Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Geology Major, BA


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The BA degree is designed for students preparing to incorporate geosciences into careers that involve science communication such as teaching, educational outreach, resource management, environmental planning, business, or law. It is the appropriate major for students seeking an endorsement in teaching high school Earth science. The BA degree may also be appropriate preparation for some graduate programs.

The BA in Geology pairs well with minors or double majors in communication, computer science, energy studies, environmental sciences, museum studies (anthropology), science education K-8, and any other study that requires fundamental scientific skills with an emphasis on communication.

This major may be taken as a stand-alone program (without a teacher certification program). However, this major, when combined with the STEM Teaching or Secondary Education programs, is the most efficient pathway for students seeking teaching endorsement in Earth and space science.

Teaching Endorsement
This major partially satisfies the criteria for a teaching endorsement in Earth Science (5-12), qualifying students to teach Earth science at the high school, middle, or junior high levels. Students who successfully complete the Geology BA and STEM Teaching Program (an alternative to the Professional Education Program) are eligible to apply for Washington State teacher certification. Teacher certification candidates must receive a C grade or higher in all major and STEM Teaching Program courses, have a GPA of at least 3.0 for either the last 45 graded quarter credits or overall CWU/transfer cumulative, and meet all Washington State teacher certification requirements. See the geology/Earth science teaching advisor as soon as possible to develop a course of study.

Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Describe and justify appropriate methods to collect and analyze data to address questions about the Earth system
  • Apply understanding of Earth processes to develop sustainable solutions to societal issues 
  • Use appropriate communication strategies to reach an intended audience

Required Course Credits: 55-58


Introductory Geoscience (Credits: 5)


Any one of the following 100-level courses with lab in the geosciences: (If choosing GEOL 101, GEOL 107, GEOL 108 then GEOL 101LAB must be taken to complete the five credits)

Advanced Field or Research Requirement (Credits: 3-4)


Select one of the following:

Department-Approved Electives Credits: 8


Select electives from the list below that total at least 8 credits.

Total Credits: 63-66


Allied Science Requirements Credits: 15


Total Credits: 78-81 (Geology Major, BA only)


STEM Teaching Program Credits: 48-51 (or Professional Education Program, or Secondary Education Program)


Professional Education Program  
Secondary Education Program  
STEM Teaching Program, BA  

Total Credits: 126-132 (Geology Major, BA and Teacher Certification Program)


College and Department Information


Geological Sciences Department  
College of the Sciences  

Online Availability
The program does not have a designated online only option.

Program Codes
Major plan code: GEOLBA

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