The Department of Geological Sciences offers three separate undergraduate degree programs. The B.S. programs in Geological Sciences and the B.S. in Environmental Geology are professionally oriented degrees, which prepare students for careers or for advanced study in geology. The B.A. in Geological Sciences is designed for different career paths, and it is described in more detail below the two B.S. programs.

Four major components comprise the undergraduate degree programs:
1. A series of required core courses which provide a fundamental background in major sub-fields of geology. The core courses develop an understanding of geologic concepts and geologic information in each sub-field (for example, minerals or surface processes). Laboratory work and/or field studies are conducted as integral parts of each course. One-day field trips in Ohio and weekend field trips to areas in the Appalachian Mountains are conducted in conjunction with several of the courses.

2. Two field courses are required in the B.S. programs and are normally scheduled in the senior year.

3. A series of required courses in the supporting sciences. All undergraduate geology programs require a background in mathematics, chemistry, and physics or biology-the exact nature of the requirement depending on the program.

4. Selection from a group of advanced geology courses which specialize in certain areas of geology and which are selected by the student to develop particular career plans or to provide a basis for graduate study.

The course requirements during the first year of study are very similar for both B.S. programs, an arrangement that allows students to explore the various emphases of each before deciding on a specific degree program. Specific course requirements for each of the degree programs can be found in the Ohio University Undergraduate Catalog, or program outlines can be obtained from the department.

The third undergraduate degree program leads to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree and is designed for students interested in applying a general understanding of the geological sciences to fields such as education, library science, technical writing, or other areas where a general knowledge of earth sciences is desired. Specific information regarding requirements for this degree can be found in the Ohio University Undergraduate Catalog, or program outlines can be obtained from the department.

Ohio University is an affirmative action institution.

Program Links
  Overview of Undergraduate Program
  Nature of Geological Sciences
  Careers in Geological Sciences
  Smith Scholarship
  Geology Program Description from University Catalog
  Geology Course Descriptions from University Catalog