Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Geology—Geophysics Concentration, BS
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.
This option will prepare students to apply various geophysical techniques to the study of the Earth. Completion of this concentration will prepare students for careers in environmental geophysics or graduate work in geotectonics and other quantitative aspects of Earth Science. This program is recommended for students who are preparing to become professional geologists and intend to enter industry or enroll in a graduate program upon completion of the degree.
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.
Advising Tips: Students intending to pursue graduate study are strongly advised to take Math 224 or 204, PHYS 123 and other science support courses appropriate to the specialty.
Coursework
Core Program
- CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I
- CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II
- CHEM 123 - General Chemistry III
- Choose one of the following options:
- 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 352 - Introduction to Geophysics
- GEOL 406 - Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
- GEOL 409 - Field Methods and Theory
- GEOL 410 - Geologic Mapping
- GEOL 415 - Stratigraphy and Sedimentation
- PHYS 161 - Physics with Calculus I
- PHYS 162 - Physics with Calculus II
- Choose either:
- MATH 124 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
- MATH 125 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
- OR
- MATH 134 - Calculus I Honors
- MATH 135 - Calculus II Honors
- OR
- MATH 138 - Accelerated Calculus
Geology Concentration Courses
- GEOL 452 - Applied Geophysics
- Take two from:
- GEOL 430 - Image Interpretation
- GEOL 432 - Ore Deposits
- GEOL 450 - Advanced Topics in Structural Geology
- GEOL 451 - Active Tectonics Seminar
- GEOL 453 - Plate Tectonics
- GEOL 454 - Magnetic Fabrics and Geologic Processes
- GEOL 455 - Climate-Related Geologic Hazards
- GEOL 456 - Principles of Orogeny Seminar
- GEOL 457 - Practical Paleomagnetism
- GEOL 463 - Introduction to Seismology
- GEOL 464 - Mantle Processes
- GEOL 470 - Landslides and Slope Stability
- GEOL 472 - Surface Water Hydrology
- GEOL 473 - Hydrogeology
- Take two from:
- ASTR 315 - The Solar System
- MATH 203 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equations I
- MATH 204 - Elementary Linear Algebra
- MATH 224 - Multivariable Calculus and Geometry I
- MATH 225 - Multivariable Calculus and Geometry II
- MATH 303 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equations II
- MATH 304 - Linear Algebra
- MATH 331 - Ordinary Differential Equations
- PHYS 163 - Physics with Calculus III
- PHYS 226 - Physics with Calculus IV
- PHYS 363 - Classical Mechanics
Departmental Honors
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, 134, 135, 138
- LSCI: CHEM 121, 122, 123; GEOL 101, 211, 212; PHYS: 161, 162; SCED 202
Notable Alumni
Sample Careers
- U.S. Geological Survey
- Department of Natural Resources
- Oil Exploration
- Mining Geologist
- NASA
- U.S. Forest Service
- 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