DEPARTMENT OF EARTH SCIENCES

The Department of Earth Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts program at the Undergraduate level with several concentration tracks.  Our undergraduate program provides the perfect spring board for job opportunities in education, government, earth and environmental professions, and earth science research, as well as preparing the student for graduate school.  Professional job positions in Earth Sciences generally require at least a Masters degree for full advancement opportunities. 

Earth Sciences Major (B.A.)

Program objectives are: (a) be able to demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles, concepts and knowledge of the discipline Earth Sciences (b) have knowledge of the effects of natural processes and human activity on the environment; (c) be able to address, solve and communicate geographic problems using quantitative methods and geographic techniques; (d) be able to critically examine community problems and develop coherent solutions to urban and other land management issues; (e) demonstrate effective written, oral and visual communication skills.

A. University General Education Program (41 hours)

See Graduation from the University for the University General Education Program requirements.

B. College and Degree (B.A.) Requirements (18-19 hours)

The College and Bachelor of Arts requirements are in addition to the University General Education Program requirements.

C. The Major (35-49 hours)

1. Core Requirements (7 hours):

All students must take ESCI 1020 (4) and ESCI 4515 (3). In addition, all students must fulfill the requirements for one of the following concentrations:

2. Concentration (28-42 hours):

a. Geoarchaeology (36 hours): ESCI 1103 (4), 2301 (4), 4202 (4), 4270, 4301, 4325, 4350, 4352, 4521; and six upper division hours as approved by advisor.

b. Geography (28 hours): ESCI 1010 (4), or 1050 (4), or 1103 (4); ESCI 1401 or 3430; ESCI 1301 or 4307; ESCI 4521 and 4801; and 12 additional upper division hours as approved by advisor.

c. Geology (41-42 hours): ESCI  1040 (4), 1050 (4), 3311 (4), 3712 (4), 4512 (4), 4622 (6); CHEM 1110/1111 (4) (taken as B.A. degree requirement) and CHEM 1120/1121 (4); PHYS 2010/2011 (4) and 2020/2021 (4); MATH 1910 (4) (taken as University General Education requirement); and 3-4 ESCI upper division hours approved by advisor.

D. Electives (12-16 hours)

Electives may be chosen to bring the total number of hours to 120.

Typical 4-Year Earth Sciences  (B.A.) Sequence

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

Total Hours: 120-122

Total Hours Required for Graduation: 120

*Must satisfy University General Education Program Requirement

Earth Sciences Minor

Completion of 20 semester hours in earth sciences courses, at least 9 of which must be upper division hours.