BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN GEOLOGY
GEOLOGY MAJOR - PROFESSIONAL CONCENTRATION

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 (with at least 20 semester hours at the 300 and 400 level) and leads to a bachelor of science degree. A minor or second major is required. This concentration 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 UC 175 (Freshmen Experience) as preparation for the major.
For minor requirements in this track, contact a Geology advisor or click on: MINOR. Students have greater flexibility in this track to focus on a suite of courses that prepare the student for employment in a variety of areas. The Department recommends strongly that students take GEOL111/113 and 112/114 as soon as possible in their college career.
Current information about professional geologist licensing and regulation can be found at: PG information.
Information about licensing in Kentucky as available at State Regulations.
Students should view and download the Department's 4-year Program guidelines, which detail suggested courses for students to take each semester in order to graduate in four years

CORE REQUIREMENTS

 COURSE 31 HOURS
Geology 111 Physical Geology 3 hours
Geology 113 Physical Geology Lab 1 hour
Geology 112 Historical Geology 3 hours
Geology 114 Historical Geology Lab 1 hour
Geology 270 Analytical Techniques 3 hours
Geology 308 Structural Geology 4 hours
Geology 330 Mineralogy 4 hours
Geology 350 Petrology 4 hours
Geology 380 Field Techniques 3 hours
Geology 460 Sedimentology/Stratigraphy 3 hours
Geology 499 Professional Preparation 2 hours
ELECTIVES Any 9 hours of approved GEOLOGY COURSES 9 HOURS
Geology xxx Any 9 hours of Geology Courses Minimum 9 hours

Other program concentration requirements are MATH 126, CHEM 120-121, BIOL 122-123, PHYS 250-251, CS 230, GEOG 316, 317, 391, and an approved Geology Field Camp or completion of the WKU Certificate in Geographic Information Science (GIS ref. #174, 13 hours).

For more information about this track, contact your geology advisor, visit the Department office (EST 304), or call (270) 745-4555.

   To send an email message to request more information, just click on: david.keeling@wku.edu

To return to the Department of Geography and Geology homepage, just click on the Department icon above.

This page last updated on 8/29/07.