Sep 20, 2024  
2024-2025 General Catalog [Current] 
    
2024-2025 General Catalog [Current]

Geology (B.S.)

Location(s): Main Campus



Program Summary

The geology faculty strive to provide students at Southern Utah University with excellence in earth science education. Our integrated efforts are directed toward those methods that 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. Specifically, our mission is to foster a positive learning environment which serves a variety of needs, including:

  1. Preparation of students who choose to pursue graduate studies in geology;
  2. Preparation of students to directly enter the work force;
  3. Preparation of students who choose to pursue careers in areas other than science (i.e. business or law), but need a broadly based background in geology as a foundation for those pursuits;
  4. Preparation of students who choose a career in earth science education; and
  5. Preparation of students choosing physical science general education courses to be more knowledgeable citizens by providing a quality educational experience. The geology area carries out its role through application of, and involvement with, the basic principles of science and by instilling understanding and appreciation of scientific methodologies.

Program Information

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

General Education Requirement (30-35 Credits)


See General Education  for course options.

  • Core Course Requirements (12-15 Credits)
  • Breadth Area Requirements (16-20 Credits)

Please note: All students must complete a minimum of 30 credits between the Core and Breadth Area requirements.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Requirement (12 Credits*)


  • Bachelor of Science Degree - Math or Science minimum requirement 12 Credits

* Note: A portion of the B.S. requirements may be met by fulfilling the General Education  Core and Breadth Areas. Because of this, these credits are typically not counted in the degree total at the bottom of page. Some students majoring in non-science fields may need additional math/science courses to reach the minimum 12 credits. Consult your Student Success Advisor for details. 

Geology Curriculum (82 Credits)


Note


* Students who are not prepared for this math course may need additional math credits/preparation. Please consult your Student Success Advisor for more information.

Free Electives (5-14 Credits)


Total elective credit is determined by General Education courses taken, degree type selected, additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. For a bachelor’s degree, students must earn a minimum of 40 upper-division credits (courses numbered 3000-4999). Students may need to select additional upper-division courses not included in their major requirements in order to reach this minimum. Please consult your Student Success Advisor for details.

Total Credits, B.S. Degree: 120


Licensure Notification


This program typically leads to licensure/certification and was designed to meet such qualifications for the state of Utah. Students who are or may be planning to pursue licensure/certification in any other U.S. state or territory may need to meet additional education requirements. This is not a reflection of SUU’s accreditation or quality, as each state and territory regulates their own education requirements for occupational licensure.

Students enrolled in a teacher preparation program may potentially be able to use a Utah educator license to obtain licensure through reciprocity. Additional information may be found through the Department of Teacher Education’s reciprocity table.

An overview of all of SUU’s programs that lead to licensure/certification and the programs’ current determination statuses may be found at www.suu.edu/provost/licensure.html.

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.