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2015-2016 University Catalog
Earth Science, BS
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 Banner Code: SC-BS-ESCI
This program of study is offered by the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences in the College of Science .
This degree is intended for students interested in studying the Earth and its processes. Students receive a broad background in the Earth sciences and select one of five specialty concentrations. The concentrations in Earth science education, Earth surface processes, environmental geoscience, and geology are solely offered by the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences . The concentration in oceanography and estuarine science is offered jointly with the Department of Environmental Science and Policy , where specific advising is also available.
Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees including the Mason Core . In addition, students must complete the following coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.00. Through the coursework below, Earth science majors satisfy the Mason Core requirements in ‘Natural Science’ and ‘Quantitative Reasoning’.
GEOL 317 fulfills the writing intensive requirement for this major- with the exception of the environmental geoscience concentration, whereby GEOL 305 fulfills the writing intensive requirement.
This undergraduate program offers students the option of applying to the accelerated master’s degree program in Curriculum and Instruction (Secondary Education Earth Science Concentration) .
This has been designated a Green Leaf program. For further information, please visit Green Leaf Programs and Courses .
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32-33 Credits of Core Science and Mathematics
Choose one of the following options:
Concentrations (29-50 credits)
Each student must choose a concentration from: Earth science education, Earth surface processes, environmental geoscience, geology, or oceanography and estuarine science. For students who choose Earth science education, the option of teacher licensure is available with an additional 21 credits of coursework (outlined below). The credit requirements for each are noted below.
▲ Earth Science Education (ESE)
This concentration is for students intending to pursue secondary school teaching in earth science. Students are advised from both the geology faculty and the Graduate School of Education . The concentration requires 29 credits of coursework. An additional 21 credits can be earned in order to satisfy the optional teaching licensure requirement.
Choose 12 credits from the following:
* Prerequisite requires a grade of ‘C’ or better in GEOL 302 - Mineralogy
ESE Concentration Total: 29 credits
Optional Teacher Licensure Requirement (21 credits)
A grade of ‘C’ or better is required for all licensure coursework.
ESE Concentration with Licensure Total: 50 credits
▲ Earth Surface Processes (EP)
This concentration 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. Students choosing this concentration must complete the following coursework:
Choose 10-15 credits from the following courses:
* Prerequisite requires a grade of ‘C’ or better in GEOL 302 - Mineralogy
EP Concentration Total: 31-36 credits
▲ Environmental Geoscience (EVGS)
This concentration provides the tools for applying geologic information (on soils, rocks, water, weather, and landscapes) to contemporary environmental problems (including: pollution, waste management, resource extraction, natural hazards, land-use, habitat restoration, species preservation, and human health). Environmental geoscience studies the physical environment in which biological interactions take place, whereby aiding the understanding of ecology. Students choosing this concentration must complete the following coursework:
Choose 3 credits from the following:
Choose 3 credits from the following:
Choose 6-12 credits from the following:
EVGS Concentration Total: 35-41 credits
▲ Geology (GEOL)
This concentration is fashioned after traditional geology bachelor’s degrees. It allows graduates to be employed as geologists in the field or to pursue graduate studies in geology. Students choosing this concentration must complete the following coursework:
* Prerequisite requires a grade of ‘C’ or better in GEOL 302 - Mineralogy
GEOL Concentration Total: 34 credits
▲ Oceanography and Estuarine Science (OEST)
This concentration provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of oceanography. Additional coursework in physical and chemical oceanography give insight into the aquatic environment and its link to both ecosystems and climate. Within the concentration, students can choose an open ocean or coastal option. The curriculum will emphasize local and regional case studies, in particular the Chesapeake Bay. The program will provide students with the basic training required to allow them to obtain entry level positions in oceanographic and estuarine career tracks or an appropriate graduate degree program. Students choosing this concentration must complete the following coursework:
Choose one of the following 8-credit sequences:
Choose one of the following options:
OEST Concentration Total: 33-37 credits
Mason Core and Elective Credits (29-51 credits)
In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires additional credits (specific credit counts by concentration are shown below), which may be applied towards any remaining Mason Core requirements (outlined below), requirements for bachelor’s degrees , and elective courses. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.
- ESE concentration without Teacher Licensure: 50-51 credits
- ESE concentration with Teacher Licensure: 29-30 credits
- EP concentration: 43-49 credits
- EVGS concentration: 38-45 credits
- GEOL concentration: 45-46 credits
- OEST concentration: 42-47 credits
Mason Core
Please note that some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above.
Expand each item below for a link to specific course lists for each category:
Foundation Requirements (15-19 credits)
Core Requirements (22 credits)
Synthesis/Capstone Requirement (minimum 3 credits)
Degree Total: Minimum 120 credits
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