Geology Major, B.A.

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 Bachelor of Science in Geology 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 Bachelor of Arts in Geology 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 is for those students interested in geology as a course of study, but who do not intend to become professional geologists. In combination with courses in the social sciences (e.g., economics, geography, or politics and government), the B.A. in Geology degree is excellent preparation for a wide variety of careers (e.g., environmental law, or legal, financial, or administrative positions in the mineral resource, energy, and environmental industries). If students subsequently decide to attend graduate school in geology, they will need to take courses in chemistry, math, and physics, but will have the geology courses necessary for admittance to graduate departments.

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.

Major Requirements

Ten unit courses are required: GEOL 110 , GEOL 111 (.25 unit), GEOL 112 , GEOL 290 , GEOL 310 , GEOL 320 , and GEOL 340 ; two other upper-level GEOL courses numbered above 265; two courses from among ASTR, BIOL, BOMI, CHEM, CS, MATH, PHYS, and ZOOL.

Note(s):

Geology majors are encouraged to take a summer field course at another college or university chosen in consultation with members of the geology faculty. Majors 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.