The Major

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 NatSi 387 CNS Junior Writing. The Integrative Experience is fulfilled by a GEOLOGY 494LI.

B.A. Degree Program

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, GEOL 101 (or any other introductory geology course plus GEOL 131), GEOL 201, GEOL 231 and 18 credits of upper-division geology or physical geography courses (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 and Earth Science Track.

For the B.S. Degree, Geology Track

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, and two semesters of Physics (131-132 or 151-152); most geology majors should elect MATH 131-132 and PHYSICS 131-132, but discussion with an adviser is strongly recommended. GEOL 101 (or 103 or 105, GEOL 131), and GEOL 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.

Introductory Courses

101 The Earth (recommended; 103 or 105 accepted with addition of the GEOL 131-Experiencing Geology or Geography 110-Global Environmental Change)
201 History of the Earth
231 Geological Field Methods

Core Courses

311 Mineralogy
321 Petrology
331 Geological Mapping
431 Structural Geology
445 Sedimentology

Commonly Selected Upper-Division Electives

352 Computer Mapping
354 Climatology
415 Introduction to Geochemistry
458 Climatic 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 GEOL 101 and 103 and ASTRON 100 and ASTRON 105. The Supporting Sciences Block requires at least one course in biology (BIOLOGY 103, 110, or 151), at least one course in calculus (MATH 127, 131), two semesters of chemistry (CHEM 111-112, or equivalent), and two semesters of physics (PHYSICS 131-132 or 151-152). The required courses in the Geology Block (15 cr) are GEOL 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.