B.S. Geology Program Map
Professional Concentration
Geology 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.
stats
60
Core Credit Hours
39
Major Credit Hours
21
Elective Credit Hours
- Plan Your Degree
- Crush Your Course
- Find Your Place
- Broaden Your Perspectives
- Connect Off-Campus
- Take Care of Yourself
- Pave Your Path
Plan Your Degree
Disclaimer: This program map is intended ONLY as a guide for students to plan their course of study. It does NOT replace any information in the Undergraduate Catalog, which is the official guide for completing degree requirements.
| Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
|
A1: ENGL 1101
English Composition 1 |
3 |
|
MATH 1111
College Algebra |
3 |
|
F: GEOL 1121 + Lab
Introduction to Geosciences 1 |
4 |
| C: Humanities OR Fine Arts | 3 |
| B2: Other Institutional Options | 2 |
Milestones:
- Complete ENGL 1101 with a C or better.
- Complete MATH 1111 with a B or better.
- Target: 15 credit hours completed.
| Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
|
A1: ENGL 1102
English Composition 2 |
3 |
|
A2: MATH 1113
Precalculus |
4 |
|
F: GEOL 1122 + Lab
Introduction to Geosciences 2 |
4 |
| B1: Written and Oral Communication | 3 |
Milestones:
- Complete ENGL 1102 & MATH 1113 with a C or better.
- Complete GEOL 1121/1122 sequence.
- Target: 30 credit hours completed.
15 Fall Credit Hours + 14 Spring Credit Hours = 29 Credit Hours
| Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
|
F: CHEM 1211 + Lab
Principles of Chemistry 1 |
4 |
|
Geology 3004
Field Geology and Geologic Mapping |
4 |
|
D2: MATH 1401 OR 1634
Elementary Statistics or Calculus 1 |
3/4 |
| E: History, Government, OR Social Science | 3 |
Milestones:
- Complete CHEM 1211/1211 with a C or better.
- Complete Field Geology (GEOL 3004) with a C or better.
- Plan for courses offered only alternate years.
- Calculus I is recommended if considering Graduate School.
- Target: 45 credit hours completed.
| Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
|
GEOL 3034
Structural Geology |
4 |
|
D1: CHEM 1212 + Lab
Principles of Chemistry 2, |
4 |
| C: Humanities OR Fine Arts | 3 |
| E: History, Government, OR Social Science | 3 |
Milestones:
- Complete CHEM 1212/1212L.
- Complete Structural (GEOL 3034).
- Plan for courses offered only alternate years.
- Target: 60 credit hours completed.
14-to-15 Fall Credit Hours + 14 Spring Credit Hours = 28-to-29 Credit Hours
Additional Information:
- Speak with Advisor and Faculty Mentor about GEOL 4082 before Year 3.
- Consider Summer courses for lower credit loads during Fall and Spring Terms.
| Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
|
GEOL 3014
Mineralogy and Crystallography |
4 |
|
GEOL 4082
Geological Problems |
1 |
| D1: Natural Science + Lab | 4 |
| E: History, Government, OR Social Science | 3 |
| F: Non-lab Course | 3 |
Milestones:
- Complete Mineralogy (GEOL 3014) with a C or better.
- Research (GEOL 4082) okay any semester.
- Plan for courses offered only alternate years.
- Target: 75 credit hours completed.
| Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
|
GEOL 3024
Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology |
4 |
|
GEOL 4084
Hydrogeology |
4 |
| Elective | 4 |
| F: Non-lab Course | 3 |
Milestones:
- Complete Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (GEOL 3024).
- Plan for courses offered only alternate years.
- Research Graduate Programs and Career Paths.
- Target: 90 credit hours completed.
15 Fall Credit Hours + 15 Spring Credit Hours = 30 Credit Hours
| Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
|
GEOL 4034
Sedimentation and Stratigraphy |
4 |
|
GEOL 4024
Paleontology |
4 |
| E: History, Government, OR Social Science | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
Milestones:
- Complete Sedimentation and Stratigraphy (GEOL 4034).
- Complete Paleontology (GEOL 4024).
- Apply to Graduate Schools in December.
- Target: 105 credit hours completed.
| Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
|
GEOL 4604
Economic Geology |
4 |
|
GEOL 4501
Geology Seminar |
1 |
| Elective | 4 |
| Elective | 4 |
| Elective | 3 |
Milestones:
- Complete GEOL 4604.
- Complete Seminar (GEOL 4501): Plan ahead in YEAR 3! This class is only offered one semester each academic year, may be in fall.
- You need a minimum of 22 elective credits.
- Target: 120 credit hours completed.
14-to-17 Fall Credit Hours + 16 Spring Credit Hours = 30-to-33 Credit Hours
Additional Information:
GEOLOGY COURSES OFFERED ONLY ALTERNATE YEARS:
- Fall, odd-numbered years: GEOL 3603, Environmental Geology, GEOL 4003 Geomorphology, GEOL 4044, Engineering Geology.
- Spring, even-numbered years: GEOL 4083, Environmental Geochemistry.
- Spring, odd-numbered years: GEOL 4014, Geochemistry.
ELECTIVES OFFERED DURING SUMMER SESSIONS:
- GEOL 2503, Introduction to Oceanography.
- GEOL 2553, Geology of National Parks.
Crush Your Course
First Year:
- Take the Intro Geology sequence GEOL 1121+L, and GEOL 1122+L your first and second semesters.
- Enroll in CHEM 1211.
- Get confident with Wolf Watch and your Program Map.
Middle Years:
- Choose a track: Professional or Environmental.
- Explore courses in the core and follow the Geology Program Map for the geology track you choose.
- Love something outside of geology? Earn a minor or a certificate!
Last Year:
- Take upper-level electives to prepare you for your career/graduate programs.
- Study for the licensure exam (Professional Track students).
Find Your Place
First Year:
- Attend a Geoscience Club meeting or event such as River Cleanup, or a professional talk.
- Find other student organizations that match your interests.
Middle Years:
- Ask your professors about their research and seek out your own opportunities to do research.
- Start researching career paths.
- Become a TA for Physical Geology or Historical Geology.
Last Year:
- Be a leader in the Program by being a Club officer.
- Serve as a TA again or seek other employment/volunteering opportunities on campus.
Broaden Your Perspectives
First Year:
- Explore a new-to-you culture or language through your core courses.
- Make an effort to be inclusive of others as you meet new faces on campus.
Middle Years:
- Travel! Explore Travel Abroad opportunities or enroll in Regional Applications of Field Geology (offered summers) to see more of the US.
Last Year:
- Read books or listen to podcasts to expand your thinking about how geosciences affect people and society.
Connect Off-Campus
First Year:
- Meet our Alumni at the Geosciences Career Night (Spring).
- Go to events in the Carrollton Community.
Middle Years:
- Participate in an internship.
- Volunteer with a STEM school visit.
Last Year:
- Become a member of a geology professional organization and get involved as soon as you can!
Take Care of Yourself
First Year:
- Build friendships with other students.
- Learn about resources on campus such as the Counseling Center, Student Health Services, Center for Academic Success, and the Campus Center.
Middle Years:
- Take a break from studying once in a while to enjoy events on campus.
Last Year:
- Get organized with important dates! Graduation application, job application, grad school stuff, class projects, interviews...put all those dates in your phone so that you can stay on top of your busy schedule this final year.
Pave Your Path
First Year:
- Be proactive. Go to your professors’ office hours, even before you need help in the class. These conversations can lead to connections.
Middle Year:
- Apply for scholarships and REU opportunities.
- Attend a professional conference to network and connect with the scientific community.
- Research graduate school programs if you’re considering that pathway.
Last Year:
- Request letters of recommendation from professors (at least 2 weeks before you need them).
- Apply to graduate programs in the fall or early winter or apply to jobs in the spring.
Careers
Career Opportunities
This degree can help you get work as the following:
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Have any questions about your major?
Don't forget to check out Wolf Watch to explore degree requirements!