Degrees and Programs
A Bachelor of Science in Geology provides a general background in the field of geology and requires a diversified liberal arts education in place of some of the allied disciplines. The degree is designed for students who wish to prepare for graduate school or employment as a professional geologist. The degree also provides rigorous scientific training for students seeking a career in science education. This degree offers a more extensive requirement in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics compared with the Bachelor of Arts in Geology degree and is designed to optimize student opportunities. The degree requires participation in an accredited field camp in geology.
The Bachelor of Arts in Geology provides a general background in the field of geology and requires a diversified liberal arts education in place of some of the allied disciplines. The B.A. is an appropriate choice for students who wish to teach earth sciences at the secondary level and for those who wish to gain a general knowledge of the geosciences and their relationship to other sciences.
The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science degree is designed to prepare students for graduate programs or employment as scientists in technical fields associated with the environmental industry and government sector. These disciplines include hydrology, environmental hazard mitigation, waste management, water and air quality issues, ecology, and habitat issues.
Degree Requirements
For the B.S. in geology, students are required to complete 39-41 credit hours in geology and 36 credit hours in allied disciplines and a minimum of 36 credit hours in courses at the 300-400 level. Students seeking a B.S. in geology must (1) complete one of the department designated 100-level lecture-based geology courses AND the introductory geology laboratory; (2) complete two 400-level lecture-based geology courses OR one 400-level lecture-based geology course AND one semester of research or internship; (3) complete 33 credits in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology in courses designated by the department; and (4) complete a 300- or 400- level math, chemistry, or physics course. Students seeking the B.S. are required to enroll in a chairperson-approved geology field camp.
For the B.A. in geology, students are required to complete at least 25-27 credit hours in geology coursework designated by the department, 15 credit hours in the allied disciplines and a minimum of 36 credit hours in courses at the 300-400 level.
Completion of the B.S. in environmental science requires a total of 120 credit hours and a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average. Students fulfill core requirements from the disciplines of geology, biology and chemistry and choose two disciplines for an interdepartmental concentration area. Please consult the individual departments for more information.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 40 credit hours in the interdepartmental major with a minimum of 12 credit hours at the 300- or 400-level in each of the two concentration areas. Students are required to complete additional coursework in associated areas of study.
For more information, visit the Geosciences page on the IU Northwest Bulletin.
