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  • Geology BS

School of Earth & Sustainability

Email:
SES.Admin​@nau.edu
Call:
928-523-9333
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  • Compare all SES Bachelor's programs
  • Resources for current students

Be a Professional Geologist!

Interested in a career as a practicing professional geologist? NAU's Geoscience degrees may lead to professional licensure/certification. For more information contact Prof. Abe Springer or check out NAU's Professional Licensure by State table.Students also can engage with the NAU student chapter of the American Institute of Professional Geologists for professional mentoring and experience.This program may lead to licensure in 32 ASBOG member board states and 2 exam testing states, including Arizona, Utah, and California. Seventeen states are non-regulatory, including New Mexico, Colorado, and Nevada (https://asbog.org/state_boards.html).STATE LICENSURELicensure is granted by each individual state, when appropriate. Registered Geologists practice in accordance with requirements of individual state Geologists licensing boards. In Arizona, the Arizona State Board of Technical registration administers the national ASBOG Practice of Geology Exam and the Professional Geology Exam. For more information regarding program licensure in other states, please visit https://nau.edu/pep/licensure-information/.


Geology, Bachelor of Science

  • Available Emphasis Areas:
  • Applied Geology - Emphasis
  • Geophysics - Emphasis
  • Paleontology - Emphasis
  • Geology Coursework

This degree attracts students who are curious about geologic hazards, the evolution of the Earth, and what lies beneath the landscape. The program incorporates field-work, laboratory experience, and specialized computer programs that help unveil the secrets of the Earth’s infrastructure.

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  • Details Tab Closed

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Requirements Accordion Open

  • 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.
    The full policy can be viewed here.

     

Overview Accordion Closed

In addition to University Requirements:

  • At least 72 units of major requirements including 16-41 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 students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion120
Highest Mathematics RequiredMAT 137
Additional Admission RequirementsRequired
Fieldwork Experience/InternshipRequired
ResearchOptional
University Honors ProgramOptional
AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-SRecommended
Progression Plan LinkView Progression Plan
Emphasis or Concentration RequiredAn emphasis or concentration is required for this major.

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

  • Describe and assess linkages between interconnected Earth systems and relate those linkages to human society.
  • Analyze properties of Earth materials as recorders of geological processes.
  • Collect and synthesize complex and often incomplete field data and other spatial information to interpret geologic history.
  • Evaluate, critique, and synthesize scientific literature and communicate scientific information.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in quantitative problem solving in a geologic context.
  • Understand the physical and biological history and evolution of the Earth and the evidence for that history.
Paleontology Emphasis
  • 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.
Applied Geology Emphasis
  • 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.
Geophysics Emphasis
  • 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

 

Details Accordion Closed

Additional Admission Requirements
  • You will be automatically admitted to Northern Arizona University's geology program if you:

    • Have completed the GLG 309 prerequisites of GLG 101, GLG 103L, (MAT 125 or MAT 136), CHM 151, and CHM 151L with grades of "C" or better
    • Have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5
  • 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
  • This major requires 72 - 97 units distributed as follows:

    • Core Requirements: 56-58 units
    • Select an Emphasis or Coursework: 16-41 units
      • Applied Geology Emphasis: 41 units
      • Geology Coursework: 16 units
      • Geophysics Emphasis: 28 units
      • Paleontology Emphasis: 26-27 units


    Core Requirements (56-58 units)

    • Select one of the following combinations (4 units):

      • GLG 101, GLG 103L (Recommended)
      • GLG 112, GLG 112L with grades of "B" or better
    • CHM 151, CHM 151L, CHM 152, CHM 152L (9 units)
    • GLG 102, GLG 104L, GLG 240, GLG 309, GLG 324, GLG 340, GLG 435 (21 units)
    • GLG 350W which meets the junior-level writing requirement (3 units)
    • GLG 440C which meets the senior capstone requirement (5 units)
    • GLG 490 is not required, but is highly recommended
    • MAT 136, (MAT 137*, STA 270, or STA 275) (7-8 units)
    • (PHY 111 and PHY 112) or (PHY 161 and PHY 262) (7-8 units)
    • *MAT 137 is required for students completing the Applied Geology or Geophysics Emphasis.  Some employers and graduate programs may require the MAT 136 and MAT 137 pairing.  Consult with your advisor.


      The PHY 161 and PHY 262 pairing is recommended, and is specifically required for those who choose the Applied Geology and Geophysics Emphasis. PHY 262L is not required.

       

  • Emphasis or Coursework Requirements (Select One):

    • Applied Geology Emphasis (41 units)
      • ENV 115 (3 units)
      • GLG 259, GLG 259L, GLG 360, GLG 450, GLG 451, GLG 460, GLG 475 (22 units)
      • GLG electives chosen in consultation with your advisor (6 units)
      • GSP 239 (4 units)
      • PHI 331 (3 units)
      • STA 270 (3 units)

    • Geology Coursework (16 units)
      Please note that if the Geology Coursework is chosen, the diploma will indicate simply BS Geology.
      • GLG 225, GLG 315, GLG 470 (12 units)
      • Select one from: GLG 360, (GLG 259 and GLG 259L), GLG 451 (4 units)

    • Geophysics Emphasis (28 units)
      • GLG 315, GLG 470 (8 units)
      • MAT 238, (MAT 239 or PHY 301) (7 units)
      • Select one from: GLG 360, (GLG 259 and GLG 259L), GLG 451, GLG 460 (4 units)
      • Select three additional courses from the following with your advisor's approval (two must be PHY courses) (9 units):
        • GLG 565
        • PHY 263, PHY 264, PHY 321, PHY 331, PHY 332, PHY 441

    • Paleontology Emphasis (26-27 units)
      • BIO 181, BIO 181L, BIO 182, BIO 182L (8 units)
      • GLG 225, GLG 315, GLG 470 (11 units)
      • Select one from: GLG 360, (GLG 259 and GLG 259L), GLG 451 (4 units)
      • Select one of the following with your advisor's approval (3-4 units):
        • BIO 221, (BIO 323, BIO 323L), BIO 373, BIO 415
        • GLG 530
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.)

Additional Information
  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also take. For prerequisite information click on the course or see your advisor.
     

  • 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.
     

Availability Accordion Closed

  • Flagstaff

School of Earth & Sustainability
Location
Room A108 Building 11
Ashurst
624 S Knoles Dr
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
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SES.Admin@nau.edu
Phone
928-523-9333
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