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.

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. The information above is for reference purposes only.

The University of Tulsa is not accepting applications or matriculating new undergraduate students into the bachelor of arts 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. The information above is for reference purposes only.

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. The information above is for reference purposes only.

The University of Tulsa is not accepting applications or matriculating new undergraduate students into the bachelor of arts 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. The information above is for reference purposes only.

The University of Tulsa is not accepting students into the minor in geology program beyond the spring 2020 term. The information above is for reference purposes only.

The bachelor’s program in Geosciences offers options in geology, environmental science, and petroleum engineering.

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 geophyscis 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. 

Geology Minor

The University of Tulsa is not accepting students into the minor in geology program beyond the spring 2020 term.

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