At which campus can I study this program?
Begin Campus
Any Penn State Campus
End Campus
University Park
Program Description
The geosciences are concerned with understanding Earth processes and the evolutionary history of the Earth. Geoscientists work to discover and develop natural resources such as groundwater, metals, and energy sources; to solve technology-generated environmental problems such as acid mine drainage and waste disposal; to predict geological events, such as the occurrence of earthquakes and volcanism; and to solve fundamental questions concerning the origin and evolution of Earth and life. Our degree programs stress data collection; investigation, analysis, and synthesis of information related to complex natural problems; and rigor of thought and clarity of oral and written expression. The B.S. provides a broad foundation in the physical and natural sciences for students who seek immediate employment or post-graduate education in several areas of the geosciences. Examples of careers include the petroleum and mining industries; local or federal resource management; water resources, treatment and management; energy and environmental industries; and academia. A senior thesis involving independent research is required of all students.
General Option
This option is designed to provide sufficient flexibility so that the student has the opportunity to prepare for graduate school by focusing on specialized areas in the geosciences. The option's flexibility also permits students to develop a broad background in the geosciences in preparation for postgraduate majors that require breadth, such as environmental law.
Hydrogeology Option
This option helps prepare the student for entry-level positions in environmental agencies and firms where a specialized knowledge of groundwater and related areas is required. The option is also appropriate for students wishing to pursue an advanced degree in the area of hydrogeology.
What is Geosciences?
Geoscientists want to know more about the big picture of Earth and why it exists the way it does today. They investigate natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanoes, they explore life in extreme environments such as hydrothermal vents or in far-removed caves, and they examine processes such as water treatment and carbon cycling. This work involves understanding how geology, chemistry, physics, and biology intersect, both today and throughout the Earth's history. Geoscientists piece together a picture of both Earth's past environments and life throughout time. This work can involve field work, laboratory work, or a combination. Ultimately, geoscientists seek to understand how our Earth developed into the way it is today, which can help us understand what we can expect in the Earth's future.
You Might Like This Program If...
- You are fascinated by volcanoes, earthquakes, rocks, glaciers, climate change, fossils, tectonic plates, or the evolution of life.
- You like big picture thinking and want to explore Earth’s developmental processes.
- You like applying basic science skills to explore the natural world.
- You enjoy working in nature or a laboratory (not all geosciences is outdoors!).
- You are analytical and like to piece together clues to paint a picture of the planet's past.
Entrance to Major
In addition to the minimum grade point average (GPA) requirements described in the University Policies, the Geosciences entrance-to-major requirement must also be completed with a minimum grade of C: MATH 140.
Degree Requirements
For the Bachelor of Science degree in Geosciences, a minimum of 121 credits is required:
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education | 45 |
| Requirements for the Major | 97 |
General Education
Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.
The keystone symbol 
appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.
Foundations (grade of C or better is required.)
- Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
Knowledge Domains
- Arts (GA): 6 credits
- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 6 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences(GS): 6 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 9 credits
Integrative Studies (may also complete a Knowledge Domain requirement)
- Inter-Domain or Approved Linked Courses: 6 credits
21 of these 45 credits are included in the Requirements for the Major.
University Degree Requirements
First Year Engagement
All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.
Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.
First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.
Cultures Requirement
6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements
- United States Cultures: 3 credits
- International Cultures: 3 credits
Writing Across the Curriculum
3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.
Total Minimum Credits
A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.
Quality of Work
Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.
Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition
The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.
Requirements for the Major
This includes 21 credits of General Education courses: 9 credits of GN courses, 6 credits of GQ courses, 6 credits of GWS courses.
To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.
Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| BIOL 110 | Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity | 4 |
| EMSC 100S | Earth and Mineral Sciences First-Year Seminar 1 | 3 |
| MATH 141 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | 4 |
| CHEM 110 | Chemical Principles I | 3 |
| CHEM 111 | Experimental Chemistry I | 1 |
| CHEM 112 | Chemical Principles II | 3 |
| CHEM 113 | Experimental Chemistry II | 1 |
| PHYS 211 | General Physics: Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 213 | General Physics: Fluids and Thermal Physics | 2 |
| GEOSC 1 | Physical Geology 2 | 3 |
| GEOSC 204 | Geobiology | 4 |
| GEOSC 472A | Field Geology I (Introduction to Field Methods | 3 |
| GEOSC 472B | Field Geology II (Advanced Field Methods) | 3 |
| GEOSC 494W | Senior Thesis | 3 |
| GEOSC 496 | Independent Studies | 1 |
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| MATH 140 | Calculus With Analytic Geometry I | 4 |
| GEOSC 201 | Earth Materials | 4 |
| GEOSC 202 | Chemical Processes in Geology | 4 |
| GEOSC 203 | Physical Processes in Geology | 4 |
| GEOSC 310 | Earth History | 4 |
| GEOSC 465 | Structural Geology | 4 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| ENGL 15 | Rhetoric and Composition | 3 |
| or ENGL 30 | Honors Freshman Composition | |
| Requirements for the Option | ||
| Select an option | 28 | |
| 1 | The following substitutions are allowed for students attending campuses where the indicated course is not offered: CAS 100 or ENGL 202C can be substituted for EMSC 100S. |
| 2 |
Requirements for the Option
General Option (28 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Courses | ||
| Select 14 credits of the following 300- and 400-level GEOSC courses: | 14 | |
| Introduction to Environmental Geology | ||
| Geomorphology | ||
| Natural Disasters | ||
| Stable and Radioactive Isotopes in Geosciences: Introduction | ||
| Vertebrate Paleontology | ||
| Paleontology and Fossils | ||
| Volcanology | ||
| Principles of Stratigraphy | ||
| Marine Geology | ||
| Natural Resources: Origins, Economics and Environmental Impact | ||
| Hydrogeology | ||
| Geology of Oil and Gas | ||
| Introduction to Field Geology | ||
| Dynamics of the Earth | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Select at least 2 credits in physics from approved departmental list | 2 | |
| Select 3 credits of computer science, mathematics1, or statistics | 3 | |
| Select 9 credits, in consultation with adviser, supportive of the student's interest (students may apply 6 credits of ROTC) | 9 | |
| 1 | Above the level of MATH 141 |
Hydrogeology Option (28 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| GEOSC 452 | Hydrogeology | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Programming for Engineers with C++ | ||
CMPSC 202 | ||
| Introduction to Spreadsheets and Databases | ||
| Introduction to Biostatistics 1 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Soil and Water Resource Management | ||
| Wetland Conservation | ||
| Introductory Soil Science | ||
| Select 9 credits from options A and B, with at least 3 credits from A and 3 credits from B: | 9 | |
Option A | ||
| Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I | ||
| Physical Chemistry - Thermodynamics | ||
| Transformation of Pollutants in Soils | ||
| Techniques in Environmental Geochemistry | ||
| The Organic Geochemistry of Natural Waters and Sediments | ||
Option B | ||
| Contaminant Hydrology | ||
| Image Analysis | ||
| Geomorphology | ||
| Principles of Stratigraphy | ||
| Geology of Oil and Gas | ||
| Environmental Geophysics | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Select at least 2 credits in Physics from approved departmental list | 2 | |
| Select 8 credits, in consultation with advisor, supportive of the student's interest (students may apply 6 credits of ROTC) | 8 | |
| 1 |
Integrated B.S./M.S. Program in Geosciences
The Department of Geosciences offers an integrated B.S./M.S. Program that is designed to allow academically superior students to obtain both the B.S. and the M.S. degree in Geosciences within 5 years of study. Students who wish to complete the Integrated B.S./M.S. Program in Geosciences must apply for admission to the Graduate School and the Integrated B.S/M.S. program by the end of their junior year.
During the first three years, the student follows the course scheduling of one of the options in Geosciences; however, if a student intends to enter the Integrated B.S./M.S. program, he/she would be encouraged to take, wherever appropriate, upper level classes. By the end of the junior year, the student normally would apply for admission to the program. A decision of acceptance would be made prior to the beginning of the senior year and a M.S. Advising Committee appointed. During the senior year, the student would follow the scheduling of the B.S. Geosciences option he/she has selected, with an emphasis on completing 500-level coursework wherever appropriate. In place of the Senior Thesis, the student will complete a M.S. Thesis.
During the fifth year the student will take courses fulfilling the departmental M.S. degree requirements and complete the M.S. Thesis.
Admissions Requirements
Students who wish to complete the Integrated B.S./M.S. Program in Geosciences must apply for admission to the Graduate School and the Integrated B.S./M.S. program by the end of their junior year. Typical tests scores of students admitted to the Geosciences Graduate Program are: GPA 3.5, and GRE's Verbal 570 and Quantitative 700. Three letters of recommendation by faculty members for admission to graduate studies are required. The applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee of the Geosciences Graduate Program and acted upon by the Associate Head for Graduate Programs.
The details of the program requirements can be found in the Graduate Degree Programs Bulletin.
Program Learning Objectives
- To produce graduates who possess a broad understanding of the origin and evolution of the Earth, including the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere.
- To produce graduates who can apply knowledge of the mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology of Earth processes to the solution of geologic problems.
- To produce graduates who can interpret Earth’s history and dynamics by observing and measuring minerals, rocks, fluids, fossils, landforms, and structures.
- To produce graduates who possess the ability to pose questions, collect and interpret data, and solve geologic problems, communicating the results of this scientific inquiry through writing and speaking.
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university’s academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee’s unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information need to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
University Park
Jacob Hoover
Undergraduate Program Coordinator
542 Deike Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-7791
undergrad@geosc.psu.edu
Suggested Academic Plan
General Option at University Park Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| MATH 140 or 140G (GQ)*‡#† | 4 | MATH 141 or 141G (GQ)‡† | 4 | ||
| CHEM 110 (GN)† | 3 | CHEM 112 | 3 | ||
| CHEM 111 (GN)† | 1 | CHEM 113 | 1 | ||
| GEOSC 1 | 3 | GEOSC 201* | 4 | ||
| EMSC 100S (GWS)‡†1 | 3 | ENGL 15, 30, or ESL 15 (GWS)‡† | 3 | ||
| 14 | 15 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| PHYS 211 (GN)† | 4 | PHYS 212 or 213 and 214 | 4 | ||
| GEOSC 202* | 4 | GEOSC 310* | 4 | ||
| BIOL 110 (GN)† | 4 | General Education knowledge domain | 3 | ||
| General Education knowledge domain | 3 | General Education Health and Wellness (GHW) | 1.5 | ||
| General Education Health and Wellness (GHW) | 1.5 | Advanced MATH/CMPSC/STAT selection2 | 3 | ||
| 16.5 | 15.5 | ||||
| Third Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| GEOSC 203* | 4 | GEOSC 465* | 4 | GEOSC 472A | 3 |
| Advanced GEOSC elective3 | 3 | GEOSC 204 | 4 | GEOSC 472B | 3 |
| Supporting Course4 | 3 | Advanced GEOSC elective3 | 3 | ||
| General Education knowledge domain | 3 | General Education knowledge domain3 | 3 | ||
| 13 | 14 | 6 | |||
| Fourth Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| GEOSC 496 | 1 | GEOSC 494W | 3 | ||
| Advanced GEOSC elective3 | 3 | Advanced GEOSC elective3 | 2 | ||
| Advanced GEOSC elective3 | 3 | Supporting Course4 | 3 | ||
| Supporting Course4 | 3 | General Education knowledge domain | 3 | ||
| General Education Foundation selection (GWS)‡ | 3 | General Education knowledge domain | 3 | ||
| 13 | 14 | ||||
| Total Credits 121 | |||||
* Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
‡ Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
# Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
† Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137 in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS 138 in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.
| 1 | Students who begin their studies at non-UP locations and/or join the college after their first year should substitute CAS 100 (GWS), CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C; or ENGL 202C (GWS) for EMSC 100S (GWS). EMSC 100S Earth and Mineral Sciences First year Seminar (3) is a required course only for students who begin their studies at UP in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. |
| 2 | Select 3 credits in Math (beyond the MATH 141 level), CMPSC, or STAT. |
| 3 | Select 14 credits from 300- and 400-level GEOSC courses from GEOSC 303(3), GEOSC 340(3), GEOSC 402(3), GEOSC 416(3), GEOSC 421(3), GEOSC 422(3), GEOSC 423(4), GEOSC 424(3), GEOSC 426(3), GEOSC 434(3), GEOSC 439(3), GEOSC 440(3), GEOSC 451(3), GEOSC 452(3), GEOSC 454(3), GEOSC 461(3), GEOSC 470(3), GEOSC 471(3), GEOSC 489(4). |
| 4 | Select 9 credits supportive of student's interest, in consultation with an adviser (students may apply 6 credits of ROTC). |
General Option Commonwealth Campuses
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| MATH 140 (GQ)*‡#† | 4 | MATH 141 (GQ)†‡ | 4 | ||
| CHEM 110 (GN)† | 3 | CHEM 112 | 3 | ||
| CHEM 111 (GN)† | 1 | CHEM 113 | 1 | ||
| ENGL 15, 30, or ESL 15 (GWS)‡†1 | 3 | General Education Foundation selection (GWS)‡1 | 3 | ||
| General Education knowledge domain | 3 | General Education knowledge domain | 3 | ||
| 14 | 14 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| PHYS 211 (GN)† | 4 | PHYS 212 or 213 and 214 | 4 | ||
| BIOL 110 (GN)† | 4 | Advanced MATH/CMPSC/STAT selection2 | 3 | ||
| General Education knowledge domain | 3 | General Education Foundation selection (GWS)‡1 | 3 | ||
| General Education knowledge domain | 3 | General Education knowledge domain | 3 | ||
| General Education Health and Wellness (GHW) | 1.5 | General Education Health and Wellness (GHW) | 1.5 | ||
| 15.5 | 14.5 | ||||
| Third Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| GEOSC 1 or 20 | 3 | GEOSC 203* | 4 | GEOSC 472A | 3 |
| GEOSC 201* | 4 | GEOSC 204 | 4 | GEOSC 472B | 3 |
| Supporting Course4 | 3 | GEOSC 310* | 4 | ||
| General Education knowledge domain | 3 | GEOSC 465* | 4 | ||
| 13 | 16 | 6 | |||
| Fourth Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| GEOSC 202* | 4 | GEOSC 494W | 3 | ||
| GEOSC 496 | 1 | Advanced GEOSC elective3 | 2 | ||
| Advanced GEOSC elective3 | 3 | Advanced GEOSC elective3 | 3 | ||
| Advanced GEOSC elective3 | 3 | Advanced GEOSC elective3 | 3 | ||
| Supporting Course4 | 3 | Supporting Course4 | 3 | ||
| 14 | 14 | ||||
| Total Credits 121 | |||||
* Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
‡ Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
# Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
† Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
| 1 | Students who begin their studies at non-UP locations and/or join the college after their first year should substitute CAS 100 (GWS), CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C; or ENGL 202C (GWS) for EMSC 100S (GWS). EMSC 100S Earth and Mineral Sciences First year Seminar (3) is a required course only for students who begin their studies at UP in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. |
| 2 | Select 3 credits in Math (beyond the MATH 141 level), CMPSC, or STAT. |
| 3 | Select 14 credits from 300- and 400-level GEOSC courses from GEOSC 303(3), GEOSC 340(3), GEOSC 402(3), GEOSC 416(3), GEOSC 421(3), GEOSC 422(3), GEOSC 423(4), GEOSC 424(3), GEOSC 426(3), GEOSC 434(3), GEOSC 439(3), GEOSC 440(3), GEOSC 451(3), GEOSC 452(3), GEOSC 454(3), GEOSC 461(3), GEOSC 470(3), GEOSC 471(3), GEOSC 489(4). |
| 4 | Select 9 credits supportive of student's interest, in consultation with an adviser (students may apply 6 credits of ROTC). |
Hydrogeology Option at University Park Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| MATH 140 or 140G (GQ)*‡#† | 4 | MATH 141 or 141G (GQ)‡† | 4 | ||
| CHEM 110 (GN)† | 3 | CHEM 112 | 3 | ||
| CHEM 111 (GN)† | 1 | CHEM 113 | 1 | ||
| GEOSC 1 | 3 | GEOSC 201* | 4 | ||
| EMSC 100S (GWS)‡†1 | 3 | ENGL 15, 30, or ESL 15 (GWS)‡† | 3 | ||
| 14 | 15 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| PHYS 211 (GN)† | 4 | PHYS 212 or 213 and 214 | 4 | ||
| BIOL 110 (GN)† | 4 | GEOSC 202* | 4 | ||
| General Education knowledge domain | 3 | GEOSC 310* | 4 | ||
| General Education Health and Wellness (GHW) | 1.5 | General Education knowledge domain | 3 | ||
| General Education knowledge domain | 3 | General Education Health and Wellness (GHW) | 1.5 | ||
| 15.5 | 16.5 | ||||
| Third Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| GEOSC 203* | 4 | GEOSC 465* | 4 | GEOSC 472A | 3 |
| GEOSC 452 | 3 | HYDRO Option elective2 | 3 | GEOSC 472B | 3 |
| Supporting Course4 | 3 | CMPSC 201, CMPSC 202, CMPSC 203, STAT 250, or STAT 200 | 3-4 | ||
| HYDRO Option elective2 | 3 | General Education knowledge domain3 | 3 | ||
| 13 | 13-14 | 6 | |||
| Fourth Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| GEOSC 496 | 1 | GEOSC 494W | 3 | ||
| SOILS 101, ASM 327, or ERM 450 | 3 | GEOSC 204 | 4 | ||
| HYDRO Option elective2 | 3 | Supporting Course3 | 2 | ||
| Supporting Course3 | 3 | General Education knowledge domain | 3 | ||
| General Education Foundation selection (GWS)‡ | 3 | General Education knowledge domain | 3 | ||
| 13 | 15 | ||||
| Total Credits 121-122 | |||||
* Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
‡ Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
# Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
† Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137 in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS 138 in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.
| 1 | Students who begin their studies at non-UP locations and/or join the college after their first year should substitute CAS 100 (GWS), CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C; or ENGL 202C (GWS) for EMSC 100S (GWS). EMSC 100S Earth and Mineral Sciences First year Seminar (3) is a required course only for students who begin their studies at UP in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. |
| 2 | Select 9 credits from A and B. Students must select at least 3 credits from A and 3 credits from B. A. CHEM 202(3), CHEM 450(3), ERM 433(3), GEOSC 413(3), GEOSC 419(3) (Sem: 3-8) |
| 3 | Select 8 credits supportive of student's interest, in consultation with an adviser (students may apply 6 credits of ROTC). |
Hydrogeology Option at Commonwealth Campuses
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| MATH 140 (GQ)*‡#† | 4 | MATH 141 (GQ)‡† | 4 | ||
| CHEM 110 (GN)† | 3 | CHEM 112 | 3 | ||
| CHEM 111 (GN)† | 1 | CHEM 113 | 1 | ||
| ENGL 15, 30, or ESL 15 (GWS)‡†1 | 3 | General Education knowledge domain | 3 | ||
| General Education knowledge domain | 3 | General Education Foundation selection (GWS)‡1 | 3 | ||
| 14 | 14 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| PHYS 211 (GN)† | 4 | PHYS 212 or 213 and 214 | 4 | ||
| BIOL 110 (GN)† | 4 | General Education Foundation selection (GWS)‡1 | 3 | ||
| General Education knowledge domain | 3 | General Education knowledge domain | 3 | ||
| General Education knowledge domain | 3 | CMPSC 201, CMPSC 202, CMPSC 203, STAT 250, or STAT 200 | 3-4 | ||
| General Education Health and Wellness (GHW) | 1.5 | General Education Health and Wellness (GHW) | 1.5 | ||
| 15.5 | 14.5-15.5 | ||||
| Third Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| GEOSC 1 | 3 | GEOSC 465* | 4 | GEOSC 472A | 3 |
| GEOSC 201* | 4 | GEOSC 203* | 4 | GEOSC 472B | 3 |
| Supporting Course3 | 3 | GEOSC 310* | 4 | ||
| General Education knowledge domain | 3 | HYDRO Option elective2 | 3 | ||
| 13 | 15 | 6 | |||
| Fourth Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| GEOSC 452 | 3 | GEOSC 494W | 3 | ||
| GEOSC 496 | 1 | GEOSC 204 | 4 | ||
| GEOSC 202* | 4 | Supporting Course3 | 2 | ||
| SOILS 101, ASM 327, or ERM 450 | 3 | Supporting Course3 | 3 | ||
| HYDRO Option elective2 | 3 | HYDRO Option elective2 | 3 | ||
| 14 | 15 | ||||
| Total Credits 121-122 | |||||
* Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
‡ Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
# Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
† Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
| 1 | Students who begin their studies at non-UP locations and/or join the college after their first year should substitute CAS 100 (GWS), CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C; or ENGL 202C (GWS) for EMSC 100S (GWS). EMSC 100S Earth and Mineral Sciences First year Seminar (3) is a required course only for students who begin their studies at UP in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. |
| 2 | Select 9 credits from A and B. Students must select at least 3 credits from A and 3 credits from B. A. CHEM 202(3), CHEM 450(3), ERM 433(3), GEOSC 413(3), GEOSC 419(3) (Sem: 3-8) B. ENVSE 408(3), GEOG 362(3), GEOSC 340(3), GEOSC 439(3), GEOSC 454(3), GEOSC 483(3) |
| 3 | Select 8 credits supportive of student's interest, in consultation with an adviser (students may apply 6 credits of ROTC). |
Career Paths
The versatile Geosciences degree provides a broad knowledge base that can be applied to professional careers in many industries, as well as graduate study in many Earth science-related disciplines.
Careers
Our degree offers a comprehensive background in traditional geology and is suitable for students who wish to work in the environmental or oil and gas industries, natural resource exploration, geothermal energy development, hydrogeology or geotechnical fields, or continue to graduate school. In the public sector, this degree is good preparation for future work in the National Park Service, the United States Geological Survey, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and various state and local regulatory agencies.
Opportunities for Graduate Studies
Graduates may be well suited to pursue graduate-level degrees in geophysics, geochemistry, mineralogy, paleontology, climate change modeling, oceanography, volcanology, environmental science, or other Earth science-related disciplines.
Professional Resources
Contact
University Park
DEPARTMENT OF GEOSCIENCES
503 Deike Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-6711
contact@geosc.psu.edu