Degrees in Geosciences

We offer two majors, a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree, and a minor in Geosciences. The Bachelor of Science degree is intended as a preprofessional degree, for students interested in graduate school or working in geosciences. The Bachelor of Arts degree is the minimum preparation appropriate for the field and is best combined with other degree programs, such as a second major or a minor. The minor in Geosciences is ideal for those who do not have the time or space to complete a major in the field.

For all degrees, the student must take GEOS 201 which is offerd each spring. Completion of this course is a prerequisite for the upper division courses in the program. The department strongly recommends that all students complete MATH 140 or higher before enrolling in 300-level and higher courses in geosciences. The department also strongly encourages students to complete the Chemistry and Physics requirements as early as possible. Students should also note that upper-division courses are offered on a two-year cycle. Early declaration of majors or minors in geosciences will facilitate development of individual programs and avoid scheduling conflicts.

See the PLU catalog for more information about all graduation requirements.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.): 44 semester hours in Geosciences

The Bachelor of Science degree is a preprofessional degree, intended for students interested in a career as a professional geologist or graduate study in the field of geology.

• One from GEOS 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106 or 107
• GEOS 201, 324, 325, 326, 327, 329, and 335
• Eight semester hours from GEOS 328, 330, 331, 332, 334 or 350
• Required Geologic Field Experience (minimum of 4 semester hours)
• One semester hour of GEOS 390
• One semester hour of GEOS 498
• Two semester hours of GEOS 499
• Required supporting courses
  • CHEM 115 and 116
  • PHYS 125, 126 (with 135,136 labs) or PHYS 153, 154 (with 163, 164 labs)
  • MATH 151 and either MATH 152 or CSCE 120
  • Recommended: BIOL 323 and additional courses are recommended when paleontology is a major interest
• All courses taken for the major must be completed with a grade of C- or higher

The details of the degree requirements are summarized in the Academic Program Contract for the BS in Geosciences found on the Documents and Forms page.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.): 32 semester hours in Geosciences

The Bachelor of Arts degree is the minimum preparation appropriate for the field and is best combined with other degree programs, such as another major or minor. Students interested in Earth Science and completing a Bachelor of Arts in Education often combine it with this degree.

• GEOS 201
• Plus at least two lower-division from GEOS 101, 102,103,104, 105, 106, or 107
• Eight semester hours from GEOS 324, 325, 326, 327, 329
• Eight semester hours from GEOS 328, 330, 331, 332, 334,335, 350
• One semester hour of GEOS 390
• One semester hour of GEOS 498
• Two semester hours of GEOS 499
• Required Supporting non-geoscience course: CHEM 104 or CHEM 115
• Recommended: Geologic Field Experience
• Course selections should reflect a student’s interests and are discussed with an advisor
• All courses taken for the major must be completed with a grade of C- or higher.

The details of the degree requirements are summarized in the Academic Program Contract for the BA in Geosciences found on the Documents and Forms page.

Minor: 20 semester hours in Geosciences

The minor is for students with another major who are interested in geology but do not have space to complete a second major.

• GEOS 201
• At least three upper-division Geosciences courses (a minimum of eight upper-division semester hours)
• All courses for the minor must be completed with grade of C or higher

The details of the degree requirements are summarized in the Academic Program Contract for the Geosciences minor found on the Documents and Forms page.