Geological Sciences, BS


Program Description

The Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences is a technical program in Earth Science. This program provides knowledge and experience through lecture, laboratory, and field courses that will equip students to solve some of the most pressing problems of our region and society as a whole.  Students will develop their understanding of physical and chemical Earth processes while gaining skills in spatial reasoning and analysis of complex systems.  Within active, applied, and authentic learning opportunities, students will gain insight into geologic hazards, natural resources, and Earth's history. The region that surrounds Utah Tech University provides an ideal natural laboratory to apply the concepts of geological sciences to issues that impact the future of humanity.


Professional Licensure/Certification (PLC) Requirements

The curriculum for programs at Utah Tech University leading to professional licensure are designed to prepare students for Utah licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions requiring licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the University, and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time. 

Licensure boards in each state establish requirements for licensure and certification for their respective state. States vary by which professions are required to be licensed and how licensure functions, and such requirements may change at any time. The terms related to licensure and certification, among others, also vary by state as well.

Students and prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact the state licensure entity in the state where they intend to work to review all licensure and certification requirements imposed by the student’s state(s) of choice. The University cannot provide verification of a student’s ability to meet licensure or certification requirements unrelated to its educational programming. Some states require individuals to complete additional requirements that are unrelated to educational prerequisites. For more information, visit the State Authorization and Professional Licensure web page and select the program, or speak to the director of the program. 

Utah Tech University shall not be held liable if a student is unable to qualify for licensure or certification in any jurisdiction.

This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).

Program Curriculum

120 credits

Utah Tech General Education Requirements

All Utah Tech General Education requirements must be fulfilled. A previously earned degree may fulfill those requirements, but courses must be equivalent to Utah Tech's minimum General Education standards in American Institutions, English, and Mathematics.

General Education Core Requirements

English3-7
Mathematics3-5
American Institutions3-6
Life Sciences3-10
Physical Sciences3-5
Fine Arts3
Literature/Humanities3
Social & Behavioral Sciences3
Exploration 3-5

Geological Sciences Core Requirements

BIOL 3110Scientific Writing3
CHEM 1210
CHEM 1215
Principles of Chemistry I (PS)
and Principles of Chemistry I Lab (LAB)
5
CHEM 1220
CHEM 1225
Principles of Chemistry II
and Principles of Chemistry II Lab
5
GEO 1110
GEO 1115
Physical Geology (PS)
and Physical Geology Lab (LAB)
4
GEO 1220
GEO 1225
Historical Geology
and Historical Geology Lab
4
GEO 2700RField Methods in Geoscience Research1
GEO 2990RCareer Seminar in Geology1
GEO 3200Mineralogy4
GEO 3500Geomorphology4
GEO 3550Sedimentology & Stratigraphy4
GEO 3600Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology4
GEO 3700Structural Geology and Tectonics4
GEO 4600Field Geology5
GEO 4800RIndependent Research1
GEOG 3600
GEOG 3605
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
and Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Laboratory
4
MATH 1210Calculus I (MA)4
PHYS 2010College Physics I (PS)4
or PHYS 2210 Physics/Scientists Engineers I (PS)
PHYS 2015College Physics I Lab (LAB)1
or PHYS 2215 Physics/Scientists Engineers I Lab (LAB)
PHYS 2020College Physics II4
or PHYS 2220 Physics/Scientists EngineersII
PHYS 2025College Physics II Lab1
or PHYS 2225 Physics/Scientists Engineers II Lab

Electives

Choose 10 credits from among the following:
GEO 3000Advanced Geologic Investigation of Colorado Plateau Basin and Range provinces through national parks3
GEO 3060Environmental Geology3
GEO 3180Paleontology4
GEO 3710Hydrology3
GEO 4000RSelected Geology Field Excursions1
GEOG 4140Advanced GIS Analysis3
GEOG 4180Geoprocessing with Python3
ENVS 3210Soil Science3

Travel Course Required (a single course cannot count for both the Travel Course category and the electives category)

Choose one (1) of the following:
GEO 3000Advanced Geologic Investigation of Colorado Plateau Basin and Range provinces through national parks3
GEO 3910Applied Geologic Investigation of Iceland3
ENVS 3910Costa Rica Natural History3
ENVS 3920Peruvian Amazon Natural History3
ENVS 3930South Africa Natural History3
GEOG 3930Remote Sensing of Landscape: China3

Graduation Requirements

  1. Complete a minimum of 120 college-level credits (1000 and above).
  2. Complete at least 40 upper-division credits (3000 and above).
  3. Complete at least 30 upper-division credits at Utah Tech for institutional residency.
  4. Cumulative GPA 2.0 or higher.
  5. Grade C- or higher in all required courses.