The major consists of 10.5 full courses (or the equivalent).
Note: Students must earn minimum grades of C- or P for all courses that apply toward the major.
View the catalog page for the Department of Geosciences.
Prospective geosciences majors should discuss their major program with a member of the Department of Geosciences as early as possible in order to identify the courses that best serve their needs. Advanced electives (400-level courses) aside from the capstone seminar (GEOS 419 ) and independent research in geosciences (500-level courses) are available, but such courses are neither required nor count toward the geosciences major. After completing an introductory course, a student can complete a geosciences major in four semesters, although a less compact schedule is preferable.
Note: Students pursuing a professional career in the geosciences usually take more than the minimum number of courses required for the geosciences major. In particular, many geosciences graduate programs recommend two semesters of college-level mathematics and introductory physics, introductory chemistry, and a summer course in field geosciences. Students with interests in environmental policy and/or resource development who are considering geosciences as part of a pre-law program should consult with both the Department of Geosciences chair and with a member of the Pre-Law Advisory Committee.
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