Geology Minor

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This minor emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of the Earth’s structure, materials, processes, and history to provide students with a strong foundation in geology and the skills necessary to pursue various career paths within the geosciences, including environmental consulting, natural resource exploration, geological surveys, research, or further studies at the graduate level. Specifically, a geology degree aims to achieve the following:

Foundational Knowledge of the basic principles of geology such as mineralogy, petrology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, structural geology, and plate tectonics.
Laboratory work to teach students essential analytical and scientific techniques.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking. Students learn to analyze geological data, interpret complex geological phenomena, and make informed decisions based on evidence and scientific principles.

Minor Requirements

Sixteen (16) credit hours are required. The completion of the introductory sequence courses (4 credit hours) listed and any three Geology Core courses (12 hours).

Minor Core (2 Courses; 4 Credit Hours)

NOTE: GLY 2010 is a pre-requisite for the required Core Courses. Students must complete this course prior to beginning the Core Courses sequence as a part of the Introductory sequence.

Introductory Sequence (4 Credit Hours)

One course, chosen from:

GLY 2010 - Dynamic Earth: Introduction to Physical Geology Credit(s): 3
OR other comparable acceptable course offerings, as approved by the undergraduate advisor
GLY 2000L - Essentials of Geology Laboratory Credit(s): 1

Minor Electives (3 Courses; 12 Credit Hours)

Choose three of the following Geology courses:

GEO 3280 - Environmental Hydrology Credit(s): 3
GLY 3104C - Stratigraphy and Paleontology Credit(s): 4
GLY 3311C - Mineralogy, Petrology, Geochemistry Credit(s): 4
GLY 3402C - Structural Geology and Tectonics Credit(s): 4
GLY 3552C - Sedimentary Rocks and Processes Credit(s): 4

GPA Requirement

A minimum grade point average of 2.00 is required.

Grading Requirement

A grade of below “C-” will not be counted toward fulfilling the minor requirements.

Other Information

Teacher Education Programs

Prospective elementary and secondary school teachers desiring to teach science should include basic courses in geology and related sciences as part of their curriculum.

Advising Information - College of Arts and Sciences

Undergraduate Advising Information

The College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) Advising Team provides students with support to create timely graduation plans that will integrate both their academic and professional goals. Each of our undergraduate programs has dedicated professional advisors with specialized knowledge and understanding of the major requirements, course offerings, undergraduate research, and career opportunities in their field. Additionally, we have dedicated pre-health and prelaw advisors to help students prepare for admission to professional graduate programs.

CAS Academic Advisor Contact information can be found here: CAS Advisors

To schedule an advising appointment: Advising Appointments

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