Undergraduate Minors in Geology

An Undergraduate Minor recognizes concentrated study in a designated field in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences. The awarding of a Minor will be noted on the student's transcript at the time of graduation.

The following minors may be earned within the Geology Department by students not majoring in Geology. A grade of "C" or better must be earned in all courses required for the minor. Although we suggest minors that may be broadly compatible for students of particular majors, students in any University program may work toward any of the Geology minors. Aspects of Geology Citation coursework are negotiable: contact the Undergraduate Director for details.

Surficial Geology Minor

Required:

• One of the following:
  • GEOL 100/110 Physical Geology/Physical Geology (4)
  • GEOL 120/110 Environmental Geology/Physical Geology Lab (4)
• GEOL 123 Causes and Implications of Global Change (3)
• GEOL 340 Geomorphology (4)

Plus two of:

• GEOL 342 Sedimentation and Stratigraphy (4)
• GEOL 451 Groundwater (3)
• GEOL 452 Watershed and Wetland Hydrology (3)
• GEOL 331 Principles of Paleontology (3)

Earth Material Properties Minor 

Required:

• One of the following:
  • GEOL 100/110 Physical Geology/Physical Geology (4)
  • GEOL 120/110 Environmental Geology/Physical Geology Lab (4)
• GEOL 322 Mineralogy (4)

Plus two from:

• GEOL 341 Structural Geology (4)
• GEOL 423 Optical Mineralogy (3)
• GEOL 443 Petrology (4)
• GEOL 445 Principles of Geochemistry (3)

Earth History Minor 

Required:

• One of the following:
  • GEOL 100/110 Physical Geology/Physical Geology (4)
  • GEOL 120/110 Environmental Geology/Physical Geology Lab (4)
• GEOL 102 Historical Geology (4)

Plus three from:

• GEOL 331 Principles of Paleontology (4)
• GEOL 341 Structural Geology (4)
• GEOL 342 Sedimentation and Stratigraphy (4)
• GEOL 436 Biogeochemistry (3)
• GEOL 437 Global Climate Change: Past and Present (3)

Hydrology Minor 

Required:

• One of the following:
  • GEOL 100/110 Physical Geology/Physical Geology (4)
  • GEOL 120/110 Environmental Geology/Physical Geology Lab (4)
• GEOL 322 Mineralogy (4)
• GEOL 342 Sedimentation and Stratigraphy (4)

Plus two from:

• GEOL 436 Biogeochemistry (3)
• GEOL 444 Low-Temperature Geochemistry (3)
• GEOL 451 Groundwater (3)
• GEOL 452 Watershed and Wetland Hydrology (3)

For more information, contact John Merck
Undergraduate Studies Director