More About GEOL BS/BA
More about Geology BS and BA
AOES offer both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Geology. These degree programs provide a foundational, yet rigorous, integrated curriculum for Geology majors. Both degree programs represent a long tradition of undergraduate geology education, and both teach higher-level critical thinking and develop skills essential to addressing Earth-science problems. The aims of the Geology BS and BA degree programs are to provide students with high-quality conceptual knowledge and hands-on training in the Earth sciences in preparation for careers within the earth-science field or graduate studies in Geology.
The Bachelor of Science in Geology degree is intended for students interested in studying the Earth and its processes. Students receive a broad background in the Earth sciences and select one of five specialty concentrations. The available Geology BS concentrations are: 1) Earth Surface Processes, 2) Environmental Geoscience, 3) Geology, 4) Paleontology and 5) Oceanography and Marine Science.
The Bachelor of Arts in Geology degree is similarly intended for students interested in studying the Earth and its processes, and like with the BS degree, students receive a broad background in the Earth sciences. BA degree students do not choose a concentration, but instead have more flexibility to select courses outside of the core science courses.
Compared to the BS degree, the BA degree requires less math, physics and chemistry and has a foreign language requirement.
Both BS and BA Geology Majors can conduct undergraduate research under the direction of an AOES faculty member.
Geology BS Concentrations
The concentrations in Earth Surface Processes, Environmental Geoscience, Geology, and Paleontology are solely offered by the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences. The concentration in Oceanography and Estuarine science is offered jointly with the Department of Environmental Science and Policy, where specific advising is also available.
Concentration in Earth Surface Processes (EP)
This concentration focuses on a broad understanding of the physical processes and natural materials found at or near the Earth's surface that have produced the primary landforms and landscapes observed today. Fundamental concepts, methods and techniques of landscape analysis are also examined.
Concentration in Environmental Geoscience (EVGS)
This concentration provides the tools for applying geologic information (on soils, rocks, water, weather, and landscapes) to contemporary environmental problems (including: pollution, waste management, resource extraction, natural hazards, land-use, habitat restoration, species preservation, and human health). Environmental geoscience studies the physical environment in which biological interactions take place, whereby aiding the understanding of ecology.
Concentration in Geology (GEOL)
This concentration is fashioned after traditional geology bachelor's degrees. It allows graduates to be employed as geologists in the field or to pursue graduate studies in geology.
Concentration in Oceanography and Estuarine Science (OEST)
This concentration provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of oceanography. Additional coursework in physical and chemical oceanography give insight into the aquatic environment and its link to both ecosystems and climate. Within the concentration, students can choose an Open Ocean or Coastal Ocean option. The curriculum will emphasize local and regional case studies, in particular the Chesapeake Bay. The program will provide students with the basic training required to allow them to obtain entry level positions in oceanographic and estuarine career tracks or an appropriate graduate degree program.
Concentration in Paleontology (PLEO)
This concentration focuses on a broad understanding of Earth's history and the evolution of life on Earth as revealed through the fossil record. Fundamental concepts, methods and techniques of historical geology and paleontological data and analysis are also examined. This concentration may not be taken in conjunction with the Paleontology Minor.