Chair: Glenn R. Sebastian (460-6381)
Professors: Dilsaver, Isphording, Lamb (Emeritus)
Associate Professors: Allison, Clark, Haywick, Rivizzigno, Ryder, Sebastian, Williams
Assistant Professors: Blackwell, Fearn
Instructors: Davis, Tinnon-Brock
Adjunct Professors: Mueller, Sheldon

Geology is the study of the earth, its composition, and the forces that form and change it. As such, it encompasses a broad spectrum of studies and draws from the other basic sciences: chemistry, physics, and biology.

Geography, which is both a natural and a social science, studies the location, spatial distribution, and spatial interaction of Earth’s natural and human environments. Special attention is given to biogeography, climatology, environmental geography, meteorology, soil geography, cultural geography, economic geography, historical geography, and urban geography. A concentration in meteorology is offered in the geography program.

The programs of the Department of Geology and Geography are designed to give the non-major a background in earth science and the human impact on the landscape as part of a general education.

A student may receive a major or minor in either geology or geography. Alternatively, a student may receive a major in geography with a concentration in meteorology.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN GEOLOGY
Students should complete a minimum of 46 semester hours in geology. GY 111 and GY 112 are prerequisites for all other geology courses. The core requirements for a degree in Geology are listed below:

Core requirements for a geology major

Total 46 Hours

Additional requirements from other disciplines

Courses in statistics and computer science are strongly recommended for all geology majors.

A program in related sciences has been approved as an acceptable minor for geology majors; however, it is recommended that the student seek a traditional minor. The completion of this program includes: Biology 101 and 102 or 121 and 122; Physics 114 and 115; Chemistry 131 and 132; Mathematics through MA 126. Students seeking a minor in related sciences should be aware of the University requirement that all students must complete 32 resident hours in 300/400 level courses.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN GEOLOGY
A student must take a minimum of 20 semester hours of Geology courses including GY 111 and GY 112. GY 310, 344, 345 and 371 are recommended for students majoring in Biology. GY 341, 431 and 475 are recommended for students majoring in Chemistry. GY 305, 360 and 420 are recommended for students majoring in Physics or Mathematics. For other majors, contact the Department of Geology, Geography, and Meteorology.

Recommended Geology Major Curriculum
1st Year

2nd Year

3rd Year

4th Year

Major Hours 46
Minor Hours 8-21

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN GEOGRAPHY
A student with a major in geography must take a group of required core geography courses as well as six (6) additional upper division courses for a total of 46 semester hours. The six (6) additional upper division courses must be chosen from at least three (3) of the following categories: Human, Physical, Regional, and Technical. Geography 101 and 102 are prerequisites to all physical geography courses and Geography 114 is a prerequisite to all human geography courses as listed below.

Core requirements for a geography major:

Total 28 Hours

Additional requirements from other departments:
Geography majors must also take ST 210, CIS 150, one (1) additional natural science course and one (1) additional social science course outside geography.

Human Geography Courses:

Physical Geography Courses:

Regional Geography Courses:

Technical Geography Courses:

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN GEOGRAPHY
A student must take 20 semester hours of Geography, including 101, 102, 114, 115, and two electives at the 300 or 400 level.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN METEOROLOGY
A student with a major in meteorology must take a group of required courses totaling at least 45 semester hours. Meteorology students must take a core of 30 semester hours of meteorology courses, plus one of the specialty tracks listed below and two-four hours of electives. Students may meet the meteorology elective requirement by taking one or more course(s) from another track(s).

The meteorology concentration also requires MA 125, 126, 227, 238, 332; PH 201, 202; ST 315 and CIS 150.

Meteorology Core Courses:

Total: 30 Hours

Basic Meteorology Track:

Total: 11 Hours

Broadcast Meteorology Track:

Total: 11 Hours

Environmental Meteorology Track:

Total: 11 Hours

Industrial Meteorology Track:

Total: 12 Hours

Meteorology Electives: 2-4 hrs

GRADUATE STUDIES
Although the Department of Geology and Geography has no graduate degree program, courses are offered at the graduate level for students enrolled in Marine Sciences and others who need such course work.

Contact the Department for more information.

Descriptions of all Geology (GY) courses

Descriptions of all Geography (GEO) courses

Descriptions of all Meteorology (MET) courses

College of Arts and Sciences

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