Geology BS

Geology is the study of Earth’s materials, structures and processes, and how they have changed through time. This knowledge may be applied to the exploration and use of natural resources, including metals, petroleum and water; understanding natural hazards, such as earthquakes, karst, volcanoes and landslides; addressing problems associated with environmental contamination; and, investigating Earth’s history to understand the evolution of life and the Earth, along with global change.

The Geology curriculum is designed for students with an interest in how the Earth works and solving problems society faces with regard to resource use and environmental protection. Students can choose from two tracks: The Professional Geology track is designed for students looking for a traditional core geology experience with rigorous electives. The Environmental Geology track is designed for students looking for a broader base for their coursework with the freedom to choose their electives. With a wide variety of geologic features close to campus, field experiences are built into each course to give real-world context to the ideas discussed in class. Students also have the opportunity to learn through extended field courses to other states. Students majoring in Geology at Shawnee State are well prepared for graduate school and for a wide variety of careers in earth and environmental sciences.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Graduates will identify, demonstrate knowledge of, and interpret the significance of Earth materials at microscopic, hand samples, outcrop, regional and global scales.

2. Graduate will understand and apply Earth processes and forms across space and time through quantitative and qualitative means.

3. Graduates will use, interpret, and create maps, cross sections, and stratigraphic columns to convey and interpret information about the Earth.

4. Graduates will design and conduct geological investigations that require effective observations and interpretations which may include the use of scientific instrumentation and methodology.

Professional Track

Degree Requirements

Geology Core	41 Hours
Geology Non-Core Courses	6 Hours
Cognate Core	29-30 Hours
GEP + FYE See the General Education Program Requirements by Content Category in this catalog for more information (GEP Quantitative Methods, Natural Science & Capstone are met by the degree)	27-30 Hours
Electives	15-17 Hours

Total Hours	120

Geology Core (41 Hours)

Geology Non-Core Courses (6 Hours)

Choose 6 hours of electives with the GEOL prefix numbered 2000 or higher.

Cognate Core (29-30 Hours)

Environmental Track

Degree Requirements

Geology Core	41 Hours
Geology Non-Core Courses	3 Hours
Cognate Courses	30 Hours
GEP & FYE - See the General Education Program Requirements by Content Category for more information. (GEP Quantitative Reasoning, Natural Science, Oral Communication & Capstone are met by the degree.)	27-30 Hours
Electives	19-20 Hours

Total Hours	120 Hours

Geology Core (41 Hours)

Geology Non-Core Courses (3 Hours)

GEOL 2501 - Soil Science

Cognate Core (30 Hours)

Proficiency in MATH 1250 through completion, or through placement in and completion of a higher level math (i.e. MATH 2110) is required.

1st Cognate Area

Choose 12 hours of courses in any one area of the following sciences: BIOL, CHEM, ETEV, MATH, PHYS, or STAT. MATH and STAT courses must be numbered higher than 1200.

2nd Cognate Area

Choose 8 hours of courses in any one area of the following sciences, other than the one used above: BIOL, CHEM, ETEV, MATH PHYS, or STAT. MATH and STAT courses must be numbered higher than 1200.

3rd Cognate Area

Choose 4 hours of courses in any one area of the following sciences, different from those already used: BIOL, CHEM, ETEV, MATH, PHYS, or STAT. MATH and STAT courses must be numbered higher than 1200.