Bachelor of Arts in Geology

The B.A. degree is offered to those students who wish either a broader-based liberal arts degree or a broader multi-disciplinary science degree than is possible with the B. S. The B.A. degree is especially suited for future earth science teachers, environmental scientists, environmental lawyers, and others who wish to learn more about how the earth works. The degree fulfills major requirements for secondary school earth science teachers.

The Geology B.A. may be an excellent alternative for students who desire a technical degree that prepares them for the growing field of environmental geology and hydrology, but require less of the strenuous and time-consuming laboratory and field component of the Geology B.S. To this end, students should augment their Geology B.A. curriculum with courses in related sciences. The specific program of study should be designed after consultation with advisors in the Department of Geology and other science departments. Possible areas of emphasis include: Chemistry courses in Organic Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis, Mathematics courses through Differential Equations, Engineering Courses in Surveying, Geotechnics, and Fluid Mechanics, Biological Sciences courses in Ecology and Biochemistry, or classes in Health Physics.

Required Courses 

CHEM 121            General Chemistry I           5 cr
MATH 117            Algebra & Trigonometry        5 cr
GEOL 109            Physical Geology              3 cr
GEOL 110            Physical Geology Lab          1 cr
GEOL 112            Historical Geology            2 cr
GEOL 113            Historical Geology Lab        1 cr
GEOL 211            Mineralogy                    3 cr
GEOL 306            Environmental Geology         3 cr
GEOL 312            Lithology                     2 cr
GEOL 352            Sedimentation-Stratigraphy    4 cr
GEOL 421            Structural Geology            4 cr
GEOL 415            Quaternary Geology            4 cr
                    OR
GEOL 420            Principles of Geochemistry    3 cr
                    OR
GEOL 430            Principles of Hydrogeology    3 cr
GEOL 356            Geology of Southern Idaho     2 cr
                    OR
GEOL 358            Geology of North America      3 cr
TOTAL: 32 to 34 geology credits plus 6 to 8 other geology credits to
equal 40 credits. Note: Students who are considering a geology major should take GEOL 109
and GEOL 110 rather than GEOL 106 and GEOL 107. Students who have taken GEOL 106 and GEOL 107 and have decided to major in Geology must take GEOL 110, which is the prerequisite for many other courses in the geology major.

Minor in Geology

GEOL 106            General Geology               3 cr
                    OR
GEOL 109            Physical Geology              3 cr
GEOL 110            Physical Geology Lab          1 cr
GEOL 112            Historical Geology            2 cr
GEOL 113            Historical Geology Lab        1 cr
GEOL 211            Mineralogy                    3 cr
GEOL 306            Environmental Geology         3 cr
IN ADDITION         Geology electives approved
                    by the Department             10 cr
                                                  TOTAL: 
                                                  23 Geology credits
NOTE: GEOL 352 and 421 are recommended for those pursuing a Geology
minor.