The B.S. in GEOSCIENCE program offers two areas of concentration and prepares recipients for a career as a professional geoscientist. Students completing either bachelor of science degree program possess the educational requirements to seek licensure as certified professional geologists. The geology concentration leads to occupations in geology, geochemistry, and the environmental industry as well as for studies toward advanced degrees. Its curriculum emphasizes depth in the traditional disciplines of geology including mineralogy, rock formation, paleontology, structural geology, and surface and tectonic processes. The earth systems concentration is intended for students who want to concentrate on a broader understanding of geoscience and human interaction with the environment. This concentration is excellent preparation for students pursuing careers in fields such as resource management, environmental law, or environmental consulting. In addition to the geology core, students take required courses in oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy.
CAREER and JOB OUTLOOK:(www.bls.gov)
Geoscientists study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. They study the Earth’s geologic past and present by using sophisticated instruments to analyze the composition of earth, rock, and water. Many geoscientists help to search for natural resources such as groundwater, metals, and petroleum. Others work closely with environmental and other scientists to preserve and clean up the environment
Geoscientists usually study and work in one of several closely related fields of geoscience. Geologists study the composition, processes, and history of the Earth. They try to find out how rocks were formed and what has happened to them since their formation. They also study the evolution of life by analyzing plant and animal fossils. Geophysicists use the principles of physics, mathematics, and chemistry to study not only the Earth’s surface, but also its internal composition, ground and surface waters, atmosphere, oceans, and magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces.
Although employment growth will vary by industry, overall employment of geoscientists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. Graduates with a master’s degree can expect excellent job opportunities; very few geoscientist jobs are available to bachelor’s degree holders. Ph.D.s should face competition for basic research and college teaching jobs.
Many geoscientists work in the petroleum and natural gas industry, an industry that also employs numerous other workers whose jobs deal with the scientific and technical aspects of the exploration and extraction of petroleum and natural gas. Among these other workers are engineering technicians; science technicians; petroleum engineers; and surveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists, and surveying technicians. Also, some physicists and astronomers, chemists and materials scientists, atmospheric scientists, biological scientists, and environmental scientists and hydrologists perform related work both in the exploration and extraction of petroleum and natural gas and in activities having to do with the environment.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:
(120 semester hours)
Completion of all General Education Requirements (48 semester hours)
Concentration in Geology (24 semester hours)
1. Additional math and computer science requirements (6-7 semester hours)
MAT 108 or 161 and ESS 321 or IND 401 or GEO 324 or 325 or CSC 115 or higher
2. Required courses (9 semester hours)
ESS 201, 439, and ESS/BIO/ENV 102
3. Geology and astronomy electives (9 semester hours)
Any three ESS courses at the 200, 300, or 400 level
Concentration in Earth Systems (27 semester hours)
1. Additional math requirement (3 semester hours)
MAT 105 or 110
2. Additional science cognates (3 semester hours)
BIO 110 (or BIO 100 with a grade of A- or better)
3. Required courses (15 semester hours)
ESS 111, 201 or 355, 330, 370, and ESS/BIO/ENV 102 or SCB 210
4. Geology and astronomy electives (6 semester hours)
Any two ESS courses at the 200, 300, or 400 level