BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN GEOLOGY
GEOLOGY MAJOR - PROFESSIONAL EXTENDED CONCENTRATION

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 byu 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.
The extended major requires a minimum of 52 semester hours (with at least 26 semester hours at the 300 and 400 level) and leads to a bachelor of science degree. 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 40 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 415 Environmental Geology 3 hours
Geology 440 Hydrogeology 3 hours
Geology 460 Sedimentology/Stratigraphy 3 hours
Geology 485 Geology of Fossil Fuels 3 hours
Geology 499 Professional Preparation 2 hours
ELECTIVES Any 12 hours of approved GEOLOGY COURSES 12 HOURS
Geology xxx Any 12 hours of Geology Courses Minimum 12 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.