Bachelor of Arts in 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 master's degree for full advancement opportunities.
Program Objectives
Program objectives are:
- to be able to demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles, concepts and knowledge of the discipline Earth Sciences
- to have knowledge of the effects of natural processes and human activity on the environment
- to be able to address, solve and communicate geographic problems using quantitative methods and geographic techniques
- to be able to critically examine community problems and develop coherent solutions to urban and other land management issues
- to demonstrate effective written, oral and visual communication skills
General Education Requirements
See Graduation from the University for the University General Education Program requirements.
College & Degree Requirements
The College and Bachelor of Arts requirements are in addition to the University General Education Program requirements.
Earth Sciences Major (B.A.)
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 15 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.
Electives
Electives may be chosen to bring the total number of hours to 120.
Minor
Completion of 20 semester hours in earth sciences courses, at least 9 of which must be upper division hours.