Print Options
Geological Sciences : Degrees & Policies
Degrees Offered
Undergraduate: BA, BS, Minor
Combined: BA/MA
Graduate: MA, MS, PhD
Combined: BA/MA
Graduate: MA, MS, PhD
Degree Options
The Department of Geology offers BA and BS degrees, and maintains a strong undergraduate research program. The curriculum for both degrees includes courses of instruction in the major areas of modern geology, with emphasis on field and laboratory studies and their quantitative interpretation. The department also conducts a comprehensive month-long summer geological mapping course - with field sites located in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming - to integrate all that students have learned.
Our BS program is designed for students who enter directly into geology-related employment upon graduation (e.g., energy resources, environmental consulting, state or national geological surveys), as well as for those who continue on to graduate school. The B.A. program offers more flexibility in coursework and is designed for students interested in careers outside of geology that require a strong geological background, such as environmental law, high school earth-science teaching, government policy, and nature writing.
The geology department also offers a combined BA/MA program designed to be completed in five years, compared to the six years needed for completion of a conventional BA followed by an MA. This program is designed for students interested in careers outside of geology but requiring graduate-level schooling. Any geology major who meets the requirements (see the combined BA/MA program chart) may apply to the combined program during the second semester of their junior year in the BA program.
Our BS program is designed for students who enter directly into geology-related employment upon graduation (e.g., energy resources, environmental consulting, state or national geological surveys), as well as for those who continue on to graduate school. The B.A. program offers more flexibility in coursework and is designed for students interested in careers outside of geology that require a strong geological background, such as environmental law, high school earth-science teaching, government policy, and nature writing.
The geology department also offers a combined BA/MA program designed to be completed in five years, compared to the six years needed for completion of a conventional BA followed by an MA. This program is designed for students interested in careers outside of geology but requiring graduate-level schooling. Any geology major who meets the requirements (see the combined BA/MA program chart) may apply to the combined program during the second semester of their junior year in the BA program.
Advisement
At the time of a student's acceptance into the Geology department, the Director of Undergraduate Studies becomes the student's academic advisor. When the student reaches junior status in the department, he/she may be reassigned to an advisor whose specialty coincides with that student's interests.
Students must meet with their advisor at least once a semester prior to registering for the following semester. At the time of the advisement appointment, the student's academic record (all university, general education, and departmental requirements) is reviewed and any concerns are discussed.
Students must meet with their advisor at least once a semester prior to registering for the following semester. At the time of the advisement appointment, the student's academic record (all university, general education, and departmental requirements) is reviewed and any concerns are discussed.
Transfer Policy
The Department of Geology has articulation agreements with several colleges in the region. Students should consult with the advisement office at their present college for more details. The College of Arts and Sciences Student Advisement and Services Office at UB also may be consulted. To request a transfer of credit for a geology course not listed at either advisement office, submit a request to the director of undergraduate studies along with a course description from the college catalog and a course syllabus.
Geological Sciences - B.S.
Acceptance Criteria
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.
Minimum GPA of 2.0 in the prerequisite courses.
Minimum GPA of 2.0 in the prerequisite courses.
Advising Note
To graduate, minimum GPA of 2.3 in all courses required for the degree.
Prerequisite Courses
Required Courses
CHE 101 General Chemistry
CHE 102 General Chemistry
GLY 102 Global Environmental Science or GLY 104 Evolution of the Earth and Solar System
GLY 106 Geological Mapping Techniques
GLY 215 Soft Rock I: Sedimentology
GLY 216 Soft Rock II: Paleontology and Stratigraphy
GLY 305 Mineralogy
GLY 306 Petrology
GLY 312 Surface Processes and Hydrology I
GLY 313 Surface Processes and Hydrology II
GLY 325 Structure-Geophysics-Tectonics I
GLY 326 Structure-Geophysics-Tectonics II
GLY 407 Geological Field Training (minimum GPA of 2.0 in geology courses required to attend this required summer field camp)
MTH 121 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications I
MTH 122 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications II
PHY 101 College Physics I
PHY 102 College Physics II
PHY 151 College Physics I Lab
PHY 152 College Physics II Lab
Two 400-level GLY courses (not GLY 493 or GLY 499)
Summary
Total required credit hours for the major: 82
See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.
CHE 102 General Chemistry
GLY 102 Global Environmental Science or GLY 104 Evolution of the Earth and Solar System
GLY 106 Geological Mapping Techniques
GLY 215 Soft Rock I: Sedimentology
GLY 216 Soft Rock II: Paleontology and Stratigraphy
GLY 305 Mineralogy
GLY 306 Petrology
GLY 312 Surface Processes and Hydrology I
GLY 313 Surface Processes and Hydrology II
GLY 325 Structure-Geophysics-Tectonics I
GLY 326 Structure-Geophysics-Tectonics II
GLY 407 Geological Field Training (minimum GPA of 2.0 in geology courses required to attend this required summer field camp)
MTH 121 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications I
MTH 122 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications II
PHY 101 College Physics I
PHY 102 College Physics II
PHY 151 College Physics I Lab
PHY 152 College Physics II Lab
Two 400-level GLY courses (not GLY 493 or GLY 499)
Summary
Total required credit hours for the major: 82
See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.
Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements
FIRST YEAR
Fall CHE 101; GLY 101 or GLY 103; MTH 121
Spring CHE 102; GLY 102 or GLY 104; MTH 122
SECOND YEAR
Fall GLY 215, PHY 101, PHY 151
Spring GLY 106, GLY 216, PHY 102, PHY 152
THIRD YEAR
Fall GLY 305, GLY 325
Spring GLY 306, GLY 326
Summer GLY 407 (minimum GPA of 2.0 in geology courses required to attend this required summer field camp)
FOURTH YEAR
Fall GLY 312, one 400 level GLY course (not GLY 493 or GLY 499)
Spring GLY 313, one 400 level GLY course (not GLY 493 or GLY 499)
Fall CHE 101; GLY 101 or GLY 103; MTH 121
Spring CHE 102; GLY 102 or GLY 104; MTH 122
SECOND YEAR
Fall GLY 215, PHY 101, PHY 151
Spring GLY 106, GLY 216, PHY 102, PHY 152
THIRD YEAR
Fall GLY 305, GLY 325
Spring GLY 306, GLY 326
Summer GLY 407 (minimum GPA of 2.0 in geology courses required to attend this required summer field camp)
FOURTH YEAR
Fall GLY 312, one 400 level GLY course (not GLY 493 or GLY 499)
Spring GLY 313, one 400 level GLY course (not GLY 493 or GLY 499)
Geological Sciences - B.A.
Acceptance Criteria
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.
Minimum GPA of 2.0 in the prerequisite courses.
Minimum GPA of 2.0 in the prerequisite courses.
Advising Note
To graduate, minimum GPA of 2.3 in all courses required for the degree.
Prerequisite Courses
Required Courses
CHE 101 General Chemistry
GLY 102 Global Environmental Science or GLY 104 Evolution of the Earth and Solar System
GLY 106 Geological Mapping Techniques
MTH 121 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications I
PHY 101 College Physics I
PHY 151 College Physics I Lab
Two GLY courses from Group A
Six GLY courses from Group B
Summary
Total required credit hours for the major: 48
See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.
GLY 102 Global Environmental Science or GLY 104 Evolution of the Earth and Solar System
GLY 106 Geological Mapping Techniques
MTH 121 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications I
PHY 101 College Physics I
PHY 151 College Physics I Lab
Two GLY courses from Group A
Six GLY courses from Group B
Summary
Total required credit hours for the major: 48
See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.
Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements
FIRST YEAR
Fall MTH 121, PHY 101,PHY 151, one GLY course from Group A
Spring One GLY course from Group A
SECOND YEAR
Fall CHE 101, one GLY course from Group B
Spring GLY 106, one GLY course from Group B
THIRD YEAR
Fall Two GLY courses from Group B
Spring Two GLY courses from Group B
Summer GLY 407 (recommended; minimum GPA of 2.0 in geology courses required to attend this summer field camp)
FOURTH YEAR
Fall and Spring Any GLY courses (optional)
Fall MTH 121, PHY 101,PHY 151, one GLY course from Group A
Spring One GLY course from Group A
SECOND YEAR
Fall CHE 101, one GLY course from Group B
Spring GLY 106, one GLY course from Group B
THIRD YEAR
Fall Two GLY courses from Group B
Spring Two GLY courses from Group B
Summer GLY 407 (recommended; minimum GPA of 2.0 in geology courses required to attend this summer field camp)
FOURTH YEAR
Fall and Spring Any GLY courses (optional)
Electives and Course Groupings
Group A: Introductory Sequences
One of the following two-semester sequences:
GLY 101 and GLY 102 Global Environmental Science
GLY 103 and GLY 104 Evolution of the Earth and Solar System
Group B: Semester Sequences
Three of the following two-semester sequences:
GLY 215 Soft Rock I: Sedimentology and GLY 216 Soft Rock II: Paleontology and Stratigraphy
GLY 305 Mineralogy and GLY 306 Petrology
GLY 312 Surface Processes and Hydrology I and GLY 313 Surface Processes and Hydrology II
GLY 325 Structure-Geophysics-Tectonics I and GLY 326 Structure-Geophysics-Tectonics II
One of the following two-semester sequences:
GLY 101 and GLY 102 Global Environmental Science
GLY 103 and GLY 104 Evolution of the Earth and Solar System
Group B: Semester Sequences
Three of the following two-semester sequences:
GLY 215 Soft Rock I: Sedimentology and GLY 216 Soft Rock II: Paleontology and Stratigraphy
GLY 305 Mineralogy and GLY 306 Petrology
GLY 312 Surface Processes and Hydrology I and GLY 313 Surface Processes and Hydrology II
GLY 325 Structure-Geophysics-Tectonics I and GLY 326 Structure-Geophysics-Tectonics II
Geological Sciences - B.A./M.A.
Acceptance Criteria
Minimum GPA of 3.0 in all courses required for the major.
Completion of the prerequisite courses.
Two letters of recommendation from faculty members.
Completion of the prerequisite courses.
Two letters of recommendation from faculty members.
Prerequisite Courses
Required Courses
CHE 101 General Chemistry
GLY 106 Geological Mapping Techniques
MTH 121 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications I
PHY 101 College Physics I
PHY 151 College Physics I Lab
Two GLY courses from Group A
Six GLY courses from Group B
Summary
Total required credit hours for the undergraduate portion: 48
Total required credit hours for the BA/MA: 76
See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.
GLY 106 Geological Mapping Techniques
MTH 121 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications I
PHY 101 College Physics I
PHY 151 College Physics I Lab
Two GLY courses from Group A
Six GLY courses from Group B
Summary
Total required credit hours for the undergraduate portion: 48
Total required credit hours for the BA/MA: 76
See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.
Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements
FIRST YEAR
Fall MTH 121, PHY 101, PHY 151, one GLY course from Group A
Spring one GLY course from Group A
SECOND YEAR
Fall CHE 101, one GLY course from Group B
Spring GLY 106, one GLY course from Group B
THIRD YEAR
Fall Two GLY courses from Group B
Spring Two GLY courses from Group B
Summer GLY 407 (minimum GPA of 2.0 in geology courses required to attend this summer field camp)
FOURTH YEAR
Fall and Spring Graduate course work approved by the graduate committee
FIFTH YEAR
Fall and Spring Graduate course work approved by the graduate committee, successful completion of a project
Fall MTH 121, PHY 101, PHY 151, one GLY course from Group A
Spring one GLY course from Group A
SECOND YEAR
Fall CHE 101, one GLY course from Group B
Spring GLY 106, one GLY course from Group B
THIRD YEAR
Fall Two GLY courses from Group B
Spring Two GLY courses from Group B
Summer GLY 407 (minimum GPA of 2.0 in geology courses required to attend this summer field camp)
FOURTH YEAR
Fall and Spring Graduate course work approved by the graduate committee
FIFTH YEAR
Fall and Spring Graduate course work approved by the graduate committee, successful completion of a project
Electives and Course Groupings
Group A: Introductory Sequences
One of the following two-semester sequences:
GLY 101 and GLY 102 Global Environmental Science
GLY 103 and GLY 104 Evolution of the Earth and Solar System
Group B: Semester Sequences
Three of the following two-semester sequences:
GLY 215 Soft Rock I: Sedimentology and GLY 216 Soft Rock II: Paleontology and Stratigraphy
GLY 305 Mineralogy and GLY 306 Petrology
GLY 312 Surface Processes and Hydrology I and GLY 313 Surface Processes and Hydrology II
GLY 325 Structure-Geophysics-Tectonics I and GLY 326 Structure-Geophysics-Tectonics II
One of the following two-semester sequences:
GLY 101 and GLY 102 Global Environmental Science
GLY 103 and GLY 104 Evolution of the Earth and Solar System
Group B: Semester Sequences
Three of the following two-semester sequences:
GLY 215 Soft Rock I: Sedimentology and GLY 216 Soft Rock II: Paleontology and Stratigraphy
GLY 305 Mineralogy and GLY 306 Petrology
GLY 312 Surface Processes and Hydrology I and GLY 313 Surface Processes and Hydrology II
GLY 325 Structure-Geophysics-Tectonics I and GLY 326 Structure-Geophysics-Tectonics II
Geological Sciences - Minor
Acceptance Criteria
Required Courses
GLY 101 Global Environmental Science or GLY 103 Evolution of the Earth and Solar System
GLY 102 Global Environmental Science or GLY 104 Evolution of the Earth and Solar System
GLY 106 Geological Mapping Techniques
GLY 215 Soft Rock I: Sedimentology
GLY 216 Soft Rock II: Paleontology and Stratigraphy
GLY 312 Surface Processes and Hydrology I or GLY 325 Structure-Geophysics-Tectonics I
GLY 313 Surface Processes and Hydrology II or GLY 326 Structure-Geophysics-Tectonics II
GLY 407 Geological Field Training (recommended)
Summary
Total required credit hours for the minor: 26
GLY 102 Global Environmental Science or GLY 104 Evolution of the Earth and Solar System
GLY 106 Geological Mapping Techniques
GLY 215 Soft Rock I: Sedimentology
GLY 216 Soft Rock II: Paleontology and Stratigraphy
GLY 312 Surface Processes and Hydrology I or GLY 325 Structure-Geophysics-Tectonics I
GLY 313 Surface Processes and Hydrology II or GLY 326 Structure-Geophysics-Tectonics II
GLY 407 Geological Field Training (recommended)
Summary
Total required credit hours for the minor: 26
Last updated: Wednesday, 23-Apr-2008 15:42:58 EDT