Geology - BA, BS

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College of Science

Department of Geosciences

About This Degree

Geology is part of broader Earth Science that examines the solid Earth, its composition, history, structure, and how it interacts with the hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere.

In this study of how Earth works, geoscientists integrate knowledge of biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and physics. Geologists help us gain energy, mineral, and water resources and evaluate and mitigate hazards due to earthquakes, floods, landslides, and volcanic eruptions, as well as waste disposal and global environmental change.

Students receive a BS by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.

For more information about Geology, see the Geosciences Department.
Admitted and current students must meet with an advisor.
Log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
The highest math requirement for this degree is MATH 1210 - Calculus I (QL) and either MATH 1220 - Calculus II (QL) or MATH 2250 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equations (QI) .

Minimum University Requirements

Total Credits: 120
Credits of C- or better: 100
Total credits taken at USU: 30
Credits of upper-division courses required for the major taken at USU: 10
Minimum Grade Point Average (many majors require a higher GPA): 2.0 GPA
Credits of upper-division courses (#3000 or above): 40
Upper-division credits taken at USU: 20
General Education Requirements
University Studies Requirements
Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Admission Requirements For This Program

New freshmen must be admitted to USU in Good Standing.
Transfer students from other institutions or other programs at USU must have a 2.50 GPA.

Additional Information

Students must complete the Minimum University Graduation and General Education Requirements

GEO 1110 in conjunction with CHEM 1220 will fulfill the Integrated Studies requirement.
MATH 1210 will fulfill the Quantitative Literacy (QL) requirement.
PHYS 2220 will fulfill the Breadth Physical Sciences (BPS) requirement.
ENGL 1010 and ENGL 2010 will fulfill the Communications Literacy requirement.
Three credits of approved courses in: Breadth American Institutions (BAI) , Breadth Creative Arts (BCA) , Breadth Humanities (BHU) , Breadth Life Sciences (BLS) , and Breadth Social Sciences (BSS) .

Students must also complete the University Studies Depth Requirements.

GEO 3400 and GEO 3900 will fulfill the Communications Intensive (CI) requirement.
PHYS 2210 will fulfill the Quantitative Intensive (QI) requirement.
Two credits of approved 3000-level or above courses in: Depth Humanities and Creative Arts (DHA) and Depth Social Sciences (DSS) .

Students must receive a grade of C- or higher in GEO courses for them to count toward the major.

Geology Major Requirements (35 credits)

GEO 4500 - Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology 4 credit(s)
GEO 5200 - Geology Field Camp 5 credit(s)
GEO 5660 - Applied Geophysics 4 credit(s)
GEOG 2800 - Introduction to Geographic Information Sciences 4 credit(s) or
CS 1400 - Introduction to Computer Science–CS 1 4 credit(s)
MATH 1220 - Calculus II (QL) 4 credit(s) or
MATH 2250 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equations (QI) 4 credit(s)
PHYS 2220 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers II (BPS/QI) 4 credit(s)
PHYS 2225 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers Lab II 1 credit(s)
Additionally complete 9 credits from any geology course numbered 4800 or above (except GEO 5200 )

Geology Core Requirements (49 credits)

GEO 1110 - Physical Geology (BPS) 3 credit(s)
GEO 1115 - Physical Geology Laboratory 1 credit(s)
GEO 2200 - The Earth Through Time 3 credit(s) or
GEO 1220 - Historical Geology 3 credit(s)
GEO 2205 - Earth Through Time Laboratory 1 credit(s) or
GEO 1225 - Historical Geology Laboratory 1 credit(s)
GEO 2800 - Minerals and Rocks 4 credit(s)
GEO 3400 - Communicating Geoscience (CI/DSC) 3 credit(s)
GEO 3550 - Sedimentation and Stratigraphy 4 credit(s)
GEO 3600 - Geomorphology 4 credit(s)
GEO 3700 - Structural Geology 4 credit(s)
GEO 3900 - Geologic Field Methods (CI) 3 credit(s)
CHEM 1210 - Principles of Chemistry I 4 credit(s)
CHEM 1215 - Chemical Principles Laboratory I 1 credit(s)
CHEM 1220 - Principles of Chemistry II (BPS) 4 credit(s)
CHEM 1225 - Chemical Principles Laboratory II 1 credit(s)
MATH 1210 - Calculus I (QL) 4 credit(s)
PHYS 2210 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (BPS/QI) 4 credit(s)
PHYS 2215 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers Lab I 1 credit(s)

Open Electives

Total elective credit is determined by General Education courses taken, degree type selected, additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. Please consult your  Academic Advisor for details.

Total Credits: 120

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