School of Earth and Sustainability
Geology, Bachelor of Science
- Available Emphasis Areas:
- Applied Geology - Emphasis
- Geophysics - Emphasis
- Paleontology - Emphasis
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Careers
What Can I Do with a Bachelor of Science in Geology?
As you study, you can also learn more about careers in geoscience research, resource discovery and management, and education. You will experience an interdisciplinary approach to earth science, and will gain critical skills with field and analytical techniques. You'll find plenty of opportunities to work on faculty research projects and be encouraged to design your own studies, too.
Career opportunities that might be pursued:
- Consulting firm
- Engineering firm
- Marketing and research firm
- Mining company
With further education, one of these paths is possible:
- Geophysicist
- Mining engineer
- Paleontologist
- Petroleum geologist
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University Requirements
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
- All of Northern Arizona University's liberal studies, diversity, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
- All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
- At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
- At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
- A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.
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Overview
In addition to University Requirements:
- At least 72 units of major requirements including 15-40 units of concentration or emphasis requirements
- Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy Liberal Studies requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements
- Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units
Please note that you may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 137 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Required |
| Emphasis, Minor, Certificate | Optional |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Required |
| Research | Optional |
| Additional Fees/Program Fees | Required |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-S | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
The Geology program in SESES develops an interdisciplinary base of knowledge that students use to understand the physical and biological history of the Earth and the evidence for that history. A distinguishing characteristic of geology is that it includes deep time in its understanding of terrestrial and solar system processes.
The Geology program is based on a strong foundation of physics, chemistry, and mathematics that provides an underpinning for the students as they move through the program and start to develop an appreciation for the complexities of interconnected Earth systems and their physical and chemical processes. Students work in field and lab environments, using the scientific method to develop an understanding of Earth materials and to synthesize information from diverse sources and methods to interpret the geological history of the Earth and the processes that occur on and below its surface. This includes the analysis of topographic maps 40 and remote sensing images using GIS tools to study the three-dimensional geometry of rock units, as well as geochemical and geophysical data obtained in the field and laboratory.
The three emphases within the program allow the students to develop a deeper understanding of specific fields within the subject and to prepare themselves for a range of professional opportunities. These enable them to explore the use of a range of geophysical and geochemical data and understand how to apply it to solve environmental and geotechnical problems. The program also provides experience in studying the interactions of humans with Earth systems using mathematical, physical, and chemical methods.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Analyze interconnected Earth systems, with special emphasis on the physical and chemical processes that result from plate tectonics and its role in Earth history.
- Demonstrate an understanding of Earth materials, their physical properties and behavior as recorders of geological processes.
- Synthesize various types of field information such as, orientation of linear and planar features, stratigraphic principles, and spatial relationships of rock units to interpret the geological history of the Earth.
- Be able to read geologic literature and present geoscientific information clearly and concisely in written, graphical, visual, and oral forms.
- Analyze topographic maps and remote sensing images using GIS tools to identify three-dimensional geometry of rock units.
- Use an understanding of deep Earth structures and processes and their relationships to explain surface geologic hazards such as volcanism, earthquakes, and mass wasting.
- Use laboratory and field methods, analytical and computational techniques and software, and image data to interpret Earth’s materials, processes, and history.
- Show proficiency in quantitative problem solving in a geologic context using knowledge from mathematics and supporting sciences.
- Understand the broad physical and biological history of the Earth and the evidence for that history.
- Explore core aspects of paleontology including phylogenetic analysis and the use of taphofacies, ichnofacies, and fossil assemblages to determine sedimentary depositional environments.
- Apply an understanding of the evolution of organisms through time to problems of dating geological sequences.
- Explore the use of geologic, geophysical, geochemical, and geomorphic data and apply it to develop solutions to environmental and geotechnical problems.
- Study the interactions of humans with Earth systems using mathematical, physical, and chemical methods.
- Understand how mathematical and physical concepts and principles may be applied to solving problems of the solid Earth.
- Obtain and analyze geophysical data including seismology, gravity, magnetics, and resistivity to answer questions about the Earth’s subsurface and surface processes such as earthquakes
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Details
Additional Admission Requirements
You will be automatically admitted to Northern Arizona University's geology program if you:
If you don’t meet these requirements, you must apply to the program by writing a letter of application, supported by current transcripts, before entering GLG 309. Send your application to the program coordinator of the Geology Program (see School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability for more information).
You must be admitted to the program before you can enroll in any of the following courses: GLG 309, GLG 315, GLG 324, GLG 350W, GLG 435, GLG 440C, and GLG 470.
Major Requirements
Take the following 71 - 97 units:
Core Requirements (56-57 units)
- GLG 490 is not required, but is highly recommended
Concentration or Emphasis Requirements (Select One):
General Electives
Additional coursework is required, if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you. (Please note that you may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.)
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also take. For prerequisite information click on the course or see your advisor.
Additional Information
Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program
This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan. Accelerated Programs provide the opportunity for outstanding undergraduates working on their bachelor’s degree to simultaneously begin work on a master’s degree. Departments may allow students to complete both degrees in an accelerated manner by approving up to 12 units applicable toward both degrees. Students must apply to the accelerated program and the master’s program by the application deadline, and meet all requirements as listed on the Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Programs to be considered for admission. Admission to programs is competitive and qualified applicants may be denied because of limits on the number of students admitted each year. Be sure to speak with your advisor regarding your interest in Accelerated Programs.
- PROGRAM FEE INFORMATION
Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). A program fee of $700 per semester for 3 semesters in the students' Junior and Senior years has been approved for this program.
School of Earth & Sustainability
See also
Compare all SES Bachelor's programs- Research in Geosciences
- Research in Environmental Sciences
- Research in Sustainability
Resources for current students