Getting Started

College: CNS

 (Revised Spring 2019)

Department of Geosciences

How to Explore the Major

Suggested General Education Courses

All Undergraduates are required to satisfy the General Education Requirements.  Guidelines for students, are available at www.umass.edu/gened.

Social World/Diversity courses are recommended.

Suggested Major and Pre-requisite Courses

Required prerequisites:

  • GEOLOGY 101 The Earth (with lab; 4 cr.)

NOTE: GEOLOGY 103 Oceanography plus GEOLOGY 131 Introductory Geology Lab OR GEOLOGY 105 Dynamic Earth plus GEOLOGY 131 Introductory Geology Lab OR GEOGRAPHY 110 Global Environmental Change plus GEOLOGY 131 Introductory Geology Lab are also accepted combinations.

First-year students should take*:

  • GEOLOGY 101 The Earth (Fall)
  • GEOLOGY 201 History of the Earth and GEOLOGY 231 Field Methods (Spring)
  • CHEM 111-112 and MATH 131-132 (or MATH 127-128)

Fransfers with sophomore/junior standing should take*:

  • GEOLOGY 131 Experiencing Geology (if introductory geology course did NOT have a lab)
  • CHEM 111-112, MATH 131-132 or 127-128 and either PHYSICS 131-132 or 151-152.
  • GEOLOGY 311** Mineralogy, GEOLOGY 321 Petrology, and GEOLOGY 231 Field Methods (assuming that a course equivalent to GEOLOGY 101 has been completed)

*Please consult with a Geology Advisor. **Note that CHEM 111 is a pre-requisite (or co-requisite) for GEOLOGY 311.

How to Declare/Change into the Major

For current students, this major unrestricted which means any student can declare the major.  Unrestricted majors may still have an entry process such as meeting with an advisor or attending an informational meeting. 

Students should speak with a Geology advisor (Professor Leckie, or Professor Clement for CHC students). The earlier students declare the major, the greater the flexibility in course selection as juniors and seniors.

Summary of Requirements for the Major

Refer to the Major page located in the left menu bar to learn more.

Minimum total credits required: 47-69 depending on subplan.

The department offers three different degree tracks* as follows, with minimum credits listed for each:

B.S. in Geology:    Geology Subplan – for professional geologists and/or for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees (70-73 credits).
B.S. in Geology:   Earth Science Subplan – for K-12 Science/Earth Science teacher licensure. Students interested in licensure should talk with an advisor in the Secondary Teacher Education Program in 125A Furcolo Hall (68-71 credits).
B.A. in Geology:   Note: the B.A. has greater flexibility in selecting supporting sciences than the B.S. degree. Students should consult the Chief Undergraduate Advisor (Professor Leckie) for more information (53 credits).

*Total credits include supporting science courses, NATSCI 387 (Junior Year Writing), and GEOLOGY 494LI (IE course). Please refer to individual checklists available from the Geosciences advisor at NSO or in the Geosciences Main Office, 233 Morrill Science.

Is there a minor? If so, what are the requirements?
Yes - A minor is available!  Refer to the Minor page located in the left menu bar to learn more.

For further information, contact:
Professor R. Mark Leckie
252 Morrill Science Ctr. IV South
545-1948; mleckie@geo.umass.edu

or

Professor Bill Clement, wclement@geo.umass.edu
for students in Commonwealth Honors College