Undergraduate Studies

The Department of Geosciences offers eight concentrations that are designed to meet the needs of students with a wide range of future career goals. Undergraduates in the Department of Geosciences can take courses leading to the Bachelor of Science in Geosciences or the Bachelor of Arts degree in Earth Science. Students can also receive a minor in Geosciences and Earth Science and a secondary major in Geosciences.

The Department of Geosciences curriculum is designed to provide a sound understanding of geology, geophysics, biogeosciences, geochemistry, hydrogeosciene, petroleum geoscience, and climate change. These concentrations lead to the development of a geological perspective of Earth and planetary systems that are essential for continued growth in geological professions. Courses involve research projects, oral presentations, written reports, and fieldwork. Independent field and laboratory research and presentations at professional meetings are regular features of the undergraduate program.

Students that receive a degree in Geosciences, or Earth Science have a wealth of career opportunities. Learn more about what you can do as a geoscientist here. 

For more information about our undergraduate program, contact the Undergraduate Program Director.

* Degree plans and course requirements are subject to change.  For official degree requirements please refer to the Baylor University undergraduate catalog.  

B.S. Degree in Geology*

  • One course from GEO 1401, 1402, or 1405 (Majors are encouraged to take 1405)
  • One course from GEO 1306, 1307 or 1309
  • GEO 1106, 3427, 3442, and 3445
  • GEO 46C3 or 4656 (Capstone Field Experience)
    • If applicable, equivalent alternate experiences may be approved by request to the department.
  • At least thirteen hours from a chosen concentration.

Required courses in other fields:

  • Math - Choose 6 hours from: MTH 1321, 1322, or STA 2381

Choose 12-16 hours from:

  • BIO 1305-1105, BIO 1306-1106
  • CHE 1302-1102, CHE 1303-1103
  • PHY 1408, 1409, 1420, 1430 (1420 & 1430 are required for Geophysics)

No more than 4 hours from:

  • ANT 1404, ANT 1407, AVS 1313, CSI 1430, CSI 1440, ENV 1301-1101
  • BUS 2222 (required for Petroleum Geosciences)

Concentrations

Geology – at least 13 hours from:

  • Required: GEO 3430 and 3435
  • At least 5 hours from any 4000 level GEO courses

Biogeoscience and Paleontology - at least 13 hours from:

  • Required: GEO 3435
  • At least 3 hours from: GEO 4322, 4324, 4337, 4388, 4430, 4431
  • No more than 6 hours from: ANT 3331, 4314, 4335, 4380, ANT/BIO 4416, BIO 3303, 3320, 3342, 3350, 3366 (recommended), 4302-4102, 4310, 4317-4117, 4405, 4406, 4431, CHE 4341-4141, GEO 4373, 4381, 4383, 4384, 4386, 4429. May include 3 hours from: GEO 4300, 4302 or 4303

Climate Change and Society - at least 13 hours from:

  • 7-13 hours from: GEO 3435, 4322, 4324, 4340, 4341, 4346, 4381, 4383, 4384, 4386, 4388, 4485. May include 3 hours from: GEO 4300, 4302 or 4303
  • No more than 6 hours from: ANT 3301, 4321, BIO 3303, 3320, 4310, ENV 3300, 3314, HIS 4388

Geochemistry - at least 13 hours from:

  • At least 6 hours from: GEO 3430, 4317, 4321, 4322, 4324, 4328, 4335, 4336, 4429
  • Up to 7 hours from: CHE 4341-4141, CHE 3238, 3331, 3332, 4225, 4227, 4321, 4327 ENV 3387, 4304.  May include 3 hours from: GEO 4300, 4302 or 4303

Geophysics - at least 13 hours from:

  • 10-13 hours from: GEO 3319, 4323, 4335, 4455, 4457, 4458
  • May include 3 hours from: GEO 4300, 4302 or 4303

Hydrogeoscience - at least 13 hours from:

  • Required: GEO 4386 or 4485
  • Required: GEO 4345
  • 3 hours from: GEO 3349, 4341, 4346
  • At least 3 hours from: GEO 4317, 4322, 4340, 4383, 4388. May include 3 hours from: GEO 4300, 4302 or 4303

Petroleum Geoscience - at least 13 hours from:

Note: Under list of core courses, required courses from other fields must include BUS 2222

  • Required: GEO 4361
  • 10 hours from: ENT 3315, GEO 3319, 3430, 3435, 4325, 4328, 4340, 4346, 4457, 4458, 4485. May include 3 hours from: GEO 4300, 4302 or 4303

Planetary Geoscience - at least 13 hours from:

  • Required: GEO 4485
  • 9 hours from: GEO 4321, 4323, 4335, 4386, 4388, 4457. May include 3 hours from: GEO 4300, 4302 or 4303

B.A. Degree in Earth Science*

The B.A. degree is not a professional degree in geology. It may be combined with a major in environmental studies or with courses in education for teaching certification.

Requirements for a Major in Earth Science, when not combined with a Major in Environmental Studies

Thirty-four semester hours including the following:

  • GEO 1106 (1306 or 1307)
  • One course from GEO 1401, 1402, 1405 (Majors are encouraged to take GEO 1405)
  • GEO 3344, 3442, 3445, (4341 or  4346), 3427, 3435, 4485
  • One three-hour advanced GEO course

All senior-level candidates must complete the exit exam.

Required courses in other fields:

  • PHY 1408 or 1420 or 1455 (For those without MTH 1321)
  • MTH 1321 or STA 1380
  • CHE 1300 and 1100 or 1301 and 1101

Requirements for a Major in Earth Science (when combined with a Major in Environmental Studies)

Thirty-two semester hours including the following:

  • GEO 1106 (1306 or 1307)
  • One course from GEO 1401, 1402, 1405 (Majors are encouraged to take GEO 1405)
  • GEO 3344, 3427, 3435, 3442, 3445, 4341, and 4485

All senior-level candidates must complete the exit exam.

Required course in other field:

  • ENV 4345

Minor in Geosciences*

Eighteen semester hours including the following:

  • GEO 1106 (1306 or 1307)
  • One course from GEO 1401, 1402, 1405
  • At least two courses from GEO 3319, 3427, 3430, 3435, 3445, 4341
  • One course from GEO 3341, 3344, 3442, 46C3

Minor in Earth Science*

Eighteen semester hours including the following:

  • GEO 1106 (1306 or 1307)
  • One course from GEO 1401, 1402, 1403, 1405, 1408. (Minors are encouraged to take GEO 1405)
  • A minimum of seven semester hours of “3000” or “4000” geology or earth science electives
  • One course from GEO 3344, 3427, 3435, 3442, 46C3

Secondary Major in Geosciences*

  • One course from GEO 1401, 1402, 1405 (Majors are encouraged to take 1405)
  • GEO 1106 (1306 or 1307), 3344, 3427, 3430, 3435, 3442, 3445
  • Three semesters hours of “4000” level Geology electives

A grade of “C” or better in geology courses used for the major

Department of Geosciences

College of Arts & Sciences

Baylor Sciences Building, Room D.409

geosciences@baylor.edu
(254) 710-2361
 
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