | General Physics | 4 |
| And | |
Ph 202 | General Physics | 4 |
| or | |
Ph 203 | General Physics | 4 |
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| or | |
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Ph 211 | General Physics (with Calculus) I | 4 |
| And | |
Ph 212 | General Physics (with Calculus) II | 4 |
| or | |
Ph 213 | General Physics (with Calculus) III | 4 |
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| And | |
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Ph 214 | Lab for Ph 201 or Ph 211 or Ph 221 | 1 |
| and | |
Ph 215 | Lab for Ph 202 or Ph 212 or Ph 222 | 1 |
| or | |
Ph 216 | Lab for Ph 203 or Ph 213 or Ph 223 | 1 |
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| One additional 200-level chemistry or physics class with lab: | |
Ch 223 | General Chemistry III | 4 |
Ch 229 | General Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| or | |
Ph 202 | General Physics | 4 |
Ph 215 | Lab for Ph 202 or Ph 212 or Ph 222 | 1 |
| or | |
Ph 212 | General Physics (with Calculus) II | 4 |
Ph 215 | Lab for Ph 202 or Ph 212 or Ph 222 | 1 |
| or | |
Ph 203 | General Physics | 4 |
Ph 216 | Lab for Ph 203 or Ph 213 or Ph 223 | 1 |
| or | |
Ph 213 | General Physics (with Calculus) III | 4 |
Ph 216 | Lab for Ph 203 or Ph 213 or Ph 223 | 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.