Major in Earth-Space Science

The Department of Physics, Astronomy and Geosciences offers an undergraduate program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Earth-Space Science for those students wanting a broad survey of the earth and space sciences. This program is intended primarily for students interested in secondary education, and is generally not appropriate for students interested in a professional career in geology.

A total of 51-52 credits are required in this major, 12 of which also satisfy General Education requirements.

Within the Earth-Space Science major, 31-32 core and elective credits are within the earth, atmospheric, oceanographic and space sciences. The remaining credits in the major are in the supporting physical and mathematical sciences. All required courses in this track must be completed with a grade equivalent of 2.00 or higher. The additional General Education requirements must also be completed.

Required Core Courses (48 credits)

  • GEOL 121 Physical Geology (4)
  • GEOL 123 Historical Geology (4)
  • GEOL 357 Physical Oceanography (3)
  • ASTR 161 General Astronomy I (4)
  • ASTR 361 Astronomy II (3)
  • CHEM 110 General Chemistry I (4)
  • CHEM 111 General Chemistry II (4)
  • MATH 119 Pre-calculus (4)
  • PHYS 211 General Physics I (4)
  • PHYS 212 General Physics II (4)
  • GEOG 101 Physical Geography (3)
  • GEOG 373 Climatology(3)
  • GEOG 377 Descriptive Meteorology (4)
Elective (3-4 credits)
  • GEOL 305 Environmental Geology (4)
  • GEOL 321 Structural Geology (4)
  • GEOL 331 Mineralogy (4)
  • GEOL 415 Hydrogeology
  • GEOL 443 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (4)
  • GEOG 315 Geomorphology (4)
  • GEOG 410 Environmental Geography (3)
  • GEOG 411 Studies in Natural Hazards (3)
  • GEOG 412 Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (3)