The BA degree is designed for students preparing to incorporate geosciences into broader careers such as teaching, educational outreach, resource management, environmental planning, business, or law. The BA degree may be an appropriate prerequisite for some graduate programs, but a BS is recommended for students who anticipate pursuing a graduate degree or career in the geological sciences.
The BA in Geology pairs well with minors or double majors in communication, computer science, energy studies, environmental studies, museum studies (anthropology), science education K-8, and any other study that requires fundamental scientific skills with an emphasis on communication.
This major satisfies the criteria for an endorsement in Earth science and qualifies students to teach Earth science at the high school, middle, or junior high levels. Students taking this major for endorsement are required to take 49 additional credits of science education and professional education courses, including one academic quarter of full-time student teaching. See the Earth science teaching advisor as soon as possible to develop a graduation plan. Students completing this program are required to demonstrate proficiency of student learning outcomes through a program portfolio prior to student teaching. In addition to the above requirements, students must pass the NES exam for Earth science to receive an Earth science endorsement. Students should seriously consider working toward endorsement in a second area, such as biology, chemistry, physics, middle-level science, or middle-level mathematics.
(NOTE: Students seeking a BA degree must complete one year college/university study or two years high school study of a single world language.)
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