Geology is the study of the composition, structure, and history of the earth and its planetary neighbors. It deals with phenomena on, above, and below the surface of the earth, including those that take place on land, in the oceans, and in the air. It is a basic entry point for studies of natural resources and the human environment. It is a multidisciplinary science, drawing upon and, in turn, contributing to, the body of knowledge in the fields of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics. In recognition of this fact, the undergraduate geology programs which are offered through the Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences are designed to provide broad training in geological sciences. Students interested in either a B.S. degree in Environmental Sciences (offered by BGES) or a B.A. degree in Environmental Studies (offered through the College of Urban Affairs) should consult the catalog listing for those programs.
Additional information: The Thomas L. Lewis Award is presented annually to outstanding graduating geology major(s).
Student Organizations: The Biology, Geology, Environmental Science Student Association; the Student Environmental Movement.
Degree Programs in Geology
The Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science degree programs in Geology are designed for students who intend to pursue careers in geology or closely related fields. They provide a solid grounding in the earth sciences, as well as the ancillary subject areas upon which the earth sciences depend. The Bachelor of Science degree is recommended for students wishing to go on to graduate school in the sciences or engineering and whose career directions are primarily technical or scientific. The Bachelor of Arts degree is designed for students wishing to acquire a general knowledge of geology as preparation for careers in related fields, such as law, business, or earth science certification in secondary education.
All geology programs are modular. They include a common core in the earth sciences and a series of courses common to the B.A. and/or B.S. degree. A grade of C is the minimum passing grade for all required major courses offered by the department. A major program in Geology is not available for evening students.
Requirements of the College of Sciences and Health Professions:
A minimum of 128 credit hours is required for a degree, of which 42 semester credit hours must be earned in 300- and/or 400-level courses.
General Education Requirements:
All degree-seeking students are required to meet general education requirements in addition to the course work required by the academic major. A comprehensive description of the requirements is found at http://www.csuohio.edu/academic/gened/.
Common Core in the Earth Sciences
All geology majors must take the following first- and second-year courses in geology, basic science, and mathematics:
All geology majors must take a capstone course chosen from the following:
Candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Science must take 28 credit hours of courses chosen from the following list, and candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Arts must take 20 credit hours of courses chosen from the following list. The array of courses taken will be determined by the student, in consultation with the departmental academic adviser, 216-687-3506.
Secondary Teacher Licensure
The CSUTeach Program offers a dual licensure in life science and earth science under the BS in Biology degree plan (see Science Teacher Licensure ). The licensure programs require coursework from the College of Science and the College of Education and Human Services. Contact the CSUTeach Program for education courses required for undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate Secondary Teacher Licensure programs (216-687-3709 or JH 345).
See also Education, Adolescent and Young Adult with Licensure .