The geological sciences include the collection and interpretation of field data as well as the application of principles of physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics to the study of the earth, its environment, its origin, and the processes by which it has been transformed and reconstituted through time. The curriculum of the department provides a base of required courses for the undergraduate and contains a wide variety of more specialized upper-division courses that reflect the diversity of the geological sciences. Final examination consists of oral presentation and defense of the thesis.
Final examination is oral and is administered by the supervisory committee.
All students must present an approved field course or other approved field experience. A maximum of 9 credits of field geology may be applied to the total credit requirement. All students must present an approved field course or other approved field experience. A maximum of 9 credits of field geology may be applied. The department awards annually a number of teaching assistantships, endowed scholarships, research assistantships, minority fellowships, and a museum curatorial assistantship.