Bulletin Year: 2023 - 2024 Undergraduate Bulletin

The Earth Science major provides students with applied and theoretical knowledge of Earth’s physical environment including its geology, weather and climate, hydrology and astronomical relationships and prepares them for geoscience careers. Earth scientists use field, laboratory and computational methods to gather and interpret Earth systems data to improve our quality of life and provide targeted information for environmental problem solving, natural hazard monitoring and protection, and policy-making. By applying logic, reasoning, and knowledge of the forces that shape the earth, Earth scientists can reconstruct the past and anticipate the future. With an Earth Science degree, students will gain applied science knowledge through hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for professional careers in natural resource exploration, natural hazard mitigation, geotechnical assessment, environmental consulting, and geological research.

As a requirement for graduation, all Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences Department majors must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.25 for all courses constituting the major curriculum. Exceptions must be requested via petition to the department's appeal committee. 

For department information or additional degree requirements, go to the Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences department page.

For related information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geoscientists.htm

Total Credits Required 120
General Education
30-40
Required Courses in Major 50
 
Earth Science Core 34
Complete all of the following:  
GC 100 Physical Geography [SCII] 4
GC 205 Introduction to Geographic Research 4
GC 225 Introduction to Maps 2
GC 235 Quantitative Methods 4
GC 255 Physical Geology [SCII] 4
GC 335 Geographic Information Systems 4
GC 385 Weather and Climate 4
GC 488 Earth and Environmental Science Capstone Research or 4
      GC 489 Human-Environment Capstone  
Choose four credits from the following: 4
      GC 365 Historical Geology (4 cr.) or
      GC 370 Geomorphology (4 cr.) or
      GC 376 Field Geology (4 cr.)
 
Concentration 16
Choose 16 credits from one of the following concentrations,
with at least 8 credits at the 300-level or higher.		  
   
     Air and Water Resources Concentration 16
     GC 285 Earth’s Climate: Past present and Future 4
     GC 465 Hydrology 4
   
     Choose 8 credits from the following: 8
          GC 202 Soils (4 cr.)  
          GC 342 Energy and the Environment (4 cr.)  
          GC 362 Wetlands (4 cr.)  
          GC 390 Oceanography (2 cr.)  
          GC 475 Environmental Impact Assessment (4 cr.)  
          GC 482 Earth Systems Interactions (2 - 4 cr.)  
          GC 491 Internship (2 - 6 cr.)  
   
     Applied Geology Concentration 16
     Complete the two courses not completed as part of Earth Science Core: 8
          GC 365 Historical Geology (4 cr.)  
          GC 370 Geomorphology (4 cr.)  
          GC 376 Field Geology (4 cr.)  
   
     Choose 8 credits from the following: 8
          GC 202 Soils (4 cr.)  
          GC 210 Earth Hazards (4 cr.) [SCII]  
          GC 285 Earth’s Climate: Past Present, and Future (4 cr.)  
          GC 465 Hydrology (4 cr.)  
          GC 491 Internship (2 - 6 cr.)  
            
     Natural Hazards Concentration 16
     GC 210 Earth Hazards [SCII] 4
   
     Choose 12 credits from the following: 12
          GC 202 Soils (4 cr.)  
          GC 370 Geomorphology (4 cr.)  
          GC 390 Oceanography (2 cr.)  
          GC 425 Remote Sensing (4 cr.)  
          GC 428 Spatial Analysis (4 cr.)  
          GC 465 Hydrology (4 cr.)  
          GC 475 Environmental Impact Assessment (4 cr.)  
          GC 482 Earth Systems Interactions (2-4 cr.)  
          GC 491 Internship (2 - 6 cr.)  
          SP 432 Environmental Communication (4 cr.)  
   
     Earth Systems Analysis Concentration 16
     GC 425 Remote Sensing 4
   
     Choose 12 credits from the following: 12
          CS 120 Computer Science I (4 cr.) [QUAR]  
          GC 337 Cartographic Design (4 cr.)  
          GC 362 Wetlands (4 cr.)  
          GC 428 Spatial Analysis (4 cr.)  
          GC 431 Landscape Dynamics and Analysis (4 cr.)  
          GC 465 Hydrology (4 cr.)  
          GC 482 Earth Systems Interactions (2 - 4 cr.)  
          GC 491 Internship (2 - 6 cr.)  
   
Other Required Courses 23
AS 103 Observational and Solar System Astronomy [QUAR] 4
CH 111 General Chemistry I [SCII] 5
CH 112 General Chemistry II 5
MA 161 Calculus I [QUAR] 4
PH 201 College Physics I [SCII] or  5
     PH 220 Introductory Physics I (5 cr.) [SCII]  

This major does not require a minor.


Bulletin Year: 2023 - 2024 Undergraduate Bulletin