Bachelor of Science in Geosciences

ASBOG (Geology License)
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About

In the Bachelor of Science in Geosciences, you’ll get the scientific background needed for graduate school or a career as a professional geologist. You’ll get a thorough understanding of geology and general chemistry. Pick your own degree by stacking certificates, or focus on a concentration in geology, or climate change and environmental justice. You’ll also choose from a variety of electives in general physics, introductory physics, or biology.

Concentrations

  • Geosciences: build your own geoscience degree
  • Professional Geology: apply skills for professional geology licensing and research
  • Climate Change & Environmental Justice: decipher human-environmental interactions

Academic Plan

For more information, please contact geosciences@ewu.edu or department Chair, Chad Pritchard at cpritchard@ewu.edu

Curriculum & Requirements

Geosciences Major, Bachelor of Science (BS)

There are three concentrations in the Geosciences BS: 1) Professional Geology concentration prepares students for the WA State Geology License exams as well as graduate school level research. 2) Climate Change and Environmental Justice prepares students to help study and support society in an ever changing world.  3) Geosciences is an option that allows students to best fit their interest by building a degree with a Geosciences advisor.  

Geoscientists study the Earth and our relationship to it by providing opportunities to observe natural processes in action. By applying knowledge of the forces that are constantly reshaping our planet, one can seek to reconstruct the past and anticipate the future. You can benefit society by understanding our planet and the life it sustains.  Employed in a wide spectrum of academic, industrial, and government positions, geoscientists can be found collecting samples from the moon, the ocean floor, and active lava flows. They discover and manage resources, consult on engineering and environmental issues, conduct research, teach, write, and use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to make positive change.

Career Opportunities can include:  Geotechnical and environmental fields, Hydrology, economic geology, GIS, energy companies, Governmental regulation and natural resource departments, and public health. 

Required Science Core: 15
PRECALCULUS MATH II
AND Choose any two of the following (CHEM 171 and CHEM 171L are required for the Professional Geology Concentration)
BIOLOGY I
GENERAL CHEMISTRY I
and GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I
GENERAL CHEMISTRY II
and GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II
PROGRAMMING PRINCIPLES I
CALCULUS I
CALCULUS I
GENERAL PHYSICS I
and MECHANICS LABORATORY
INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS I
Required Core30
THE EARTH'S INTERIOR
THE EARTH'S SURFACE
THE EARTH'S CLIMATE AND WEATHER
GLOBALIZATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS I: SPATIAL ANALYSIS FOR SOCIAL SCIENCES
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS I: SPATIAL ANALYSIS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
GEOSTATISTICS
WORKSHOP, SHORT COURSE, CONFERENCE, SEMINAR (variable title and credits)
Choose one of the following Concentrations and Capstone35 - 45
Please note that 60 credits of 300- or 400 level courses are required for graduation.
Geosciences—45 credits
In consultation of faculty advisor, take at least 45 credits (at least 35 must be taken at the 300 or 400 level, including capstone) of GEOS credit electives.
All GEOS courses are possible electives to satisfy this concentration
Professional Geology - 45 Credits
THE EARTH THROUGH TIME
EARTH MATERIALS
IGNEOUS AND METAMORPHIC PETROLOGY
SEDIMENTOLOGY AND STRATIGRAPHY
STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
FIELD METHODS AND REGIONAL GEOLOGY
Electives–choose at least three of the following courses
INVERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY
ADVANCED & APPLIED OPTICAL MINERALOGY
PRINCIPLES OF GEOCHEMISTRY
GROUNDWATER HYDROLOGY
ENGINEERING GEOLOGY OF SOILS: INTRODUCTION TO GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
Capstone
SENIOR CAPSTONE: GEOLOGY FIELD CAMP
Climate Change and Environmental Justice—45 credits
HOT EARTH: PEOPLE AND CLIMATE CHANGE
WORLD GEOGRAPHY
RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
RESOURCES AND MANAGEMENT
Electives–choose at least 10 additional approved GEOS credits at 300–level or above, or PLAN 376, PLAN 430, or PLAN 442
All GEOS courses are possible electives to satisfy this concentration–check with your advisor.
Capstone
THE GEOGRAPHER'S CAPSTONE
Total Credits80-90

Catalog Listing

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully earn a BS in Geosciences from EWU should be able to do the following:

  • demonstrate knowledge of human–environment interactions;
  • apply geoscience techniques to a complex problem;
  • produce a professionally formatted report that effectively communicates;
  • demonstrate advanced analytical skills in the geosciences in preparation for the professional job market or graduate studies.