College of Engineering & Natural Sciences

Geosciences Undergraduate Programs

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Geologists study the history, materials, processes and products of the Earth. Some pursue solely academic interests such as how mountains form and erode while others are interested in practical applications, exploring fossil fuels and minerals or planning construction sites and disposal locations. A geologist studies environmental impact.

* The Department of Geosciences offers bachelor of science and bachelor of arts with specialization in geology, geophysics and environmental science.

TU’s curriculum provides a sound foundation in the basic sciences while engaging in energy-related fields of exploration, environment and resources. The bachelor of science degree in geosciences with a geology option prepares students for careers in the study of Earth’s physical characteristics including composition and structure. The environmental science option is designed for students who intend to work as geoscientists at organizations, corporations and government entities.

The bachelor of science degree in geophysics applies the fundamentals of physics to the study of the Earth’s material and organic systems. The interdisciplinary bachelor of science in Biogeosciences degree program attracts students interested in a combined curriculum from the Departments of Biological Science and Geosciences.

  • Program Objectives

    Bachelor of Science

    Students who complete the undergraduate program will:

    1. Be equipped to enter and complete graduate training in the geosciences.
    2. Be prepared to enter the geosciences profession.
    3. Apply knowledge in the geosciences, support sciences, and mathematics to solve complex geosciences problems.
    4. Communicate effectively with peers and professionals both orally and in written form.
    5. Adhere to accepted ethical and professional practice standards in the geosciences community.
    6. Recognize the need to engage in life-long learning.
    7. Understand contemporary issues in the geosciences.
  • Degree Options

    Geosciences, Environmental Science Option, B.S.G.S.

    Trains students to work as geoscientists at organizations, corporations and government entities and provides skills and knowledge needed to investigate the Earth’s components while considering environmental factors.

    Geosciences, Geology Option, B.S.G.S.

    Prepares students for careers in the study of Earth’s physical characteristics including composition, structure and processes.

    Geosciences, Petroleum Engineering Option, B.S.G.S.

    Provides a sound foundation in the basic sciences while engaging in basic and applied knowledge in petroleum engineering and energy-related fields.

    Geophysics, B.S.G.P.

    The University of Tulsa is not accepting applications or matriculating new undergraduate students into the bachelor’s program in geophysics beyond the fall 2019 term. Students who have matriculated into the bachelor’s program may not declare geophysics as a major after the spring 2020 term. 

    Earth and Environmental Sciences, B.A.

    The University of Tulsa is not accepting applications or matriculating new undergraduate students into the bachelor’s program in earth and environmental sciences beyond the fall 2019 term. Students who have matriculated into the bachelor’s program may not declare earth and environmental sciences as a major after the spring 2020 term. 

    Geology, B.A.

    The University of Tulsa is not accepting applications or matriculating new undergraduate students into the bachelor’s program in geology beyond the fall 2019 term. Students who have matriculated into the bachelor’s program may not declare geology as a major after the spring 2020 term. 

    Geosciences Minor

    Students from other disciplines may minor in geosciences.

    Biogeosciences, B.S.B.G.

    The University of Tulsa is not accepting applications or matriculating new undergraduate students into the bachelor’s program in biogeosciences beyond the fall 2019 term. Students who have matriculated into the bachelor’s program may not declare biogeosciences as a major after the spring 2020 term. 

  • Typical Four-Year Schedule
    FRESHMAN – FALL SEMESTERFRESHMAN – SPRING SEMESTER
    Exposition and ArgumentationGeneral Elective
    Calculus ICalculus II
    General Chemistry I + LabGeneral Chemistry II + Lab
    Physical Geology + LabGeology Elective
    Introduction to Geosciences
    SOPHOMORE – FALL SEMESTERSOPHOMORE – SPRING SEMESTER
    Block I - Aesthetic Inquiry and Creative ExperienceBlock I - Aesthetic Inquiry and Creative Experience
    Block II - Historical and Social InterpretationGeneral Elective
    Calculus IIITechnical Elective
    General Physics I + LabGeneral Physics II + Lab
    MineralogyHistory of the Biosphere + Lab
    JUNIOR – FALL SEMESTERJUNIOR – SPRING SEMESTER
    Block II - Historical and Social InterpretationBlock II - Historical and Social Interpretation
    General ElectiveWriting for the Professions
    General ElectiveTechnical Elective
    Structural Geology + LabGeomorphology
    Sedimentary Rocks and Processes + LabGeology Elective (Upper Division)
    SENIOR – FALL SEMESTERSENIOR – SPRING SEMESTER
    Block II - Historical and Social InterpretationGeneral Elective
    Technical ElectiveGeneral Elective
    Technical ElectiveScientific Programming or Intro to Geoinfographic
    Information Systems + Lab
    Physics of the EarthTechnical Elective
    Technical ElectiveIgneous and Metamorphic Rocks and Processes
    + Lab
    Field Camp (Summer)
    *Introduction to College Writing or its equivalent may be a prerequisite in some cases.
    ++Courses that fulfill Blocks I, II, and III are listed each semester in the advising center and in the university
    schedule of courses.

  • Professional Opportunities
    • Senior geologist
    • Reservoir geologist
    • Exploration geologist
    • Remediation specialist
    • Earth modeler