Undergraduate Programs
The Department of Geology offers programs leading to the bachelor’s degree in geology and earth science, as well as studies in geochemistry, planetary science, volcanology, glaciology, hydrogeology, and environmental and engineering 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 energy industries; and as teachers in elementary, middle and high schools and at the college level.
Geologists who have graduated from PSU are employed in natural hazards analysis and planning, climate change research, assessment of ground and surface water resources, exploration, development and management of mineral and energy resources, geotechnical and geoengineering studies, urban planning and GIS, 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.
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 200 | Field Studies | 1 |
| G 201 | Dynamic Earth: Interior | 3 |
| G 202 | Dynamic Earth: Surface | 3 |
| | | |
| G 204 | Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| G 205 | Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| | or | |
| G 207 | Computer Based Geology Laboratory | 2 |
| | | |
| G 203 | Historical Geology | 3 |
| G 206 | Historical Geology Lab | 1 |
| G 312 | Mineralogy | 3 |
| G 313 | Methods in Mineralogy | 2 |
| G 314 | Petrology | 3 |
| G 315 | Lithology and Petrography | 2 |
| G 318 | Processes in the Surface Environment | 3 |
| G 319 | Processes 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 301 | Geology for Engineers | 3 |
| G 340U | Life of the Past | 4 |
| G 341U | Geology of the Oregon Country | 4 |
| G 342U | Volcanoes and Earthquakes | 4 |
| G 344U | Geology and the National Parks | 4 |
| G 345U | Life in the Universe | 4 |
| G 346 | Exploring Mars | 4 |
| G 351U | Introduction to Oceanography | 4 |
| G 352U | Energy, Minerals, and the Environment | 4 |
| G 355 | Earth and Space Sciences for Elementary Educators | 4 |
| G 453 | Geology of the Pacific Northwest | 4 |
Up to 8 credits may be taken in upper-division math, science, or engineering.
Eight credits from the following courses:
| G 340U | Life of the Past | 4 |
| G 341U | Geology of the Oregon Country | 4 |
| G 342U | Volcanoes and Earthquakes | 4 |
| G 344U | Geology and the National Parks | 4 |
| G 345U | Life in the Universe | 4 |
| G 346 | Exploring Mars | 4 |
| G 453 | Geology of the Pacific Northwest | 4 |
Non-Geology Courses
8 credits of upper-division pre-approved sustainability-related courses
Mathematics to include either
Option 1
Option 2
| Mth 111Z | Precalculus I: Functions | 4 |
| Mth 112Z | Precalculus II: Trigonometry | 4 |
| | or | |
| | passing the appropriate placement test | |
| | And | |
| Mth 212 | Foundations Of Elementary Mathematics II | 4 |
Statistics to include:
| Stat 243Z | Elementary Statistics I | 4 |
| Stat 244 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics II | 4 |
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.