Geology Major, B.S.

Professors Fryer, Mann, Martin

Ohio Wesleyan offers two majors in geology and one in Earth Science. Geology is the science of the Earth and Earth-like planets, focusing on the investigation and understanding of natural processes within and on the planet, and the materials, structure, and history of the planet. The professional geology major provides a strong foundation for professional work and graduate study in geology and related fields such as hydrogeology, geophysics, geochemistry, oceanography, and environmental science. Careers in geology are numerous, with potential employers including federal and state geological surveys and other governmental agencies, the energy and minerals industries, and engineering and consulting firms concerned with water and other resources, environmental hazards, waste management, and construction projects. Geology is also an excellent liberal arts major, expanding ones understanding and appreciation of our living environment. The general geology major provides a strong base for subsequent study of, for example, law, economics, or environmental policy studies. The Earth Science major provides training specifically for the pursuit of a career in teaching at the secondary level.

All students majoring or minoring in Geology or Earth Science must consult with members of the geology faculty in the selection of their courses. Students majoring in Geology must also submit a plan for your major to the Chair of the department.

This degree prepares students to do professional work or to attend graduate school in geology or related fields (e.g., geochemistry, geophysics, environmental geology). Course requirements are based on graduate school and industry requirements, and conform to the American Institute of Professional Geologists recommendations for the undergraduate geology major.

Major Requirements

A minimum of fourteen unit courses are required: GEOL 110 , GEOL 111 (.25 unit), GEOL 112 , GEOL 290 , GEOL 310 , GEOL 320 , and GEOL 340 ; two other GEOL courses numbered above 265, one of which must be numbered above 300 (except GEOL 318 ); CHEM 110 and CHEM 111 ; MATH 110 and MATH 111 , or MATH 110 and MATH 105 or MATH 230 ; PHYS 110 C /PHYS 110 L or PHYS 115 ; a capstone experience - typically GEOL 490 , GEOL 491 , or GEOL 495 ; formal instruction in technical writing either by enrollment in GEOL 345 or by arrangement with a geology faculty member in conjunction with a GEOL 490 , GEOL 491 , or upper level R course in Geology. The following additional courses are recommended based on professional and graduate school requirements: GEOL 315 , GEOL 330 , GEOL 345 ; PHYS 111 C ; MATH 111 ; BIOL 120 , BIOL 122 .

Note(s):

Students pursuing the B.S., in Geology are encouraged to take a summer field course at another college or university chosen in consultation with members of the geology faculty. B.S. in Geology students are also strongly encouraged to participate in research or an apprenticeship.

Owing to geography, a social science, and geology, a natural science, being housed in one department, students who double major in geology and geography may exceed the 17-course limit within one department.

Students majoring or minoring in geology are not permitted to take courses required for the major or minor, credit/no entry.

All geology courses below the 490 level meet the natural science distribution requirement (Group II).

In years containing faculty sabbaticals, courses may be offered during the opposite semester to that listed.

Learning Objectives

Students will write well.
Students will work independently.
Students will present their work at a professional level of quality.
Students will understand geological facts.
Students will understand geological processes.
Students will use information sources effectively.
Students will observe and record geologic data well.
Students will define geologic problems clearly.
Students will identify pertinent variables in addressing geologic problems.
Students will integrate facts, processes, and theories to address geologic problems.