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, bachelor of arts, master of science and doctoral degrees 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:
- Be equipped to enter and complete graduate training in the geosciences.
- Be prepared to enter the geosciences profession.
- Apply knowledge in the geosciences, support sciences, and mathematics to solve complex geosciences problems.
- Communicate effectively with peers and professionals both orally and in written form.
- Adhere to accepted ethical and professional practice standards in the geosciences community.
- Recognize the need to engage in life-long learning.
- Understand contemporary issues in the geosciences.
Degree Options
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.
Prepares students for careers in the study of Earth’s physical characteristics including composition, structure and processes.
Provides a sound foundation in the basic sciences while engaging in basic and applied knowledge in petroleum engineering and energy-related fields.
Provides students with the fundamentals of the physics discipline to the study of Earth’s material and organic systems.
Provides a strong background in the sciences and technology while enjoying the flexibility and curriculum of a liberal arts education.
Provides students with a broader, liberal arts-based education, with ability to apply geological sciences in non-technical careers such as scientific writing, business, and elementary or secondary teaching.
Non-majors interested in learning more about geosciences are encouraged to add it to their degree program as a minor.
Highly motivated students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Geophysics (B.S.G.P.) degree and Master of Science (M.S.) degree in geophysics in five years.
Highly motivated students to earn a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in five years.
Interdisciplinary program where students are exposed to the hard sciences, mathematics and statistics while incorporating the core fundamentals of biology and geosciences with earth systems science.
Typical Four-Year Schedule
| FRESHMAN – FALL SEMESTER | FRESHMAN – SPRING SEMESTER |
| Exposition and Argumentation | General Elective |
| Calculus I | Calculus II |
| General Chemistry I + Lab | General Chemistry II + Lab |
| Physical Geology + Lab | Geology Elective |
| Introduction to Geosciences | |
| SOPHOMORE – FALL SEMESTER | SOPHOMORE – SPRING SEMESTER |
| Block I - Aesthetic Inquiry and Creative Experience | Block I - Aesthetic Inquiry and Creative Experience |
| Block II - Historical and Social Interpretation | General Elective |
| Calculus III | Technical Elective |
| General Physics I + Lab | General Physics II + Lab |
| Mineralogy | History of the Biosphere + Lab |
| JUNIOR – FALL SEMESTER | JUNIOR – SPRING SEMESTER |
| Block II - Historical and Social Interpretation | Block II - Historical and Social Interpretation |
| General Elective | Writing for the Professions |
| General Elective | Technical Elective |
| Structural Geology + Lab | Geomorphology |
| Sedimentary Rocks and Processes + Lab | Geology Elective (Upper Division) |
| SENIOR – FALL SEMESTER | SENIOR – SPRING SEMESTER |
| Block II - Historical and Social Interpretation | General Elective |
| Technical Elective | General Elective |
| Technical Elective | Scientific Programming or Intro to Geoinfographic
Information Systems + Lab |
| Physics of the Earth | Technical Elective |
| Technical Elective | Igneous 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
