Program Overview

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Geosciences and Society: Science Communication Emphasis

Overview

The B.A. in Geosciences and Society is intended for students who are interested in combining a strong foundational understanding of geosciences with areas in social sciences related to grand challenges such as natural resources, water, and climate. Graduates will be uniquely qualified to lead in careers that promote and communicate an understanding of, and create evidence-based solutions to, urgent issues such as protecting water resources, natural hazards to communities, degradation of important biomes, and the impacts of climate change, from the geoscientist perspective.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of common Earth materials including their composition, origin, and uses.
• Describe how Earth surface processes operate and how they impact humans.
• Describe processes in the Earth's interior.
• Know the geologic time scale and major Earth events.
• Acquire specific skills required for the study and interpretation of geological materials, history, and features.
• Use scientific process, including being able to read and critically evaluate primary Earth science literature and data, and effectively communicate geologic information both orally and in writing.

Program Details

Coursework Location(s)

• Main/Tucson

Areas of Interest

• Agricultural Sciences
• Law, Policy & Social Justice

Level of Math

• Substantial Knowledge

This strand involves skill and facility with calculus. The S-strand begins at one of two calculus options - MATH 122A/B (Functions for Calculus and First-Semester Calculus) or MATH 125 (Calculus I). Students who successfully complete the S-strand may continue on to MATH 129 (Calculus II), MATH 223 (Vector Calculus), or beyond. Those who choose but are not ready to begin the S-strand will be required to take preparatory work.

Level of Second Language

• 2nd Semester Proficiency

Second-semester skill level in a second language is required. Non-B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options:

• Scoring the equivalent of second-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona.
• Completion with a C or better of a second semester course at the post-secondary level.
• An AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate) or CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) language score determined by the individual language department.
• In the College of Engineering by a method determined within the College; however, all students in the college must also take a language placement examination on entrance to the University.

Pre-major Required?

• No

This Major's College

• College of Science

Degree

• Bachelor of Arts

Sample Plans

2025, Geosciences and Society: Science Communication Emphasis

• 4-Year Sample Plan
• Map Transfer Coursework

First Year

• 1st Semester
  • GEOS 251 (4 credits)
  • MATH 163 or 263 (3 credits)
  • ENGL 101 - First Year Writing 1 (GE Foundation Composition) (3 credits)
  • Introduction to the General Education Experience (Entry Course) (1 credit)
  • GE Core Exploring Perspectives (3 credits)
• 2nd Semester
  • CHEM I or PHYS I (4 credits)
  • GEOS 255 or 260 (4 credits)
  • GE Foundation Second Language (First Semester) (4 credits)
  • ENGL 102 - First Year Writing 2 (GE Foundation Composition) (3 credits)

Second Year

• 3rd Semester
  • GEOS 342 or 346 (3 credits)
  • Additional Math (3 credits)
  • GE Core Exploring Perspectives (3 credits)
  • GE Core Exploring Perspectives (3 credits)
  • Free elective (3 credits)
• 4th Semester
  • GEOS 300 (3 credits)
  • GEOS 412A (3 credits)
  • GE Foundation Second Language (Second Semester) (4 credits)
  • GE Core Building Connections (3 credits)
  • Science Communication Emphasis Course (3 credits)

Third Year

• 5th Semester
  • GEOS 478 (3 credits)
  • Theme I (3 credits)
  • GE Core Exploring Perspectives (3 credits)
  • GE Foundation Second Language (Third Semester) (4 credits)
  • Science Communication Emphasis Course (3 credits)
• 6th Semester
  • Add. Sci. Electives (3 credits)
  • GE Core Building Connections (3 credits)
  • Science Communication Emphasis Course (3 credits)
  • GE Foundation Second Language (Fourth Semester) (4 credits)

Fourth Year

• 7th Semester
  • Science Communication Emphasis Course (3 credits)
  • Add. Sci. Electives (3 credits)
  • Free elective (3 credits)
  • Free elective (3 credits)
  • Free elective (3 credits)
• 8th Semester
  • General Education Portfolio (Exit Course) (1 credit)
  • Upper division elective (3 credits)
  • Upper division elective (3 credits)
  • Upper division elective (3 credits)
  • Upper division elective (3 credits)
  • Upper division elective (2 credits)