Mar 28, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

Geology Major, BS


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Degrees Offered (Majors, Minors)

The BS in geology provides students the opportunity to explore the full range of Earth processes over the entire span of geologic time to the present, from plate tectonics, volcanism, and mountain building to climate change, landslides, and the formation of natural resources. The curriculum focuses on building skills in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data from Earth, applying understanding of Earth processes to critical societal issues, and preparing students for a range of careers in the geosciences and graduate work. The program includes required courses across the breadth of the geosciences, allied sciences, and mathematics, and allows for focused study in Earth structure and tectonics, hazards and resources, Earth materials, and climate and surface processes. The program also provides one component of the preparation to become a licensed professional geologist in the state of Washington. 

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; and
  • collect data on field relationships and develop a reasonable geologic interpretation.

Required Course Credits: 49


Department-Approved Electives Credits: 20


Select electives from the list that total at least 20 credits. The groups of courses shown below are meant to offer guidance to students who wish to specialize in a sub-discipline or take courses across the breadth of the geological sciences. At least one elective must be selected from the capstone experiences elective list.

General Geoscience


Earth Structure and Tectonics


Research and Teaching


A maximum of four credits of research and teaching can count towards major electives.

Capstone Experiences Electives


At least one course must be selected from this list.

Allied Science Requirements for Bachelor of Science Degree Credits: 30


Total Credits: 99


College and Department Information


Geological Sciences Department  
College of the Sciences  

Program Codes
GEOLBS, GEOLBSP

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

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Degrees Offered (Majors, Minors)