Geology, B.S.

Visit the Earth Science Department page for more information on the program and access to advising.

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science in Geology (BS-GEOL) provides students with the tools and skills necessary to observe, interpret, understand, and be stewards of the natural world, including the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. The program offers opportunities for hands-on experience in a variety of topics including plate tectonics, sedimentary processes, paleontology, mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry, structures, geomorphology, (paleo)climatology, and hydrology. The program is by nature interdisciplinary, integrating and applying concepts from physics, chemistry, statistics, and other quantitative subjects to questions about earth and planetary science and their interactions with humans, society, and the environment. The program prepares students for graduate programs in earth and environmental sciences, and careers in environmental and geotechnical consulting, geologic engineering, resource management, education and outreach, state and federal government agencies, and energy and mineral resource exploration.

Program Requirements

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of a minimum of 121 semester credits, with a minimum of 40 upper-division credits.
2. Overall grade point average of 2.0 (C) or above.
3. Grade of C- or better in every ENVT, GEO, GEOG, and METO course.
4. Residency hours--minimum of 30 credit hours through course attendance at UVU, with at least 10 hours earned in the last 45 hours.
5. Completion of GE and specified departmental requirements.
6. Successful completion of at least one Global/Intercultural (XXXG) course.
7. Successful completion of at least two Writing Enriched (WE) courses.
8. Completion of an exit interview with the department chair and a Qualtrics Exit Survey prior to graduation.

Graduation Plan

This graduation plan is a sample plan and is intended to be a guide. Your specific plan may differ based on your Math and English placement and/or transfer credits applied. You are encouraged to meet with an advisor and set up an individualized graduation plan in Wolverine Track.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Apply the processes encompassed within the rock cycle to geologic questions, including identifying and interpreting Earth materials.
2. Interpret Earth processes within the unifying theory of plate tectonics and other scientific laws and theories.
3. Evaluate geologic processes within the context of deep time using the geologic time scale and dating tools.
4. Employ modern scientific methods to address relevant Earth science problems.
5. Communicate Earth science findings orally, visually, and in writing to a wide audience including laypeople and scientific peers.