Program Overview

Introduction to the Geology Program

The Geology program at Western Washington University is designed to provide students with a broad background in geology, preparing them for a variety of careers in the field or for graduate work in geology. Geology is the science that provides the key to finding new sources of useful Earth materials and to understanding Earth processes that affect our lives.

Why Consider a Geology Major?

Students who enjoy the outdoors, are concerned about the environment, and are interested in travel may find that the Geosciences offer a good career path. The program is recommended for students who are preparing to become professional geologists and intend to enter industry or enroll in a graduate program upon completion of the degree.

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Geology requires 104-117 credits. The core program includes:

• Completion of one of the following series:
  • CHEM 161 - General Chemistry I
  • CHEM 162 - General Chemistry II
  • CHEM 163 - General Chemistry III
  • or
  • CHEM 175 - General Chemistry I, Honors
  • CHEM 176 - General Chemistry II, Honors
  • CHEM 225 - General Chemistry III, Honors
• Choice of one of the following options:
  • Option 1
    • GEOL 211 - Physical Geology
  • Option 2
    • GEOL 101 - Introduction to Geology
    • and GEOL 211A - Physical Geology Review
  • Option 3
    • HNRS 212 - Colloquium in Geology
  • Option 4
    • SCED 202 - Matter and Energy in Earth Systems
    • and GEOL 211A - Physical Geology Review
• Required courses:
  • GEOL 212 - Historical Geology
  • GEOL 213 - GIS in Geology (ENVS 320 may be substituted for GEOL 213)
  • GEOL 306 - Mineralogy
  • GEOL 310 - Geomorphology
  • GEOL 318 - Structural Geology
  • GEOL 352 - Introduction to Geophysics
  • GEOL 406 - Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
  • GEOL 409 - Field Methods and Theory
  • GEOL 410 - Geologic Mapping
  • GEOL 415 - Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
  • PHYS 161 - Physics with Calculus I
  • PHYS 162 - Physics with Calculus II
  • PHYS 163 - Physics with Calculus III
• Choice of either:
  • MATH 124 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
  • and MATH 125 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
  • or
  • MATH 134 - Calculus I Honors
  • and MATH 135 - Calculus II Honors
  • or
  • MATH 138 - Accelerated Calculus

Elective Courses

• One course from:
  • GEOL 314 - Engineering Geology
  • GEOL 316 - Paleontology
• Three of any 400-level Geology courses (excluding GEOL 401A and GEOL 401B)
• One course from:
  • MATH 203 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equations I
  • MATH 204 - Elementary Linear Algebra
  • MATH 224 - Multivariable Calculus and Geometry I
  • MATH 240 - Introduction to Statistics
  • MATH 341 - Probability and Statistical Inference

Senior Thesis

An undergraduate thesis is an excellent way to develop research skills, establish closer working relationships with faculty, and gain a more in-depth knowledge of geology. Completion of a thesis is also a notable achievement that highlights a student’s ability to do research, providing tangible evidence of research ability to either graduate schools or potential employers.

Departmental Honors

BA or BS students and students in the University Honors College who have completed at least 4 credits of GEOL 490 and have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher meet the requirements for departmental honors. Those students who have completed at least 4 credits of GEOL 490 and have a cumulative GPA higher than 3.20 meet the requirements for departmental distinction.

University Graduation Requirements

• General University Requirements
• Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
• 180 Minimum Total Credits
• 60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
• Residency Requirement
• Minimum Grade Requirements
• Final Quarter Requirement