Major Requirements

Students must complete thirty six (36) credits of geology courses.  Twenty four (24) of the credits will be satisfied by these required classes: GEOL 111, Introductory Geology, GEOL 112, Evolution of the Earth, GEOL 301, Mineralogy, GEOL 302, Petrology, GEOL 311, Sedimentation and Stratigraphy, and GEOL 412, Structural Geology.  An additional twelve (12) credits must be selected from geology courses at the 200-level or higher.  With advisor approval, CHEM 331, Environmental Chemistry and CHEM 332, Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, may be substituted for up to four (4) of these credits.  Students with very strong academic records may apply to pursue an Honors Degree in Geology which requires a year-long research project culminating in a thesis defense.  Many career paths within the earth sciences, such as seismology, paleontology, petrology or tectonics, have their own requirements for additional coursework in math and science.  Students are strongly advised to consult with their advisor regarding additional suggested classes in calculus, biology, chemistry and physics. 

Mineralogy students visit a pegmatite mine in Amelia County, Virginia