2015-2016 University Catalog

Geology, BA

Banner Code: SC-BA-GEOL

This program of study is offered by the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences in the College of Science .

Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees including the Mason Core . Students in the Geology, BA must also complete additional College of Science Bachelor of Arts requirements .

Candidates for a degree in geology must complete the following with a minimum GPA of 2.50, and through the coursework below will satisfy the Mason Core requirements in ‘Natural Science’ and ‘Quantitative Reasoning’. GEOL 317 fulfills the writing intensive requirement for this major.

This has been designated a Green Leaf program. For further information, please visit Green Leaf Programs and Courses .

Degree Requirements

Geology Core (38 credits)

GEOL 101 - Introductory Geology I Credits: 4 (Mason Core: Natural Science course)
GEOL 102 - Introductory Geology II Credits: 4 (Mason Core: Natural Science course)
GEOL 302 - Mineralogy Credits: 4
GEOL 304 - Sedimentary Geology Credits: 4 *
GEOL 308 - Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology Credits: 4 *
GEOL 312 - Invertebrate Paleontology Credits: 4
GEOL 317 - Geomorphology Credits: 4 (fulfills writing intensive requirement)
GEOL 401 - Structural Geology Credits: 4
GEOL 404 - Geological Field Techniques Credits: 1-6 (6 credits required. A 6-credit geology field camp may be substituted for this requirement, see advisor for details)

Note

* Students must achieve a grade of ‘C’ or better in GEOL 302 before taking GEOL 304 or GEOL 308 .

Chemistry (4 credits)

CHEM 211 - General Chemistry Credits: 4 (Mason Core: Natural Science course)

Physics (4 credits)

Choose from one of the following Mason Core: Natural Science sequences:

PHYS 243 - College Physics Credits: 3
PHYS 244 - College Physics Lab Credits: 1
Or
PHYS 160 - University Physics I Credits: 3
PHYS 161 - University Physics I Laboratory Credits: 1

Mathematics (3-4 credits)

Choose one from the following Mason Core: Quantitative Reasoning courses:

MATH 110 - Introductory Probability Credits: 3
MATH 111 - Linear Mathematical Modeling Credits: 3
MATH 113 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus I Credits: 4

Computer Science (3 credits)

GGS 311 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Credits: 3

Program Courses (9 credits)

Students must take 9 credits of degree-related coursework in a coherent program designed in coordination with advisor and approved by department chair.

Core Coursework Total: 61-62 credits

Mason Core and Elective Credits (58-59 credits)

In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires an additional 58-59 credits, which may be applied towards any remaining Mason Core requirements (outlined below), requirements for bachelor’s degrees , College of Science Bachelor of Arts requirements , and elective courses. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.

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)

Mason Core USYN - Synthesis/Capstone Credits: minimum 3

Degree Total: Minimum 120 credits

Print-Friendly Page

Find Your Area of Study

Find Yourself at Mason

Virginia’s Largest Public Research University