Majors in Geology
The geology program offers four distinct major concentrations, depending on the career goals of the student. The professional major in geology (reference number 677) is for students seeking careers as a professional geologist and requires a minimum of 40 semester hours and leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. A minor or second major is required. This major provides students with a solid background in all traditional areas of geology for entry-level employment or graduate school. Incoming freshmen are encouraged to take GEOG 175 (University Experience) as preparation for the major.
Professional Major (reference number 677)
- Program Requirements 31 hours
- GEOL 111, 112, 113, 114, 270, 308, 330, 350, 380, 460, 499
- Program Electives 9 hours
- Any 9 hours of approved geology electives
Additional requirements include: MATH 136, BIOL 122-123, CHEM 120-121, CS 230, GEOG 316, 317, 391, and an approved geology field camp or completion of the WKU certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The professional extended major in geology (reference number 577) is for students seeking a comprehensive background in the essential content areas within the discipline of geology as defined by the Association of State Boards of Geology. Students who complete this program will be prepared to pass the nationally standardized ASBOG examination, which is one step in the process of achieving professional registration and becoming practicing, professional geologists.
Professional Extended Major (reference number 577)
- Program Requirements 40 hours
- GEOL 111, 112, 113, 114, 270, 308, 310 (or GEOG 310), 330, 350, 380, 415, 460, 485, 499
- Program Electives 12 hours
- Any 12 hours of approved geology electives
Additional requirements include: MATH 136, BIOL 122-123, CHEM 120-121, GEOG 316, 317, 391, and an approved geology field camp or completion of the WKU certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The earth and space science and general geoscience concentrations in geology (reference number 676) are for students who either seek the content knowledge needed to qualify for teacher certification in Kentucky in Earth and Space Science or who do not intend to practice professional geology. This major leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Earth and Space Science Concentration (reference number 676)
Program Requirements 26 hours
- GEOL 111, 112, 113, 114, 308, 311, 325, 380, 460, 499
- Program Electives 6 hours
- Any 6 hours of approved geology electives
Additional requirements include: MATH 116, PHYS 201, CS 145, GEOG 121, ASTR 104, 106, 405, and a minor field.
General Geoscience Concentration (reference number 676)
Program Requirements 26 hours
- GEOL 111, 112, 113, 114, 308, 311, 325, 380, 460, 499
- Program Electives 6 hours
- Any 6 hours of approved geology electives
Additional requirements include: MATH 116, CHEM 105/106, PHYS 201, CS 230, GEOG 121, GEOG 316, and a
minor field.
Minors in Geology
In addition to all of our Majors, our minors are a great option for other scientists
or libral arts majors who have interests in Geology.
The Minor in Geology
(reference number 377) requires a minimum of 21 semester hours. Required courses are GEOL 111, 112, 113, and 114. Two additional courses must be selected from GEOL 308, 330, 350, 380, 405, 460. Additional geology courses, to total a minimum of 5 hours, are to be chosen in consultation with a geology advisor.
The Minor in Earth Science
The minor in earth science (reference number 353) is for prospective earth science teachers and requires a minimum of 21 semester hours. Required courses are GEOL 111, 112, 113, 114, GEOG 121, and ASTR 214. Courses to total seven additional hours must be elected from GEOL 308, 330, 370, 405, 420, and GEOG 328 and 420. A minor in earth science must be taken in conjunction with a major or minor in another science or in mathematics.
