B.A. in Earth Science
The Bachelor of Arts in Earth Science offers a flexible, interdisciplinary exploration of the processes that shape our planet. Students study topics such as geology, climate, water, natural resources, Earth history, and environmental change while developing a broad understanding of how Earth systems interact.
The program’s flexibility allows students to connect Earth science with interests in areas such as education, environmental policy, sustainability, communication, business, or public service. Through coursework, laboratory activities, field experiences, and research opportunities, graduates are prepared for a variety of careers or continued study in Earth and environmental fields.
Requirements for a Major in Earth Science (BA)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Total Hours Requirement | (124) | |
| Minimum GPA - 2.0 ("C") Overall and in Major | ||
| Minimum Hours in Residence | (60) | |
| Minimum Advanced Hours (for UG: 3000- or 4000-level courses) | (36) | |
| General Education Requirements | ||
| Arts and Sciences Core 1 | 47-54 | |
| Major Requirements 2 | ||
| GEO 1401 | Earthquakes and Other Natural Disasters | 4 |
| or GEO 1402 | World Oceans | |
| or GEO 1305/1105 | The Dynamic Earth | |
| Choose one course and laboratory from the following: | 4 | |
| GEO 1306 & GEO 1106 | The Earth Through Time and The Earth Through Time, Laboratory | |
| GEO 1307 & GEO 1106 | Evolution and Extinction and The Earth Through Time, Laboratory | |
| GEO 1309 & GEO 1106 | Origins of Habitable Worlds and The Earth Through Time, Laboratory | |
| Choose two of the following courses: | 8 | |
| GEO 3427 | Mineralogy | |
| GEO 3442 | Field Stratigraphy-Sedimentology | |
| GEO 3445 | Structural Geology | |
| Upper-Level Geology Electives | 12 | |
| Required Courses in Other Fields | ||
| Mathematics | 3 | |
| MTH 1320 | Precalculus | |
| Sciences | 7-8 | |
| Choose either two from Option 1 or one each from Option 1 and Option 2 | ||
| Option 1 | ||
| PHY 1408 | General Physics for Natural and Behavioral Sciences I | |
| PHY 1409 | General Physics for Natural and Behavioral Sciences II | |
| PHY 1420 | General Physics I | |
| PHY 1430 | General Physics II | |
| PHY 1455 | Descriptive Astronomy | |
| CHE 1300 & CHE 1100 | Introductory Chemistry and Introductory Chemistry Laboratory | |
| CHE 1301 & CHE 1101 | Basic Principles of Modern Chemistry I and General Chemistry Laboratory I | |
| BIO 1303 & BIO 1103 | Human Ecology: Our Place in Nature and Human Ecology Lab: Our Place in Nature | |
| BIO 1305 & BIO 1105 | Modern Concepts of Bioscience and Modern Concepts of Bioscience Laboratory | |
| BIO 1306 & BIO 1106 | Modern Concepts of Bioscience, continued and Modern Concepts of Bioscience Laboratory | |
| Option 2 | ||
| ANT 1404 | Introduction to Human Evolution | |
| ANT 1407 | Introduction to Archaeology | |
| AVS 1313 | Introduction to Meteorology | |
| CSI 1430 | Introduction to Computer Science I with Laboratory | |
| ENV 1301 & ENV 1101 | Exploring Environmental Issues and An Introduction to Environmental Analysis (Lab) | |
| Note: Additional elective hrs. to reach 124 hrs. minimum may be required. | ||
| Total Hours | 124 | |
1
Core requirements and hours may vary based on individual student factors, including course selection, language proficiency, transfer status, specialized programs (e.g., BIC). Students should consult with their advisor and degree audit for additional information.
2
Majors are encouraged to take GEO 1305 The Dynamic Earth and GEO 1105 Dynamic Earth Laboratory.