Undergraduate Programs

The Department of Geology offers programs leading to the bachelor’s degree in geology and earth science, as well as studies in numerical modeling, geochemistry, glaciology, hydrogeology, engineering geology, planetary geology, and environmental geology.

The programs serve both majors in geology and earth science and non-majors: those who may wish to broaden their science background; those preparing to teach general or earth sciences or geology in elementary or secondary schools; and those preparing for a master’s or a doctoral degree.

Post-baccalaureate students (with a bachelor’s degree, not in geology) who wish to become professional geologists may complete this curriculum while doing both undergraduate and graduate work in geology.

Geologists are employed by government agencies at federal, state, county, and city levels; by independent consulting firms to work with engineers, architects and planners; in the construction, mining, and petroleum industries; and as teachers in elementary and high schools and at the college level.

Geologists who have graduated from PSU are employed as researchers in mitigation of environmental problems, assessment of ground and surface water resources, exploration, development and management of mineral and fuel resources, urban planning, GIS, evaluation of the effects of forest roads and quarries on watershed health, management of their own companies, and instruction at all educational levels.

Students majoring in geology and earth science should plan to complete the required mathematics, chemistry, and physics courses as early in their program as possible.

Degree Maps and Learning Outcomes

Admission requirements

Geology B.S./B.A.

Earth Science B.A./B.S.

Geology Minor

Environmental Geology Minor

Computer Applications with an Emphasis in Geosciences Minor

Space Planetary Science Minor

Earth Science B.A./B.S.

Requirements

In addition to meeting the general University degree requirements, the major must meet the following departmental requirements:

Geology Courses

G 200Field Studies

1

G 201Dynamic Earth: Interior

3

G 202Dynamic Earth: Surface

3

 

G 204Geology Laboratory

1

G 205Geology Laboratory

1

or

G 207Computer Based Geology Laboratory

2

  

G 203Historical Geology

3

G 206Historical Geology Lab

1

G 312Mineralogy

3

G 313Methods in Mineralogy

2

G 314Petrology

3

G 315Lithology and Petrography

2

G 318Processes in the Surface Environment

3

G 319Processes in the Surface Environment: Methods

2

At least 16 credits of electives must be chosen from upper-division geology courses

May include either G 355 or G 450, but excludes:

G 301Geology for Engineers

3

G 340ULife of the Past

4

G 341UGeology of the Oregon Country

4

G 342UVolcanoes and Earthquakes

4

G 344UGeology and the National Parks

4

G 345ULife in the Universe

4

G 346Exploring Mars

4

G 351UIntroduction to Oceanography

4

G 352UMinerals in World Affairs

4

G 353Natural History of Dinosaurs

4

G 355Earth and Space Sciences for Elementary Educators

4

G 374/Geog 320Geomorphic Processes

4

G 450Earth and Space Sciences for Middle/High School Educators

4

G 453Geology of the Pacific Northwest

4

G 454Cascade Volcanoes

1

Up to 8 credits may be taken in upper-division math, science, or engineering.

Eight credits from the following courses:

G 340ULife of the Past

4

G 341UGeology of the Oregon Country

4

G 342UVolcanoes and Earthquakes

4

G 344UGeology and the National Parks

4

G 345ULife in the Universe

4

G 346Exploring Mars

4

G 353Natural History of Dinosaurs

4

G 374/Geog 320Geomorphic Processes

4

G 453Geology of the Pacific Northwest

4

G 454Cascade Volcanoes

1

Non-Geology Courses

8 credits of upper-division pre-approved sustainability-related courses

Mathematics to include either

Option 1
Mth 251Calculus I

4

Option 2
Mth 111Introductory College Mathematics I

4

Mth 112Introductory College Mathematics II

4

or

passing the appropriate placement test

And

Mth 212Foundations Of Elementary Mathematics II

4

Statistics to include:

Stat 243Introduction to Probability and Statistics I

4

Stat 244Introduction to Probability and Statistics II

4

Stat 244: recommended

Allied Sciences

One year of 200-level college chemistry or equivalent with labs

15

 

One year of 200-level biology plus labs

15

or

One year of 200-level physics plus labs

15

Courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) are not acceptable toward fulfilling departmental major requirements.