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B.S. in Geology (Environmental Track)

College: College of Arts and Sciences
Program: Geology
See Also: Department of Geosciences

Program Information

Geology is the study of the Earth — its composition, its processes, its history, and even its future.  Geology is all around us, and we cannot escape its influence.  The philosopher Will Durant said, “Civilization exists by geological consent, subject to change without notice.” The Earth offers an almost endless variety of things to study, including minerals, rocks, fossils, soils, beaches, rivers, mountains, volcanoes, and earthquakes.  The Environmental track emphasizes the study of ground water and the delicate balances of the natural world and provides strong preparation for entering the work force with a BS degree.

Suggested Schedule of Courses

 This is a suggested 4-year schedule of courses based on degree requirements in the current catalog. 

This guide is not a substitute for academic advisement – contact your advisement office if you have any questions about scheduling or about your degree requirements.  Also see the Undergraduate Catalog for a complete list of requirements and electives to choose from.

Students may choose to attend a summer term to reduce their course load during fall or spring semesters but still stay on track to graduate in four years.

Freshman Year

Term 1
Course Hours
Engl 1101 3
Geol 1121K 4
PolS 1101 3
Math 1113 3
GSU 1010 1
Total Hours 14
Term 2
Course Hours
Engl 1102 3
Geol 1121K 4
Area B Elective 2
Area C Elective 3
Area D Math Course 3-4
Total Hours 15-16
Freshman Milestones:
  • Complete all Area A requirements
  • Students should not take Math 1101 since higher Math is required for this major.
  • Take Chemistry placement test for Chem 1211K
  • Attend major fair and declare major


Sophomore Year

Term 3
Course Hours
Chem 1211K 4
Hist 2110 3
Area F Math Course 3-4
Area F Lab Science "A" 4
Area B Elective 2
Total Hours 16-17
Term 4
Course Hours
Chem 1212K 4
Area C Elective 3
Area E Global Issues Elective 3
Area F Lab Science "B" 4
Total Hours 14
Sophomore Milestones:
  • Complete most core requirements
  • Complete all Area F requirements
  • Meet with Academic Advisor in Arts& Sciences (after 42 earned credit hours)


Junior Year

Term 5
Course Hours
Geol 3002 4
Geol 4007 4
Area H Elective 3
Area E Social Science Elective 3
Total Hours 14
Term 6
Course Hours
Geol 4013 4
Geol 4006 4
Area H Elective 3
Area H Elective 3
Total Hours 14
Junior Milestones:
  • Meet with Faculty Advisor
  • Register with University Career Services Office
  • Geol 4120 and 4121 are typically offered during semester semester (6 hours)


Senior Year

Term 7
Course Hours
Geol 4015 4
Geol 4095 1
Area H Elective 3
Area H Elective 3
Area H Elective 3-4
Total Hours 14-15
Term 8
Course Hours
Geol 4017 4
Geol 4016 4
Geol 4830 4
Area H Elective 3
Total Hours 15
Senior Milestones:
  • Students must have 39 hours at GSU taken at the 3000/4000 level for residency, and complete 120 hours required for graduation.

*This course will fulfill the CTW requirement.