Geology (Minor)

Program Summary

The SUU Geology program trains students for professional, academic, governmental, or teaching careers in the Earth Sciences. Our program is research-oriented with strong laboratory and field components. Students have direct access to rock-preparation, mineralogy, geochemistry, paleontology, and GIS lab facilities for hands-on learning during individual research, class work, and group projects. The geology program places great emphasis on experiential learning outside the classroom. With its location on the boundary between the Colorado Plateau and the Basin and Range, near numerous national parks, The Geology program offers undergraduate research and outdoor learning opportunities that are unmatched by other universities. Students typically spend time discovering geological phenomena while camping and hiking in the beautiful landscape of southern Utah, combing the deserts of Nevada, exploring lagoons and reefs in the Bahamas, the rift basins of southern Africa and other exotic localities. Within the area surrounding SUU, our students can study ancient, continental rocks nearly 2 billion years old, rocks deposited in ancient oceans, a diverse assemblage of dinosaur fossils, some of the largest volcanoes preserved in North America, and some of the youngest volcanic deposits on the continent. 

Geology faculty strive to provide students at Southern Utah University with excellence in earth science education. Our integrated efforts are directed toward those methods we feel produce the best possible educational experience. The primary goal of the geology faculty is to ensure academic excellence while demanding integrity and building self-esteem in our students.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate geologic knowledge of the physical and natural world.
• Demonstrate integrative learning through teamwork, problem solving, inquiry, and analysis.
• Demonstrate proficiency in geological field and lab skills.
• Demonstrate written and oral scientific communication skills.

Program Information

• All courses must be passed with a “C” (2.0) or better to be counted in the minor.
• All prerequisite courses must be passed with “C” (2.0) or better.
• Credits greater than 10 years old will not be accepted in the minor.
• Some courses are taught every other year or as needed. Consult your advisor for scheduling help.
• Some courses may require additional prerequisites outside of the minor. Consult your advisor for help.