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 and Trigonometry	5 cr 
GEOL 109	Physical Geology		3 cr 
GEOL 110	Physical Geology Laboratory	1 cr
GEOL 112	Historical Geology		2 cr 
GEOL 113	Historical Geology Laboratory	1 cr
GEOL 211	Mineralogy			3 cr 
GEOL g306	Environmental Geology		3 cr 
GEOL 312	Lithology			2 cr 
GEOL 352	Sedimentation-Stratigraphy	4 cr
GEOL 421	Structural Geology		4 cr 
GEOL g415	Quaternary Geology		4 cr 
		OR 
GEOL g420	Principles of Geochemistry	3 cr
		OR 
GEOL g430	Principles of Hydrogeology	3 cr
GEOL g356	Geology of Southern Idaho	2 cr
		OR 
GEOL g358	Geology of North America	3 cr
TOTAL: 36 to 38 geology credits plus 2 to 4 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 Laboratory	1 cr
GEOL 112	Historical Geology		2 cr 
GEOL 113	Historical Geology Laboratory	1 cr
GEOL 211	Mineralogy			3 cr 
GEOL g306	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.