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.

Degree Maps and Learning Outcomes

Admission requirements

Geology B.S./B.A.

Earth Science B.A./B.S.

Geology Minor

Earth Data Science Minor

Environmental Geology 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 352UEnergy, Minerals, and the Environment

4

G 355Earth and Space Sciences for Elementary Educators

4

G 453Geology 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 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 453Geology of the Pacific Northwest

4

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 111ZPrecalculus I: Functions

4

Mth 112ZPrecalculus II: Trigonometry

4

or

passing the appropriate placement test

And

Mth 212Foundations Of Elementary Mathematics II

4

Statistics to include:

Stat 243ZElementary 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.