Geology is the study of Earth including its structure, the materials of which it is composed and the processes that shape it. Geology is also concerned with the history of Earth and its life forms, the application of geologic knowledge to the search for natural resources, and understanding how humans interact with our physical environment.  It is the study of rocks, minerals and water; of fossils, shorelines and mountains; of earthquakes, volcanoes and landslides. Although geology incorporates elements of chemistry, biology and physics it puts them together in a way that provides a unique framework for understanding planet earth. Consider the "Courses" tab to see what is required to graduate with a BS in Geology. For a minor, 15 credits of 3000 level or higher in geology is required.  

For more information, please see the Academic Catalog. A program map, which provides a guide for students to plan their course of study, is available for download in the Courses tab below.

  • Overview

    In Geology, you can choose to specialize in one of two concentrations. Each is targeted for particular goals and interests:

    Professional Geology Concentration

    Environmental Geology Concentration

    Program Location

    Carrollton Campus

    Method of Delivery

    Face to Face

    Accreditation

    The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

    Credit and transfer

    Total semester hours required: 120

  • Cost

    This program may be earned entirely face-to-face. However, depending on the courses chosen, a student may choose to take some partially or fully online courses.

    Save money

    UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited universities of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen.

    Details

    • Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
    • The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
    • Face-to-face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
    • Fully or entirely online courses are charged at the general tuition rate plus an eTuition rate BUT with fewer fees and no extra charges to non-Residents.
    • Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
    • One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, he/she will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
    • For cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Bursar's Office website

    There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.

  • Courses

    Coursework

    Geology core required of all majors
    GEOL 3004 Field Geology
    GEOL 3014 Mineralogy
    GEOL 3024 Igneous/Metamorphic Petrology
    GEOL 3034 Structural Geology
    GEOL 3042 Optical Mineralogy
    GEOL 3053 Sedimentary Petrology
    GEOL 4082 Independent Research
    GEOL 4084 Hydrogeology
    GEOL 4501 Geology Seminar
    GEOL 4604 Economic Geology

    Professional Geology Concentration
    CHEM 1212 Principles of Chemistry II (if not taken in core)
    MATH 1634 (if not taken in core)
    MATH 2644 (if not taken in core)
    GEOL 2002 Applied Computing in Geosciences
    GEOL 4014 Geochemistry
    GEOL 4024 Paleontology
    GEOL 4033 Stratigraphy and Geochronology
    GEOL 4404 or 4084
    Approved Electives

    Environmental Geology Concentration

    BIOL 1107+Lab (if not taken in core)
    BIOL 1108+Lab (if not taken in core)
    CHEM 1212 (if not taken in core)
    GEOL 2002 Applied Computing in Geosciences
    MATH 2063 Statistics
    GEOL 4083 Environmental Geochemistry
    GEOG 2553 Geographic Information Systems
    Approved Electives

    Downloads

  • Faculty
  • Admissions

    Guidelines for Admittance

    Each UWG online degree program has specific requirements that you must meet in order to enroll.

    Application Deadlines

    Undergraduate Priority Deadlines

    Fall Semester - June 1
    Spring Semester - November 15
    Summer Semester - May 15

    Admission Process Checklist

    Check your Application Status

    Contact

    Contact the Office of Admissions for additional information.

  • Dates

    Specific dates for Admissions (Undergraduate only), Financial Aid, Fee Payments, Registration, Start/End of term, Final Exams, etc. are available in THE SCOOP.

  • Objectives
    • Demonstrate understanding of the fundamental principles of the science of geology.
    • Demonstrate abilty to perform basic geologic field tasks including map reading/construction, field notebook composition, outcrop description, sampling, and surveying.
    • Demonstrate ability to communicate geologic ideas in written format.
    • Demonstrate ability to communicate geologic ideas in oral format.
    • Participate in original scientific research.