Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Geology, BA
What is the Study of Geology?
A Geoscientist is someone who studies the Earth’s physical makeup and history. Geology is the science that provides the key to finding new sources of useful Earth materials and to understanding Earth processes that affect our lives. Geoscientists provide basic information to society for solving problems and establishing policy for resource management, environmental protection, public health, safety and welfare.
Geoscientists are curious about the Earth. How was it formed? How is it changing? What effects will shrinking glaciers have on the oceans and climate? How do islands form? What makes a continent move? Why did the dinosaurs become extinct? What makes a mountain?
Geoscientists are concerned about the Earth. Is there a global warming trend? How and where should we dispose industrial wastes? How can we fill society’s growing demands for energy and conserve natural resources for future generations?
Geoscientists enjoy the Earth. It is an outdoor laboratory filled with opportunities to observe Earth processes in action. By applying knowledge of forces that shape the Earth, Geoscientists seek to reconstruct the past and anticipate the future.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
Do you like to know why and how things work? Do you enjoy the outdoors? Are you concerned about the environment? Are you interested in travel? Do you like to analyze things? Are science and nature among your favorite subjects? Have you ever wondered why the Earth appears as it does? If you answer “yes” to most of these questions the geosciences could offer a good career for you.
The BA degree in geology is designed for students who want to study geology, but who are not intending to work as professional geologists. This degree is appropriate for someone interested in pursuing a liberal arts education with a less rigorous course of study in geology and supporting sciences than students in the BS degree. Thus students are allowed more flexibility for additional courses that complement their goals.
An accompanying minor in one of the sciences or in mathematics is recommended.
How to Declare:
Pre-Major: Available. Contact the department for further information.
You may declare your Geology major upon completion of GEOL 211. Come to the Geology Office, ES 240, to declare your major. You will be assigned a Geology faculty advisor at that time.
Coursework
CORE REQUIREMENTS:
- CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I
- Choose one of the following:
- GEOL 211 - Physical Geology
- OR
- GEOL 101 - Introduction to Geology
- and
- GEOL 211A - Physical Geology Review
- OR
- SCED 202 - Matter and Energy in Earth Systems
- and
- GEOL 211A - Physical Geology Review
- GEOL 211 - Physical Geology
- GEOL 212 - Historical Geology
- GEOL 213 - GIS in Geology
- GEOL 306 - Mineralogy
- GEOL 310 - Geomorphology
- GEOL 318 - Structural Geology
- GEOL 406 - Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
- MATH 124 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
- 15 credits under advisement from geology courses 200 level and above
- Choose either:
- PHYS 114 - Principles of Physics I
- PHYS 115 - Principles of Physics II
- or
- PHYS 121 - Physics With Calculus I
- PHYS 122 - Physics With Calculus II
- (preferred and required for graduate programs)
- 10 additional credits selected from:
- MATH 125 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
- MATH 240 - Introduction to Statistics
- CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II
- CHEM 123 - General Chemistry III
- BIOL 204 - Introduction to Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity
Departmental Honors and Distinctions
BA or BS students and students in the University Honors program who have completed at least 4 credits of GEOL 490 and have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher meet the requirements for departmental honors. Those students who have completed at least 4 credits of GEOL 490 and have a cumulative GPA higher than 3.20 meet the requirements for departmental distinction.
GURs:
The courses below satisfy GUR requirements and may also be used to fulfill major requirements.
- QSR: MATH 124, 125, 240
- LSCI: BIO 204; CHEM 121, 122, 123; GEOL 101, 211, 212;
- PHYS: 115, 161, 162; SCED 202
- SCI: PHYS 114
Sample Careers
- U.S. Geological Survey
- Department of Natural Resources
- Oil and Mining companies
- NASA
- U.S. Forest Service
- U.S Army Corps of Engineers
- Explorations Geologist
- Museum Curator
- Climate Change Scientist
- Earthquake or Volcano Monitor
- Engineering Geologist
Department
Contact
Department Chair
Bernie Housen
ES 240A, 360-650-3581
Bernie.Housen@wwu.edu
Undergraduate Advisor
Vicki Critchlow
ES 240, 360-650-3582
critch@geol.wwu.edu