The earth sciences embody a wide range of approaches to studying the world around and below us. Sub-disciplines represented in the Department of Earth Sciences include various branches of geology, geochemistry, and geophysics. The department offers BA and BS degrees in Geological Sciences. Majors in the geological sciences begin with one of several introductory courses, followed by a set of four departmental core courses. Cognate requirements and the remaining departmental course requirements depend on whether a BA or BS degree is the goal and on which track is selected for the BS degree. The department requires a grade of C– or better in geology courses counted toward the major. No courses for the major may be taken Pass/Fail.
Harpur College Requirements
Harpur College students must complete the following requirements in addition to those listed for the major:
- 126 credits
- 94 liberal arts and sciences credits
- Minimum of 46 upper-level credits
- Completion of the Harpur College writing requirement (four to five courses as described in the All-College Writing section of the Harpur College Undergraduate Information section of the Bulletin. Maximum of one C/J course and two W courses may be transferred).
- Minimum of 44 credits in residence in Harpur College
- 2.0 or higher GPA
Harpur College requirements are described in detail in the Requirements for Graduation section of the Harpur College Undergraduate Information section of the Bulletin.
BA Degree in Geological Sciences
The BA degree in geological sciences serves as a liberal arts degree with emphasis on the natural sciences and, with appropriate planning, as a preparatory degree for graduate study and professional employment. The BA degree requires courses in geology, several from the cognate sciences (biology, chemistry, physics and/or mathematics), and a four-course area of specialization. An important aspect of the program is the flexibility of the four-course specialization, which should be carefully planned with the assistance of a faculty advisor. Final approval of the courses selected for the four-course specialization should be secured from the undergraduate advisor no later than the student’s sixth semester. These four courses must establish a program with a sound rationale, either in the geological sciences or in related fields.
The BA degree requires 14 courses that include the following:
- One four-credit 100-level geology course* or GEOL 234 or ENVI 206 or ENVI 234
- GEOL 213 or 301** (Note: GEOL 213 is intended only for those students who plan to follow the SUNY Transfer Path in Geology)
- GEOL 302
- GEOL 303
- GEOL 304
- GEOL 311
- GEOL 344
- CHEM 104 (plus 106) or 107 or 111
- Two courses from among BIOL 113, 114, 350, 370 and 371; CHEM 105, 108, 221, 231, 332, 341 and 351; MATH 147, the combination of MATH 224 and 225, the combination of MATH 226 and 227, MATH 304, and MATH 323; and PHYS 121, 122, 131, 132 and 227***
- Four courses in an area of specialization, which must be approved by the department advisor no later than the student's sixth semester
Note: If GEOL 213 is chosen instead of 301, the four-course specialization must include at least one upper-level (300 or higher) course.
* Note: Students pursuing the Transfer Path in Geology should fulfill this requirement by taking GEOL 111.
** Note: Students pursuing the Transfer Path in Geology should fulfill this requirement by taking GEOL 213.
*** Note: Students pursuing the Transfer Path in Geology should fulfill this requirement with the following courses: MATH 224 (2 cr.), MATH 225 (2 cr.), CHEM 108 (4 cr.), or, if CHEM 111 was taken above, either MATH 147 (4 cr.) or PHYS 121 (4 cr.)
BS Degree in Geological Sciences
The BS degree is intended as training for graduate school and professional employment, with research, teaching and industry careers as the ultimate goals. The BS degree offers three tracks: geology, environmental geology and geophysics.
Two of the required courses for the BS degree in geological sciences — MATH 224 and PHYS 121 or 131 — may have prerequisites. If students do not place into MATH 224, then MATH 223 and, if needed, MATH 108 are also required for completion of the major. If students do not place into PHYS 121, then MATH 108 is also required for completion of the major. In addition, the geophysics track requires PHYS 341. MATH 304 and 330 may be required prerequisites to PHYS 341; students should check for current prerequisites on the physics program page.
The BS requirements are:
Cognate Requirements
- Both MATH 224 and 225 and both MATH 226 and 227
- PHYS 131 and 132 OR PHYS 121/122
- All of CHEM 104, 105 and 106 OR both CHEM 107 and 108 OR CHEM 111
Departmental Requirements
- One four-credit 100-level geology course*
- GEOL 213, 301**, or GEOL 311*** (Note: GEOL 213 is intended only for students who plan to follow the SUNY Transfer Path in Geology)
- GEOL 302
- GEOL 303
- GEOL 304
- GEOL 401 or equivalent (summer field experience)
- Additional courses, selected from one of the three tracks detailed below
* Note: Students pursuing the Transfer Path in Geology should fulfill this requirement by taking GEOL 111.
** Note: Students pursuing the Transfer Path in Geology should fulfill this requirement by taking GEOL 213.
***Note: Geophysics students must complete this requirement with GEOL 311
Geology Track
GEOL 311; GEOL 344; one of the following GEOL courses: GEOL 326, GEOL 342, GEOL 436; and two additional 300-400 level Geology Courses.
Environmental Geology Track
GEOL 311; GEOL 344; three from the following list of courses: GEOL 342, GEOL 411, GEOL 414, GEOL 416, GEOL 453, GEOL 460, GEOL 465, GEOL 470.
Geophysics Track
MATH 323; MATH 324; PHYS 331, 332 and 341; GEOL 450; and one course selected from GEOL 344, GEOL 416 or GEOL 453.
BS students must take a field experience course (GEOL 401 or equivalent) for four-six credits, generally in the summer following their junior year. They are encouraged to choose a course in the branch of the Earth sciences that most directly relates to their major track or career interest. The course must cover basic field techniques and skills, followed by field experience with traditional geological, hydrogeological, geophysical or other approved applications.
In addition, geology majors are encouraged to gain experience with statistics, computer languages or programming and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Professional Licensure Qualification
Students who complete any of the three BS tracks in geology (geology, geophysics or environmental geology) will have taken the necessary coursework to be considered licensure-qualified and allowed to take the first of two licensing exams (Fundamentals of Geology, followed by Practice of Geology after five years working in the profession) offered by the National Association of the State Boards of Geology (ASBOG). Information about these exams can be found on . Being a licensed professional geologist is becoming a requirement for many employers in environmental and geological consulting companies in New York and provides opportunities for advancement beyond the most entry-level jobs. Although licensing can only be granted by the New York State Education Department, completing one of the three BS tracks in geological sciences will automatically qualify you for taking the ASBOG examinations. You can find complete details about becoming a professional geologist in New York .
Distinguished Independent Work in the Geological Sciences
The award of distinguished independent work in the geological sciences is granted by the department to those majors who have distinguished themselves in academic endeavors beyond the normal requirements for the bachelor’s degree. The requirements for this award include above-average performance in coursework as well as successful completion of an independent research paper under the supervision of a faculty member. Majors are invited to consult with their department advisors about this award before the beginning of their senior year.
Minors in Earth Sciences
Geology Minor
The minor in geology is for students who have a general interest in the Earth sciences. Twenty-four credits are required, from courses offered by the department. No more than eight credits may be 100-level courses. The department recommends that at least eight credits be selected from the geology core courses: GEOL 301; GEOL 302; GEOL 303; and GEOL 304.
Geophysics Minor
This program is primarily for students with some technical background who wish to gain a fundamental understanding of pure geophysics. The 24 credits required include one four-credit 100-level geology course; PHYS 331, 341; GEOL 450, 453; and either GEOL 344 or 416.
Geochemistry Minor
The minor in geochemistry is for students with a strong interest in chemistry and Earth science. Emphasis is on the application of chemical principles to geologic processes.
The 24 required credits are: Any four-credit 100-level GEOL course and GEOL 470; eight credits from among the following CHEM courses: 221, 351 (one of 221 or 351 is strongly recommended), 231, 332, 341, 422, 452, 482 or 484; eight credits from among the following GEOL courses: 303; 304; 416; 423; or 465.