Bachelor of Science in Geology
Why study geology?
In Geology you get to apply techniques and knowledge from chemistry, physics, biology and math to answer important questions about Earth processes, history and future. Geologists are in demand to evaluate geologic hazards, evaluate natural resources, and understand the environment including water quality and climate change.
The B.S. program provides intensive training in geology and other sciences. B.S. majors may emphasize traditional geology, environmental geology (with a specialized track in hydrogeology), engineering geology, geophysics, or earth and space science licensure. The hydrogeology track, the engineering geology option, and the geophysics option combine basic training in geology with training in mathematics, engineering, physics, and geophysics. The environmental geology option combines training in geology with many different sciences.
Undergraduate Admission
Admission to KU
All students applying for admission must send high school and college transcripts to the Office of Admissions. Prospective first-year students should be aware that KU has qualified admission requirements that all new first-year students must meet to be admitted. Consult the Office of Admissions for application deadlines and specific admission requirements.
Visit the International Support Services for information about international admissions.
Students considering transferring to KU may see how their college-level course work will transfer on the Office of Admissions website.
Geology Programs
The B.S. program provides intensive training in geology and other sciences. B.S. majors may emphasize traditional geology, environmental geology (with a specialized track in hydrogeology), engineering geology, geophysics, or earth and space science licensure. The hydrogeology track, the engineering geology option, and the geophysics option combine basic training in geology with training in mathematics, engineering, physics, and geophysics. The environmental geology option combines training in geology with many different sciences.
Degree requirements may be altered to suit particular needs of a student upon petition to the undergraduate studies committee and in consultation with a geology faculty advisor. Special consideration is given to students with strong backgrounds in supporting sciences and students with superior records who decide to major in geology late in their programs.
First- and Second-Year Preparation
Students interested in geology, especially in the B.S. degree, should see a department advisor as soon as possible. They should enroll in mathematics, chemistry, and English in addition to Introduction to Geology and electives. Students should take GEOL 360 as soon as possible.
Advising
Developing a strong relationship with a faculty advisor helps students get the most out of their educational programs in the shortest time. Most courses for majors are offered in only one semester each year. Advisors can guide the student through complexities of the curriculum or into a specialized program.
Requirements for the B.S. Degree
The B.S. program provides intensive training in geology and other sciences. B.S. majors may emphasize traditional geology, environmental geology (with a specialized track in hydrogeology), engineering geology, geophysics, or earth and space science licensure. The hydrogeology track, the engineering geology option, and the geophysics option combine basic training in geology with training in mathematics, engineering, physics, and geophysics. The environmental geology option combines training in geology with many different sciences.
Degree requirements may be altered to suit particular needs of a student upon petition to the undergraduate studies committee and in consultation with a geology faculty advisor. Special consideration is given to students with strong backgrounds in supporting sciences and students with superior records who decide to major in geology late in their programs.
General Geology Option
Written Communication - Core Skill and Critical Inquiry.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Composition | ||
Satisfied by one of the following. Requirement must be completed during initial term of admission at KU. | ||
ENGL 101 | Composition | 3 |
ACT English score of 27 or above or SAT English score of 600 or above | ||
AP English Literature & Composition score of 3 or above | ||
Equivalent transfer course | ||
Critical Reading and Writing | ||
Satisfied by one of the following. Requirement must be completed during initial term of admission at KU. | ||
ENGL 102 | Critical Reading and Writing | 3 |
or ENGL 105 | Honors Introduction to English | |
AP English Literature & Composition score of 4 or above | ||
Equivalent transfer course | ||
Sophomore Reading and Writing II | ||
Satisfied by one of the following: | ||
ENGL 203 | Topics in Reading and Writing: _____ | 3 |
or ENGL 205 | Freshman-Sophomore Honors Proseminar: _____ | |
ENGL 209 | Introduction to Fiction | 3 |
ENGL 210 | Introduction to Poetry | 3 |
ENGL 211 | Introduction to the Drama | 3 |
ENGL 362 | Foundations of Technical Writing | 3 |
AP English Literature & Composition score of 5 or above | ||
Equivalent |
Communications.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Satisfied by: | ||
COMS 130 | Speaker-Audience Communication | 3 |
Humanities - Understanding the Human Condition. Satisfied by completing 2 courses (requirement code H). Approved courses may be searched for availability through the Kyou portal.
Social and Behavioral Sciences - Understanding Society and Behavior. Satisfied by completing 2 courses (requirement code S). Approved courses may be searched for availability through the Kyou portal. An introductory course in economics is recommended.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Geology Prerequisite or Co-requisite Knowledge | ||
Majors must complete courses as specified in each of the following areas. Majors are advised to take honors courses when eligible. These hours do not contribute to the minimum number of hours required for the major. | ||
Calculus I. Satisfied by: | ||
MATH 125 | Calculus I (Prerequisite: MATH 104; or MATH 103; or three years of college preparatory mathematics including trigonometry and a score of 28 or higher on ACT mathematics or 640 or higher on the SAT; or a qualifying score on the mathematics placement test.) | 4 |
Calculus II. Satisfied by: | ||
MATH 126 | Calculus II | 4 |
Chemistry. Satisfied by: | ||
CHEM 130 & CHEM 135 | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | 10 |
Physics. Satisfied by: | ||
PHSX 211 & PHSX 216 | General Physics I and General Physics I Laboratory | 5 |
PHSX 212 & PHSX 236 | General Physics II and General Physics II Laboratory | 4 |
Biology. Satisfied by BIOL: | ||
BIOL 152 | Principles of Organismal Biology | 3 |
Information Technology. Satisfied by one of the following: | ||
EECS 138 | Introduction to Computing: _____ | 3 |
C&PE 325 | Numerical Methods and Statistics for Engineers | 3 |
Geology Core Knowledge and Skills | ||
Majors must complete the following core courses: | ||
Introduction to Geology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 101 | The Way The Earth Works | 3 |
Geology Fundamentals Laboratory. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 103 | Geology Fundamentals Laboratory | 2 |
Historical Geology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 304 | Historical Geology | 3 |
Mineralogy and Structure of the Earth. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 311 | Mineralogy and Structure of the Earth | 3 |
Mineral Structures and Equilibria Laboratory. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 312 | Mineral Structures and Equilibria Laboratory | 1 |
Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 331 | Sedimentology and Stratigraphy | 4 |
Field Investigation. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 360 | Field Investigation | 2-3 |
or GEOL 370 | Study Abroad in Greece: Natural Environment and Civilizations | |
Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 512 | Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology | 3 |
Petrology Laboratory. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 513 | Petrology Laboratory | 1 |
Introductory Field Geology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 560 | Introductory Field Geology | 3 |
Field Geology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 561 | Field Geology | 3 |
Structural Geology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 562 | Structural Geology | 4 |
Geology Required Electives | 18 | |
At least one course from each of the three categories listed below: Life; Water & Climate; Rocks. Additional elective credit requirements fulfilled by 500 level and above geology courses, although only one geology course fulfilling KU Core Goal 4 or 5 may count towards these 9 hours. Additionally, 3 hours of GEOL 121, if taken before the student has completed 60 hrs, GEOL 391 or GEOL 399 can also count towards these 9 credit hours. | ||
Life | ||
Geochemistry | ||
Paleontology | ||
Geobiology: The Coevolution of Life and Rocks | ||
Topics in Geology: _____ ( Geobiology) | ||
Rocks | ||
Simple Error Analysis with Matlab | ||
Linear Algebra for Earth Scientists | ||
Numerical Methods in the Earth Sciences | ||
Raman Spectroscopy of Crystalline Solids | ||
Shales and Other Mudstones | ||
Petroleum and Subsurface Geology | ||
Geological Log Analysis | ||
Petroleum Reservoir Characterization | ||
Basin Analysis | ||
Sequence Stratigraphy | ||
Geophysics | ||
Water and Climate | ||
Introduction to Hydrogeology | ||
Contaminants in Groundwater | ||
Climate Science | ||
Applied Groundwater Modeling | ||
Hydrogeophysics | ||
Topics in Geology: _____ (Climate: Past, Present and Future) |
Major Hours & Major GPA
While completing all required courses, majors must also meet each of the following hour and grade-point average minimum standards:
Major Hours
Satisfied by 50 hours of major courses.
Major Hours in Residence
Satisfied by a minimum of 15 hours of KU resident credit in the major.
Major Junior/Senior Hours
Satisfied by a minimum of 18 hours from junior/senior courses (300+) in the major.
Major Junior/Senior Graduation GPA
Satisfied by a minimum of a 2.0 KU GPA in junior/senior courses (300+) in the major. GPA calculations include all junior/senior courses in the field of study including F’s and repeated courses. See the Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator.
Engineering Geology Option
Written Communication - Core Skill and Critical Inquiry.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Composition | ||
Satisfied by one of the following. Requirement must be completed during initial term of admission at KU. | ||
ENGL 101 | Composition | 3 |
ACT English score of 27 or above or SAT English score of 600 or above | ||
AP English Literature & Composition score of 3 or above | ||
Equivalent transfer course | ||
Critical Reading and Writing | ||
Satisfied by one of the following. Requirement must be completed within the first academic year at KU. | ||
ENGL 102 | Critical Reading and Writing | 3 |
or ENGL 105 | Honors Introduction to English | |
AP English Literature & Composition score of 4 or above | ||
Equivalent transfer course | ||
Sophomore Reading and Writing II | ||
Satisfied by one of the following: | ||
ENGL 362 | Foundations of Technical Writing | 3 |
AP English Literature & Composition score of 5 or above | ||
Equivalent |
Communications.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Satisfied by: | ||
COMS 130 | Speaker-Audience Communication | 3 |
Humanities - Understanding the Human Condition. Satisfied by completing 2 courses (requirement code H). Approved courses may be searched for availability through the Kyou portal.
Social and Behavioral Sciences - Understanding Society and Behavior. Satisfied by completing 2 courses (requirement code S). Approved courses may be searched for availability through the Kyou portal. An introductory course in economics is recommended.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Geology Prerequisite or Co-requisite Knowledge | ||
Majors must complete courses as specified in each of the following areas. Majors are advised to take honors courses when eligible. These hours do not contribute to the minimum number of hours required for the major. | ||
Mathematics. Satisfied by: | ||
MATH 125 | Calculus I | 4 |
MATH 126 | Calculus II | 4 |
MATH 220 | Applied Differential Equations | 3 |
MATH 290 | Elementary Linear Algebra | 2 |
Chemistry. Satisfied by: | ||
CHEM 130 & CHEM 135 | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | 10 |
Physics. Satisfied by: | ||
PHSX 211 & PHSX 216 | General Physics I and General Physics I Laboratory | 5 |
PHSX 212 & PHSX 236 | General Physics II and General Physics II Laboratory | 4 |
Information Technology. Satisfied by one of the following: | ||
EECS 138 | Introduction to Computing: _____ | 3 |
C&PE 325 | Numerical Methods and Statistics for Engineers | 3 |
Statics. Satisfied by: | ||
CE 201 | Statics | 2 |
Dynamics. Satisfied by: | ||
CE 250 | Dynamics | 3 |
Fluid Mechanics. Satisfied by: | ||
CE 330 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
Hydrology. Satisfied by: | ||
CE 455 | Hydrology | 3 |
Soil Mechanics. Satisfied by: | ||
CE 487 | Soil Mechanics | 4 |
Geology Core Knowledge and Skills | ||
Majors must complete the following core courses: | ||
Introduction to Geology. Satisfied by one of the following: | ||
GEOL 101 | The Way The Earth Works | 3 |
GEOL 103 | Geology Fundamentals Laboratory | 2 |
GEOL 304 | Historical Geology | 3 |
Mineralogy and Structure of the Earth. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 311 | Mineralogy and Structure of the Earth | 3 |
Mineral Structures and Equilibria Laboratory. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 312 | Mineral Structures and Equilibria Laboratory | 1 |
Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 331 | Sedimentology and Stratigraphy | 4 |
Environmental Geology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 351 | Environmental Geology | 3 |
Field Investigation. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 360 | Field Investigation | 2 |
Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 512 | Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology | 3 |
Petrology Laboratory. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 513 | Petrology Laboratory | 1 |
Geomorphology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 541 | Geomorphology | 4 |
Introductory Field Geology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 560 | Introductory Field Geology | 3 |
Field Geology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 561 | Field Geology | 3 |
Structural Geology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 562 | Structural Geology | 4 |
Geophysics or Geodynamics and Plate Tectonics. Satisfied by one of the following: | ||
GEOL 572 | Geophysics | 3 |
Geology or Civil Engineering Required Electives | ||
Majors must complete three additional geology or civil engineering courses, at least two of which must be from the following: | ||
GEOL 521 | Paleontology | 3 |
GEOL 535 | Petroleum and Subsurface Geology | 4 |
GEOL 715 | Geochemistry | 3 |
GEOL 751 | Physical Hydrogeology | 3 |
CE 770 | Concepts of Environmental Chemistry | 3 |
CE 771 | Environmental Engineering Laboratory | 3 |
Electives may include an upper-division course in statistics: | ||
MATH 365 | Elementary Statistics | 3 |
or BIOL 370 | Introduction to Biostatistics |
Major Hours & Major GPA
While completing all required courses, majors must also meet each of the following hour and grade-point average minimum standards:
Major Hours
Satisfied by 45 hours of major courses.
Major Hours in Residence
Satisfied by a minimum of 15 hours of KU resident credit in the major.
Major Junior/Senior Hours
Satisfied by a minimum of 18 hours from junior/senior courses (300+) in the major.
Major Junior/Senior Graduation GPA
Satisfied by a minimum of a 2.0 KU GPA in junior/senior courses (300+) in the major. GPA calculations include all junior/senior courses in the field of study including F’s and repeated courses. See the Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator.
Environmental Geology Option
Written Communication - Core Skill and Critical Inquiry.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Composition | ||
Satisfied by one of the following. Requirement must be completed during initial term of admission at KU. | ||
ENGL 101 | Composition | 3 |
ACT English score of 27 or above or SAT English score of 600 or above | ||
AP English Literature & Composition score of 3 or above | ||
Equivalent transfer course | ||
Critical Reading and Writing | ||
Satisfied by one of the following. Requirement must be completed within the first academic year at KU. | ||
ENGL 102 | Critical Reading and Writing | 3 |
or ENGL 105 | Honors Introduction to English | |
AP English Literature & Composition score of 4 or above | ||
Equivalent transfer course | ||
Sophomore Reading and Writing II | ||
Satisfied by one of the following: | ||
ENGL 203 | Topics in Reading and Writing: _____ | 3 |
or ENGL 205 | Freshman-Sophomore Honors Proseminar: _____ | |
ENGL 209 | Introduction to Fiction | 3 |
ENGL 210 | Introduction to Poetry | 3 |
ENGL 211 | Introduction to the Drama | 3 |
ENGL 362 | Foundations of Technical Writing | 3 |
AP English Literature & Composition score of 5 or above | ||
Equivalent |
Communications.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Satisfied by: | ||
COMS 130 | Speaker-Audience Communication | 3 |
Humanities - Understanding the Human Condition. Satisfied by completing 2 courses (requirement code H). Approved courses may be searched for availability through the Kyou portal.
Social and Behavioral Sciences - Understanding Society and Behavior. Satisfied by completing 2 courses (requirement code S). Approved courses may be searched for availability through the Kyou portal. An introductory course in economics is recommended.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Geology Prerequisite or Co-requisite Knowledge | ||
Majors must complete courses as specified in each of the following areas. Majors are advised to take honors courses when eligible. These hours do not contribute to the minimum number of hours required for the major. | ||
Calculus I. Satisfied by: | ||
MATH 125 | Calculus I | 4 |
Calculus II. Satisfied by: | ||
MATH 126 | Calculus II | 4 |
Chemistry. Satisfied by: | ||
CHEM 130 & CHEM 135 | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | 10 |
Physics. Satisfied by: | ||
Select one of the following: | ||
PHSX 211 & PHSX 216 | General Physics I and General Physics I Laboratory | 5 |
PHSX 212 & PHSX 236 | General Physics II and General Physics II Laboratory (recommended) | 4 |
PHSX 114 & PHSX 115 | College Physics I and College Physics II | 2-8 |
Biology. Satisfied by: | ||
BIOL 150 & BIOL 152 | Principles of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Principles of Organismal Biology | 6 |
Information Technology. Satisfied by one of the following: | ||
EECS 138 | Introduction to Computing: _____ | 3 |
C&PE 325 | Numerical Methods and Statistics for Engineers | 3 |
Geology Core Knowledge and Skills | ||
Majors must complete the following core courses: | ||
Introduction to Geology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 101 | The Way The Earth Works | 3 |
Geology Fundamentals Laboratory. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 103 | Geology Fundamentals Laboratory | 2 |
Historical Geology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 304 | Historical Geology | 3 |
Mineralogy and Structure of the Earth. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 311 | Mineralogy and Structure of the Earth | 3 |
Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 331 | Sedimentology and Stratigraphy | 4 |
Environmental Geology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 351 | Environmental Geology | 3 |
Field Investigation. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 360 | Field Investigation | 2 |
Paleontology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 521 | Paleontology | 3 |
Geomorphology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 541 | Geomorphology | 4 |
Introduction to Hydrogeology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 552 | Introduction to Hydrogeology | 3 |
Introductory Field Geology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 560 | Introductory Field Geology | 3 |
Structural Geology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 562 | Structural Geology | 4 |
Geophysics. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 572 | Geophysics | 3 |
Geology Required Electives | ||
Majors must complete additional courses to total at least nine hours numbered 500 or above. The following are recommended: | 9 | |
GEOL 391 | Special Studies in Geology | 1-6 |
GEOL 535 | Petroleum and Subsurface Geology | 4 |
GEOL 715 | Geochemistry | 3 |
GEOL 751 | Physical Hydrogeology | 3 |
CE 770 & CE 771 | Concepts of Environmental Chemistry and Environmental Engineering Laboratory | 6 |
GEOG 535 | Soil Geography | 4 |
GEOG 558 | Spatial Data Analysis | 4 |
GEOL 753 | Chemical and Microbial Hydrogeology | 3 |
BIOL 400 | Fundamentals of Microbiology | 3 |
Environmental Hydrogeology Track
Besides the general program above, a specialized track in hydrogeology satisfies degree requirements. In addition to College, supporting science, and geology courses, the environmental hydrogeology track requires the following mathematics and civil engineering/physics courses:
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
MATH 220 | Applied Differential Equations | 3 |
MATH 290 | Elementary Linear Algebra | 2 |
CE 330 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
In addition, Technical Electives (9 hours). These normally are chosen from courses numbered 500 or above in geology, physics, mathematics, chemistry, engineering or computer science. Courses numbered below 500 must be approved by a geology advisor.
Major Hours & Major GPA
While completing all required courses, majors must also meet each of the following hour and grade-point average minimum standards:
Major Hours
Satisfied by 49 hours of major courses.
Major Hours in Residence
Satisfied by a minimum of 15 hours of KU resident credit in the major.
Major Junior/Senior Hours
Satisfied by a minimum of 45 hours from junior/senior courses (300+) in the major.
Major Junior/Senior Graduation GPA
Satisfied by a minimum of a 2.0 KU GPA in junior/senior courses (300+) in the major. GPA calculations include all junior/senior courses in the field of study including F’s and repeated courses. See the Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator.
Geophysics Option
Written Communication - Core Skill and Critical Inquiry.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Composition | ||
Satisfied by one of the following. Requirement must be completed during initial term of admission at KU. | ||
ENGL 101 | Composition | 3 |
ACT English score of 27 or above or SAT English score of 600 or above | ||
AP English Literature & Composition score of 3 or above | ||
Equivalent transfer course | ||
Critical Reading and Writing | ||
Satisfied by one of the following. Requirement must be completed during initial term of admission at KU. | ||
ENGL 102 | Critical Reading and Writing | 3 |
or ENGL 105 | Honors Introduction to English | |
AP English Literature & Composition score of 4 or above | ||
Equivalent transfer course | ||
Sophomore Reading and Writing II | ||
Satisfied by one of the following: | ||
ENGL 203 | Topics in Reading and Writing: _____ | 3 |
or ENGL 205 | Freshman-Sophomore Honors Proseminar: _____ | |
ENGL 209 | Introduction to Fiction | 3 |
ENGL 210 | Introduction to Poetry | 3 |
ENGL 211 | Introduction to the Drama | 3 |
ENGL 362 | Foundations of Technical Writing | 3 |
AP English Literature & Composition score of 5 or above | ||
Equivalent |
Humanities - Understanding the Human Condition. Satisfied by completing 2 courses (requirement code H). Approved courses may be searched for availability through the Kyou portal.
Social and Behavioral Sciences - Understanding Society and Behavior. Satisfied by completing 2 courses (requirement code S). Approved courses may be searched for availability through the Kyou portal. An introductory course in economics is recommended.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Geology Prerequisite or Co-requisite Knowledge | ||
Majors must complete courses as specified in each of the following areas. Majors are advised to take honors courses when eligible. These hours do not contribute to the minimum number of hours required for the major. | ||
Calculus I. Satisfied by: | ||
Calculus II. Satisfied by: | ||
Vector Calculus and Elementary Linear Algebra. Satisfied by: | ||
MATH 125 | Calculus I | 4 |
MATH 126 | Calculus II | 4 |
MATH 127 | Calculus III | 4 |
MATH 290 | Elementary Linear Algebra | 2 |
Elementary Differential Equations. Satisfied by: | ||
MATH 320 | Elementary Differential Equations | 3 |
Chemistry. Satisfied by: | ||
CHEM 130 & CHEM 135 | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | 10 |
Physics. Satisfied by: | ||
PHSX 211 & PHSX 216 | General Physics I and General Physics I Laboratory | 5 |
PHSX 212 & PHSX 236 | General Physics II and General Physics II Laboratory | 4 |
PHSX 313 | General Physics III | 3 |
PHSX 521 | Mechanics I | 3 |
PHSX 531 | Electricity and Magnetism | 3 |
or EECS 220 | Electromagnetics I | |
Intro to Computing. Satisfied by one of the following: | ||
EECS 138 | Introduction to Computing: _____ | 3 |
Demonstrate equivalent programming skills | ||
Geology Core Knowledge and Skills | ||
Majors must complete the following core courses: | ||
Introduction to Geology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 101 | The Way The Earth Works | 3 |
Geology Fundamentals Laboratory. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 103 | Geology Fundamentals Laboratory | 2 |
Historical Geology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 304 | Historical Geology | 3 |
Mineralogy and Structure of the Earth. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 311 | Mineralogy and Structure of the Earth | 3 |
Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 331 | Sedimentology and Stratigraphy | 4 |
Field Investigation. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 360 | Field Investigation | 2 |
Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 512 | Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology | 3 |
Introductory Field Geology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 560 | Introductory Field Geology | 3 |
Structural Geology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 562 | Structural Geology | 4 |
Geophysics. Satisfied by one of the following: | ||
GEOL 572 | Geophysics | 3 |
Additional Geology Courses | ||
Geophysics elective 500 and above (at least 9 hours) | 9 | |
Seismic Exploration | ||
Seismic Data Analysis and Interpretation | ||
Technical Required Electives | 6 | |
At least 6 hours from the list below or other 500 and above Geology, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, or Computer Science. | ||
Petroleum and Subsurface Geology | ||
Geological Log Analysis | ||
Introduction to Hydrogeology | ||
Numerical Methods |
Major Hours & Major GPA
While completing all required courses, majors must also meet each of the following hour and grade-point average minimum standards:
Major Hours
Satisfied by 45 hours of major courses.
Major Hours in Residence
Satisfied by a minimum of 15 hours of KU resident credit in the major.
Major Junior/Senior Hours
Satisfied by a minimum of 12 hours from junior/senior courses (300+) in the major.
Major Junior/Senior Graduation GPA
Satisfied by a minimum of a 2.0 KU GPA in junior/senior courses (300+) in the major. GPA calculations include all junior/senior courses in the field of study including F’s and repeated courses. See the Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator.
Earth and Space Science Licensure Option
This program fulfills the requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in geology. The program also meets course requirements necessary to gain state licensure eligibility in earth and space science to become a secondary teacher in Kansas, but completion of the program does not guarantee the student’s licensure. This list is a guideline. Contact the geology department for further information about meeting degree and additional licensure requirements. You may also contact the UKanTeach Office for information about similar tracks resulting in eligibility for licensure in this and other science and mathematics fields.
Written Communication - Core Skill and Critical Inquiry.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Composition | ||
Satisfied by one of the following. Requirement must be completed during initial term of admission at KU. | ||
ENGL 101 | Composition | 3 |
ACT English score of 27 or above or SAT English score of 600 or above | ||
AP English Literature & Composition score of 3 or above | ||
Equivalent transfer course | ||
Critical Reading and Writing | ||
Satisfied by one of the following. Requirement must be completed within the first academic year at KU. | ||
ENGL 102 | Critical Reading and Writing | 3 |
or ENGL 105 | Honors Introduction to English | |
AP English Literature & Composition score of 4 or above | ||
Equivalent transfer course | ||
Sophomore Reading and Writing II | ||
Satisfied by one of the following: | ||
ENGL 203 | Topics in Reading and Writing: _____ | 3 |
or ENGL 205 | Freshman-Sophomore Honors Proseminar: _____ | |
ENGL 209 | Introduction to Fiction | 3 |
ENGL 210 | Introduction to Poetry | 3 |
ENGL 211 | Introduction to the Drama | 3 |
ENGL 362 | Foundations of Technical Writing | 3 |
AP English Literature & Composition score of 5 or above | ||
Equivalent |
Communications.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Satisfied by: | ||
COMS 130 | Speaker-Audience Communication | 3 |
Humanities - Understanding the Human Condition. Satisfied by completing 2 courses (requirement code H). Approved courses may be searched for availability through the Kyou portal.
Social and Behavioral Sciences - Understanding Society and Behavior. Satisfied by completing 2 courses (requirement code S). Approved courses may be searched for availability through the Kyou portal. An introductory course in economics is recommended.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Geology Prerequisite or Co-requisite Knowledge | ||
Majors must complete courses as specified in each of the following areas. Majors are advised to take honors courses when eligible. These hours do not contribute to the minimum number of hours required for the major. | ||
Calculus I. Satisfied by: | ||
MATH 125 | Calculus I | 4 |
Calculus II. Satisfied by: | ||
MATH 126 | Calculus II | 4 |
Chemistry. Satisfied by: | ||
CHEM 130 & CHEM 135 | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | 10 |
Physics. Satisfied by: | ||
PHSX 211 & PHSX 216 | General Physics I and General Physics I Laboratory | 5 |
PHSX 212 & PHSX 236 | General Physics II and General Physics II Laboratory | 4 |
Biology. Satisfied by: | ||
BIOL 152 | Principles of Organismal Biology | 3 |
or BIOL 153 | Principles of Organismal Biology, Honors | |
Geology Core Knowledge and Skills | ||
Majors must complete the following core courses: | ||
Introduction to Geology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 101 | The Way The Earth Works | 3 |
Geology Fundamentals Laboratory. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 103 | Geology Fundamentals Laboratory | 2 |
Historical Geology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 304 | Historical Geology | 3 |
Mineralogy and Structure of the Earth. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 311 | Mineralogy and Structure of the Earth | 3 |
Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 331 | Sedimentology and Stratigraphy | 4 |
Field Investigation. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 360 | Field Investigation | 2 |
Paleontology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 521 & GEOL 523 | Paleontology and Paleontology Laboratory | 4 |
Introduction to Hydrogeology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 552 | Introduction to Hydrogeology | 3 |
Introductory Field Geology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 560 | Introductory Field Geology | 3 |
Structural Geology. Satisfied by: | ||
GEOL 562 | Structural Geology | 4 |
Space Science Core Knowledge and Skills | ||
Majors must complete the following core courses: | ||
Introductory Meteorology. Satisfied by: | ||
ATMO 105 | Introductory Meteorology | 5 |
Contemporary Astronomy. Satisfied by: | ||
ASTR 191 | Contemporary Astronomy | 3 |
Earth and Space Required Electives | ||
Majors must complete one of the areas below: | ||
Geology Focus. Satisfied by 4 hours in a geology course numbered 300 or above. | ||
aboveAstronomy Focus. Satisfied by 4 hours in astronomy courses numbered 300 or above. This can include three hours of GEOL 121 (if taken before the completion of 60 hours), or ASTR 390 or GEOL 399. | ||
Research Methods | ||
Satisfied by: | ||
CHEM 598 | Research Methods | 3 |
Professional Development Course Work | ||
A minimum grade of C is required in all courses. | ||
Liberal Arts and Sciences. Satisfied by: | ||
LA&S 290 | Approaches to Teaching Science and Mathematics I | 1 |
LA&S 291 | Approaches to Teaching Science and Mathematics II | 1 |
Curriculum and Teaching (19 hours). Satisfied by: | ||
C&T 448 Reading and Writing across the Curriculum and 16 hours of courses approved by UKanTeach in curriculum and teaching. These should include courses such as Classroom Interactions (3), Knowing and Learning (3), Project Based Instruction (3), Student Teaching (6), and Special Topics Seminar (1). |
Major Hours & Major GPA
While completing all required courses, majors must also meet each of the following hour and grade-point average minimum standards:
Major Hours
Satisfied by 46 hours of major courses.
Major Hours in Residence
Satisfied by a minimum of 15 hours of KU resident credit in the major.
Major Junior/Senior Hours
Satisfied by a minimum of 34 hours from junior/senior courses (300+) in the major.
Major Junior/Senior Graduation GPA
Satisfied by a minimum of a 2.0 KU GPA in junior/senior courses (300+) in the major. GPA calculations include all junior/senior courses in the field of study including F’s and repeated courses. See the Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator.
Departmental Honors
Pursuit of departmental honors in Geology is by invitation from the Department of Geology honors coordinator.
Requirements include:
3.50 or higher KU geology-courses GPA at graduation.
Completion of at least 2 credit hours of GEOL 399.
Completion and successful defense of an honor's thesis.
Additional requirements and more information may be obtained from the Department of Geology honors coordinator and web site.