Loading...

All students majoring in Geology are required to maintain a 2.000 average for all upper-division courses taken to fulfill degree requirements. The Junior Year Writing requirement is fulfilled by GEO-SCI 307 Geologic Writing. The Intergrative Experience is fulfilled by a GEO-SCI 494.

The B.A. degree program is intended to provide a firm background in geology while allowing sufficient flexibility to pursue other areas as well. This degree is suitable for Pre-Law and Pre-Dental/Pre-Medical students or as a second major. Requirements include 15 credits of supporting science and mathematics, GEO-SCI 101 (or any other introductory geology course plus GEO-SCI 131) and GEO-SCI 201, and 21 credits of upper-division geology or physical geography courses (GEO-SCI 231 or courses numbered 300 and above) with a minimum of 15 credits in geology. Upper division courses should be selected in consultation with a geology adviser.

B.S. Programs
Two separate Bachelor of Science tracks are available. The Geology Track provides a strong background for students wishing professional careers in geology. Requirements include CHEM 111-112, MATH 127-128 or 131-132 or 135-136, and two semesters of Physics (131-134 or 151-154 or 171-174); most geology majors should elect MATH 131-132 or 135-136 and PHYSICS 151-154, but discussion with an adviser is strongly recommended. GEO-SCI 101 (or any other introductory geology course plus GEO-SCI 131), and GEO-SCI 201, 231, 311, 321, 331, 431, and 445 make up the core of this option. An additional 12 credits in upper division geology or physical geography courses numbered 300 or above are also required. All electives should be selected in consultation with a geology adviser. The department strongly recommends that candidates enhance their employability by acquiring practical field or laboratory experience before they graduate. The department also strongly encourages some type of research experience such as independent study or a Senior Thesis.

For the B.S. Degree, Geology Track
Introductory Courses
101 The Earth (recommended; 103 or 105 or 109 accepted)
131 Experiencing Geology
201 History of the Earth
231 Introductory Field Geology

Core Courses
311 Mineralogy
321 Petrology
331 Advanced Field Geology
431 Structural Geology
445 Sedimentology

Commonly Selected Upper-Division Electives
340 Quantitative Methods in Geography
352 Computer Mapping
354 Climatology
415 Introduction to Geochemistry
458 Climate Change
517 Sedimentary Geochemistry
519 Aqueous and Environmental Geochemistry
531 Tectonics
557 Coastal Processes
560 Geomorphology
563 Glacial Geology
571 Geophysics
587 Hydrogeology

For the B.S. Degree, Earth Science Track
The Earth Science Track is recommended to students interested in teaching at the secondary school level, or in pursuing graduate studies leading to the M.A.T. or M.Ed. degrees. The program requires completion of courses (some specified) comprising four blocks. The Basic Earth Science Block (13 cr) requires GEO-SCI 101 and 103 and ASTRON 100 and 105 (or GEO-SCI 354). The Supporting Sciences Block (23-24 cr) requires at least one course in biology (BIOLOGY 100, 102, or 103), at least one course in calculus (MATH 127, 131, or 135), two semesters of chemistry (CHEM 111-112, or equivalent), and two semesters of physics (PHYSICS 131-134 or 151-154 or 171-174). The required courses in the Geology Block (15 cr) are GEO-SCI 201 231, 311, and 321. An Electives Block (9 cr) consists of upper-division courses in Geology or Physical Geography (courses numbered 300 and above). Students are encouraged to take an environmental geology or related course as part of the Electives Block.

Teacher Certification: Undergraduate students must achieve a passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills Test of the Massachusetts Educator Certification Tests (MECT) prior to admission into professional preparation programs for educators. In addition to meeting other preparation program requirements, each student in a program for which there is an MECT Subject Test must pass the appropriate Subject Test as a prerequisite for enrolling in his or her practicum.

For further information about the procedures leading to teacher certification in Massachusetts, students should follow the guidelines in the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP) available at the School of Education.