Environmental Geoscience, Bachelor of Science (BS) - Concentration in Geology
The environmental geoscience (BS) concentration in geology focuses on providing students with a scientific understanding of the Earth and surrounding environment. The student in geology gains an understanding of the various terrestrial processes and features (mountains, oceans, volcanoes, glaciers); the immenseness of geologic time, the history of the earth and organisms that inhabit it (fossils); the role of water, fuel, and mineral resources in the development of civilization; and the close interaction between the geologic and organic environments.
Demand for the professional geologist comes from the needs of engineering, hydrogeologic and environmental firms; geological surveys; oil, gas and mining companies; state and national parks; museums; conservation agencies; planning commissions; and teaching institutions. A student who completes a bachelor of science in geology will have the basis for entry to graduate schools or for employment as a geologist.
Candidates completing this program are eligible to sit for the two-part Association State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) examination required for a Professional Geologist license in Pennsylvania. The first examination, Fundamentals of Geology, can be taken upon graduation. The second examination, Principles and Practices of Geology, can be taken after working for five years. Regulations for licensing vary by state and you are urged to check with the licensing board in the state you will be working.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Outcome 1 (EGEO): Each graduate shall develop general knowledge and understanding of the composition, history, and structure of the planet, and of the physical, chemical, and biological processes involved in the interactions between the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere.
- Each graduate will demonstrate an understanding of plate tectonic theory and be able to describe how it operates
- Each graduate will demonstrate an understanding of the geologic time scale and the timing of major events in Earth history
- Each graduate will demonstrate the ability to characterize and identify important rocks and minerals, and to interpret the processes by which they formed
- Each graduate will demonstrate an understanding of the history, causes, and effects of global climate change
- Each graduate will demonstrate an understanding of evolutionary theory and its evidence in the fossil record
- Each graduate will demonstrate an understanding of the internal structure of Earth
- Each graduate will be able to explain the fundamental principles of the hydrologic cycle
Geology, Geology, and the Environment, Overall
- Outcome 1: Each graduate will develop strong written and oral communication skills, demonstrate the ability to work in a collaborative environment, and exhibit professional attitudes and behavior.
- Each graduate will deliver oral presentations, demonstrating the ability to effectively communicate discipline-specific concepts
- Each graduate will write scholarly papers using acceptable format and organization with proper citations to appropriate literature.
- Each graduate will actively participate in collaborative projects and in academic field trips
- Each graduate will demonstrate professionalism and integrity in his/her academic conduct
- Each graduate shall develop the ability to respect and integrate diverse worldviews in problem-solving frameworks
- Outcome 2: Each graduate shall possess and apply critical thinking and problem solving skills.
- Each graduate will demonstrate the ability to develop valid research questions and hypotheses
- Each graduate will demonstrate the ability to apply proper techniques for data acquisition and interpretation in a problem-solving context
- Each graduate will demonstrate the ability to solve open-ended problems using scientific methodology
- Each graduate will develop the ability to make informed, scientifically-based decisions regarding environmental issues
- Outcome 3: Each graduate shall develop skills in quantitative, qualitative, technological, laboratory, and field procedures.
- Each graduate will learn and employ accepted laboratory and field techniques, protocols, and safety procedures
- Each graduate will learn to read, construct, and comprehend thematic maps and derive perspective output from a map
- Each graduate will demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge, concepts and techniques from complementary disciplines to solve problems
Related Links
Curriculum Guide
GPA Requirement
Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher
Summary*
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Studies 2 Requirements | 45 | |
| Other Basic Requirements | 0-3 | |
| Major/Concentration Requirements | 48 | |
| Natural Science and Math College-Wide Requirement | 9 | |
| Electives | 18 | |
* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits. Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.
Rock Studies 2 Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The Rock | ||
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| MATH 225 | Calculus I | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| Subtotal | 16 | |
| Integrated Inquiry | ||
| Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Humanities Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Social Science Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences Inquiry | ||
| CHEM 107 & CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab 2 | 4 |
| Physical Science Inquiry | ||
| PHYS 216 | University Physics 1 with Lab 2 | 4 |
| Subtotal | 17 | |
| Thematic Thread | ||
| Select 12 Credits 3 | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 45 | |
- 1
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.
- 2
Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA
- 3
One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.
Basic Math Requirement
Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one of the following: | 0-3 | |
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR | ||
| Beginning Algebra | ||
| Total Hours | 0-3 | |
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT
Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation. Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career.
Major/Concentration Requirements
- 29 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
- 29 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Geoscience Core | ||
| EGEO 131 | Oceanography | 3 |
| GES 115 | Introduction to Geospatial Technologies | 3 |
| GES 220 | General Methods of Fieldwork | 3 |
| GES 325 | Introduction to Geographic Information Science | 3 |
| Capstone | 3 | |
| Science, Technology and the Environment | ||
| Internship | ||
| Field Camp | ||
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Geology Core Program Requirements | ||
| EGEO 201 | Earth Materials and Processes/Lab | 4 |
| EGEO 202 | Earth History/Lab | 4 |
| EGEO 327 | Structural Geology | 4 |
| EGEO 360 | Introduction to Hydrology/Lab | 3 |
| EGEO 341 | Geomorphology/Lab | 3 |
| EGEO 353 | ||
| EGEO 362 | Stratigraphy/Lab | 4 |
| Subtotal | 22 | |
| Electives | ||
| Select six credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Paleontology/Lab | ||
| Plate Tectonics | ||
| Glacial Geology/Lab | ||
| Introduction to Geophysics/Lab | ||
| Geochemistry/Lab | ||
| Hydrogeology | ||
| Field Investigations in the Geosciences | ||
| Introduction to UAS for Remote Sensing and Monitoring | ||
| Remote Sensing | ||
| Advanced Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Environmental Modeling | ||
| Environmental Engineering * | ||
| Geotechnical Engineering * | ||
| Water Resources Engineering * | ||
| Storm Water Management * | ||
| Mechanics of Materials * | ||
| Petrophysics * | ||
| Subtotal | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 43 | |
- *
Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.
Required Related Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| These credits do not count towards the major | ||
| CHEM 108 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 112 | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| Total Hours | 4 | |
Natural Science & Math College-Wide Requirement
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 107 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| MATH 225 | Calculus I | 4 |
| PHYS 216 | University Physics 1 with Lab | 4 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Co-curricular and Experiential Learning
Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:
- International study programs (short-term, semester, and year-long)
- Student-faculty research
- Service-learning classes
- Internships
- Volunteering
Important Curriculum Guide Notes
This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.
PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOSCIENCE - BS (6124)
Concentration in Geology (GEOL)
This program is effective as of Fall 2020
Revised 12.06.2021
UCC 10.26.2021
Recommended Four-Year Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| EGEO 131 | Oceanography | 3 |
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| ESAP 101 | FYRST Seminar * | 1 |
| Creative & Aesthetic Inquiry | 3 | |
| Humanities Inquiry | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| EGEO 201 | Earth Materials and Processes/Lab | 4 |
| Social Science Inquiry | 3 | |
| MATH 125 | Precalculus | 4 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| EGEO 202 | Earth History/Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 107 & CHEM 111 |
General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab |
4 |
| MATH 225 | Calculus I | 4 |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Declare a Thematic Thread 2 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| CHEM 108 & CHEM 112 |
General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab |
4 |
| MATH 230 | Calculus II | 4 |
| EGEO 203 | Quantitative Methods | 3 |
| EGEO 272 | Introduction to Georeports/Lab | 1 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| EGEO 360 | Introduction to Hydrology/Lab | 3 |
| EGEO 362 | Stratigraphy/Lab | 4 |
| PHYS 211 | General Physics I with Lab | 4 |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Major Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| EGEO 303 | Paleontology/Lab | 4 |
| EGEO 341 | Geomorphology/Lab | 3 |
| PHYS 213 | General Physics III/ Lab | 4 |
| Thematic Thread Requirement (Upper Level) | 3 | |
| Major elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| GES 325 | Introduction to Geographic Information Science | 3 |
| EGEO 351 | Mineralogy/Lab | 4 |
| EGEO 327 | Structural Geology | 4 |
| Major Elective | 3 | |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| GES 410 | Remote Sensing | 3 |
| EGEO 352 | Petrology/Lab | 4 |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Major elective | 3 | |
| Field Camp (summer) | 0-4 | |
| Hours | 13-17 | |
| Total Hours** | 127-131 | |
- 1
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject
- 2
Work with your Academic Adviser to declare a Thematic Thread by the end of your fall semester in your second year.
- *
Students are encouraged to take ESAP 101 as a Free Elective.
Major Code: 6124
Concentration: GEOL
Revised: 08.27.2021