undergraduate Programs
Undergraduate Degrees: Earth Science, B.S. and Minor
Earth Science, B.S. [top]
This degree is intended for students interested in studying the earth and environment. Recognizing that these are integrated disciplines, students receive a broad background in the earth and environmental sciences and will select from four specialty concentrations.
Concentration in Earth Surface Processes
This track 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. Key required courses are Introduction to Geology II or Introduction to the Ecosphere II, Mineralogy, Soil Science, Computers in Geology, and Geomorphology, as well as three courses selected by the student from Sedimentary Geology, Environmental Geology, Hydrogeology, Coastal Morphology and Processes, Geochemistry, or Geophysics.
Concentration in Environmental Science
This subdiscipline integrates the physical elements of earth science into the broader field of environmental science through classes in ecology of natural systems and human interactions with the environment. This provides students with a scientifically grounded, interdisciplinary degree. Key required courses are Introduction to the Ecosphere II, General Ecology, Applied Ecology, Human Dimensions of the Environment, Environmental Geology, and Soil Science, as well as two courses selected by the student from Plant Communities, Marine Ecology, or Aquatic Ecology.
Concentration in Geology
The Geology Concentration in fashioned after traditional Geology bachelor's degrees. It allows graduates to be employed as geologists in the field or pursue graduate studies in geology. Required courses are Introductory Geology II, Mineralogy, Sedimentary Geology, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Geomorphology, Structural Geology, and Geological Field Mapping.
Concentration in Earth Science Education
This track is for students intending to pursue secondary school teaching in Earth Science. Key required courses are Introductory Astronomy, Introductory Geology II, Introduction to Teaching, Teaching Science in the Secondary School, Mineralogy, and GEOL 408 and 409 (Teaching Practicum), as well as two courses selected by the student from Sedimentary Geology, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Paleontology, Geomorphology.
Benefits
Graduates of the B.S. in Earth Science program will be suited for graduate school in the broad fields of earth science and environmental science, or specific earth sciences such as geology, oceanography, hydrology, and atmospheric science. Graduates of the program will also find job opportunities in government, industry, and non-profit organizations. Government agencies include the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Minerals Management Agency, the Bureau of Land Management, and the National Park Service, among others. Many of our graduates will find employment with local environmental and engineering consulting companies. In addition, a few of our students will find employment and internships with non-profit organizations such as the Nature Conservancy. Locally and nationally, these are growing fields of employment.
Inquiries
Inquiries about the Earth Science, B.S. and Minor or Honors Program should be directed to Dr. Julia Nord, Undergraduate Coordinator, Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences.
Environmental Science Checklist for Undergraduates
Download the requirements checklist (.pdf)
Degree Requirements
In addition to university-wide general education requirements students must complete the following course work with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Through the course work below, earth science majors satisfy the university and college requirements in natural science and quantitative reasoning.
40 credits in core science and mathematics, including:
CHEM 211, 212
GEOG 309
GEOL 101, 309 (BIOL 309), 406
MATH 113, 114
PHYS 160, 260, 261 or 243, 244, 245, 246
STAT 25034 to 35 credits in one of the following concentrations:
Earth Surface Processes: GEOL 102 OR EVPP 110; GEOL 302, 303, 306, 316 or CS 112**, GEOL 317; and four of the following: GEOL 304*, 305, 313, 315, 363, 403, 417; GEOG 311, 412, 416
Environmental Science: BIOL 307; EVPP 110, 111, 336, 377; GEOL 303, 305, 306; and two of the following: BIOL 345, 449; EVPP 350, 363
Geology: GEOL 102, 302, 304*, 308*, 312, 317, 401, 404***
Earth Science Education: ASTR 111 or 112; EDCI 573; EDUC 522; GEOL 102, 302, 303, 408, 409; and three of the following: EVPP 110; GEOL 304, 308, 312, 317, 363, 401. Optional teacher licensure component: EDCI 673, 790; EDUC 672; EDRD 619
* Requires C or better in GEOL 302
** Satisfies general education information technology requirement
*** Not offered on a regular basis; 6-credit geology field camp recommended as substitute.
Writing-Intensive Requirement
Mason requires all students to complete at least one course designated as writing intensive in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in geology or earth science fulfill this requirement by successfully completing GEOL 317. Students in the environmental science concentration satisfy this requirement by taking BIOL 307.
Earth Science, Minor [top]
To receive this minor, students must successfully complete 18 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.00 to include GEOL 101 and 309, GEOG 309, and 8 credits of geology electives. For policies governing all minors, see the University Academic Policies.
Benefits
From a spacecraft we can view our Earth as a small, rocky planet, bathed in a film of white clouds with much of its surface covered in a layer of blue water. The Earth is unique. It is large enough to retain an atmosphere and the only planet in the Solar System where water exists as solid, liquid or gas. The Earth's outer crust is active, and we experience this as Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere (rocks and minerals) constantly interact with each other and the biosphere. The combination of these unique characteristics allows life as we know it to exist only on the Earth.
A minor in Earth Science reflects this present day awareness of how the whole Earth acts as a constantly changing dynamic system. Key courses are Meteorology (climate and atmosphere), Oceanography (oceans and currents) and Physical Geology (continents, ocean floor and the Earth's interior). Together with eight elective credits, students taking this minor will appreciate the Earth from a global perspective it's finite resources and the complexities of the planet on which we live.
Inquiries
Inquiries about the Geology, Minor should be directed to Dr. Julia Nord, Undergraduate Coordinator, Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences.
Honors Program for Earth Science and Geology [top]
Earth science and geology majors who have completed 16 credits of math and science including GEOL 302 or BIOL 307, with a GPA of 3.00 or higher, are eligible to enter the departmental honors program. Transfer students who have an incoming GPA of 3.10 or higher in math and science, and a B or better in GEOL 302 or BIOL 307, are also eligible. To graduate with honors in Earth science or geology, students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 in math and science, and complete the following courses with an average GPA of 3.50 or better: GEOL 406, 410, and 411.
Inquiries
Inquiries about the Honors Program for Geology should be directed to Dr. Julia Nord, Undergraduate Coordinator, Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences.