Geological Sciences Minor
Faculty Contact: Dr. Greg Springer
Program Overview
The minor in geological sciences provides students the opportunity to develop a moderate level of specialization in geological sciences.
The program begins with an introductory geology course, most often GEOL 1010 - How the Earth Works. However, several other introductory-level courses can substitute with students entering the minor after taking such diverse classes as GEOL 1200 - The Mobile Earth, GEOL 1350 - Natural Disasters, and GEOL 2310 - Water and Pollution (2310). (A full list is available below.) Entering students who have not taken GEOL 1010 or GEOL 2830 - Geology for Engineers complete GEOL 2020 – Introductory Geology Lab, a 1-credit lab course.
Careers
The geological sciences minor can provide a degree of breadth to students majoring in fields that have needs for some geological training as part of a career in fields such as environmental science, governmental science positions, and a variety of environmental careers ranging from scientific investigation from a non-geological science field that requires some geological knowledge to a more politically based career that requires the same knowledge.
Admissions Information
Freshman/First-Year Admission: No requirements beyond University admission requirements.
Change of Program Policy: No selective or limited admission requirements.
External Transfer Admission: No requirements beyond University admission requirements.
Minor Requirements
Minor code: OR3321
Minor Hours Requirement
The geological sciences minor requires a minimum of 19 hours.
Minor Core Requirements
This requirement may be satisfied by taking one of the three following options.
Option 1
Complete the following course:
- GEOL 1010 - How the Earth Works Credit Hours: 4.0
Option 2
Complete the following course, plus an additional course as a prerequisite:
- GEOL 2020 - Introductory Geology Lab Credit Hours: 1.0
Plus one of the following courses:
- GEOL 1200 - The Mobile Earth Credit Hours: 3.0
- GEOL 1300 - Geology of the National Parks Credit Hours: 3.0
- GEOL 1350 - Natural Disasters Credit Hours: 3.0
- GEOL 1400 - Dinosaurs and the Mesozoic Credit Hours: 3.0
- GEOL 2080 - Geology of the Solar System Credit Hours: 3.0
- GEOL 2150 - Environmental Geology Credit Hours: 3.0
- GEOL 2170 - Water Resources and Sustainability Credit Hours 3.0
- GEOL 2210 - Earth and Life History Credit Hours: 3.0
- GEOL 2310 - Water and Pollution Credit Hours: 3.0
Option 3
Complete the following course:
- GEOL 2830 - Geology for Engineers Credit Hours: 4.0
Geological Sciences Minor Required Course
Complete the following course:
- GEOL 2550 - Historical Geology Credit Hours: 3.0
Upper Level Course Requirements
Complete a minimum of 12 additional hours of GEOL coursework including at least 9 hours at the 3000 or 4000 level.
Note: Students cannot receive credit for both GEOL 3120 and GEOL 3150