Academic Advising Resource Center
Geosciences
Why take courses in Geosciences?
The field of geosciences utilizes tools from interdisciplinary fields to understand how our planet and the environment work, and how they have changed through time. Through a blend of laboratory, computational, and field research, our students build a deep understanding of the Earth and develop skills they can apply in a variety of fields.
What kinds of questions does Geosciences explore?
- Have human activities changed our planet enough that we now live in a new geologic Epoch: the Anthropocene?
- How can geospatial analysis and geographic information systems (GIS) be used to assess and manage the effects of natural hazards and climate change on vulnerable communities?
- How can geological data be interpreted to understand past environments and tectonic histories?
What advice would you give students interested in taking courses in Geosiences?
Any full course is a good place to start and will provide students with an opportunity to explore their interests in a wide range of topics related to earth systems, or current environmental issues.
Taking Courses
Course placement
While no proficiency exam is required, students with significant high school geology, geoscience, or earth science experience, should speak with the department about appropriate first classes.
Courses for non-majors or general interest
- All 100-level classes are designed to be appropriate for students with no background. Choose a topic you are interested in or a survey class.
Getting started in the major
Any full introductory course will offer a starting point to our flexible major. Interested students are encouraged to declare early in order to work with a major advisor who can help identify supporting science classes that align with their GEOS interests.
Advanced Placement Credit
Majors may count AP/IB credit earned in Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, and/or Physics toward a Geosciences major following the relevant department’s guidelines.
If a department does not accept AP/IB coursework toward its own major, it will not count toward the geosciences major. Refer to the AP/IB chart for complete information about AP test scores.
Majoring in Geosciences
Provided are two examples of how a student could distribute courses required for the major over three or four years. This major is eligible for the Bachelor of Science. See the catalog for additional details about major requirements.
Sample Four-Year Plans
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| Y1 | GEOS 1XX BIOL XXX | GEOS 2XX GEOS 2XX |
| Y2 | BIOL XXX GEOS 2XX | GEOS 2XX GEOS 2XX |
| Y3 | GEOS 3XX | Study Away |
| Y4 | GEOS 3XX | GEOS 419 |
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| Y1 | ||
| Y2 | GEOS 1XX CSCI XXX | GEOS 2XX |
| Y3 | GEOS 2XX GEOS 2XX | GEOS 2XX STAT XXX |
| Y4 | GEOS 2XX GEOS 3XX | GEOS 3XX GEOS 419 |
Related Areas of Study
Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics.