OWU Online | Geology Major

Majoring in Geology

The Department of Geology and Geography at Ohio Wesleyan University offers two major sequences in Geology and one in Earth Science. Geology is the science of the earth and earth-like planets, focusing on the investigation and understanding of natural processes within and on the planet, and the materials, structure, and history of the earth. The Professional Geology Sequence provides a strong foundation for professional work and graduate study in Geology and related fields such as Hydrogeology, Geophysics, Geochemistry, Oceanography, and Environmental Science. Careers in Geology are numerous, with potential employers including federal and state geological surveys and other governmental agencies, the energy and minerals industries, and engineering and consulting firms concerned with water and other resources, environmental hazards, waste management, and construction projects. Geology is also an excellent liberal arts major, expanding the understanding and appreciation of our living environment. The General Geology Sequence provides a strong base for subsequent study of law, economics, or environmental policy studies. The Earth Science Major provides training specifically for the pursuit of a career in teaching.

Requirements for Geology Majors

Professional Geology Sequence: This major prepares students to do professional work or to attend graduate school in geology or related fields (e.g., geochemistry, geophysics, environmental geology). Course requirements are based on graduate school and industry requirements, and conform to the American Institute of Professional Geologists recommendations for the undergraduate geology major.

Required courses:

GEOL 110: Physical and Environmental Geology
GEOL 111: Field and Laboratory Geology
GEOL 112: History of the Earth
GEOL 290: Mineralogy
GEOL 310: Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
GEOL 320: Paleontology
GEOL 340: Structural Geology
Two additional Geology courses numbered above 265, one of which must be numbered above 300 (except GEOL 318: Electron Microscopy)
CHEM 110: General Chemistry I, and 111: General Chemistry II
MATH 110: Calculus I, and 111: Calculus II; or MATH 110: Calculus I and 105: Basic Probability & Statistics or 230: Applied Statistics
Formal instruction in technical writing is also required of majors, and can be satisfied by enrollment in GEOL 345: Geological Techniques, or by arrangement with a member of the geology faculty in conjunction with a GEOL 490: Independent Study, 491: Directed Readings, or upper level R course.

The following additional courses are recommended based on graduate school requirements. Selections from among these courses as well as other relevant courses should be made in consultation with members of the geology faculty.

GEOL 315: Petrography
GEOL 330: Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
GEOL 345: Geological Techniques
PHYS 110: General Physics I, and 111: General Physics II
BOMI/ZOOL 120: Introduction to Cell Biology, and ZOOL 115: Animals and Their Environment
MATH 111: Calculus II

Geology majors are encouraged to take a summer field course at another college or university chosen in consultation with members of the geology faculty. Majors are also strongly encouraged to participate in research or an apprenticeship.

General Geology Sequence: This major is for those students interested in geology as a course of study, but who do not intend to become professional geologists. In combination with courses in the social sciences (e.g., economics, geography, or politics and government), the general major is excellent preparation for a wide variety of careers (e.g., environmental law, or legal, financial, or administrative positions in the mineral resource, energy, and environmental industries). If students subsequently decide to attend graduate school in geology, they will need to take courses in chemistry, math, and physics, but will have the geology courses necessary for admittance to graduate departments.

Required courses:

GEOL 110: Physical and Environmental Geology
GEOL 111: Field and Laboratory Geology
GEOL 112: History of the Earth
GEOL 290: Mineralogy
GEOL 310: Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
GEOL 320: Paleontology
GEOL 340: Structural Geology
Two additional Geology courses numbered above 265
Two courses from ASTR, BOMI, CHEM, MATH, PHYS, and ZOOL.

Earth Science Major: This major meets the State of Ohio requirements for Earth Sciences Licensure, to teach Earth Sciences in grades 7-12.

Required courses:

GEOL 110: Physical and Environmental Geology
GEOL 111: Field and Laboratory Geology
GEOL 112: History of the Earth
GEOG 375: Weather and Climate
ASTR 110: Elementary Astronomy, and 111: The Astronomical Universe
MATH 105: Basic Probability & Statistics

Three courses minimum, chosen as follows:

One of the following courses:

GEOL 270: Ore Deposits
GEOL 290: Mineralogy
GEOL 310: Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

One of the following courses:

GEOL 285: Tectonics: Earthquakes and Mountain Belts
GEOL 340: Structural Geology
GEOL 345: Geological Techniques

One of the following courses:

GEOL 320: Paleontology
GEOL 330: Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

Three courses minimum, chosen as follows:

1 course from among BOMI 110, 125, ZOOL 115, BOMI/ZOOL 120
1 course from among CHEM 110, 111
1 course from among PHYS 110, 111, 115, 116

One additional upper level course:

GEOG 353
Any upper level lab course in any natural science (GEOL, ASTR, BOMI, CHEM, PHYS, ZOOL)

See Education for courses required in that department.

EDUC 110, 251, 367, 369, 370, 377, 471-73, 474

Upon declaring a geology or Earth science major, students must meet with one of the geology faculty members to plan their program.

Owing to Geography, a social science, and Geology, a natural science, being housed in the one department, students who double major in Geology and Geography may exceed the 17 course limit within one department.

All geology courses below the 490 level meet the natural science distribution requirement (Group II).

In years containing faculty sabbaticals, courses may be offered during the opposite semester to that listed.