Central Washington University | Geology, Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) options

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Geology, Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) options

Geology, Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) options

Program Description

Geoscientists investigate questions about Earth processes, from plate tectonics and mountain building to erosion and the deposition of sediments. That understanding of Earth is used to address critical societal issues such as locating and sustainably developing energy, water and mineral resources; preparing for and mitigating the risk from natural hazards and climate change; and stewardship of the environment. Because of the complex and interdisciplinary nature of Earth system interactions, a degree in the geological sciences can be beneficial for any career that involves problem-solving in complex systems.

Likely Career Paths

Our graduates are employed in a wide variety of career paths in the geosciences, including geotechnical consulting, resource exploration, environmental consulting and water resources. The program also prepares you to be a licensed professional geologist in Washington, or to continue on to graduate school. Students who successfully complete the Geology BA and STEM Teaching Program are eligible to apply for Washington State teacher certification.

Key Considerations

Cost: University-wide costs (CWU Financial Aid ). Total course fees for labs and field trips range from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the major and the courses taken.
Location: Ellensburg
Primary contact: Anne Egger | anne.egger@cwu.edu | 509-963-2870 | CWU Geology

Course Planning

1st and 2nd Year Courses or Areas of Study

CWU Course #	Transfer Course #
GEOL 101	GEOL& 101
MATH 154	MATH& 142
CHEM 181 + CHEM 181 lab	CHEM& 161
CHEM 182 + CHEM 182 lab	CHEM& 162
PHYS 181 with Laboratory	PHYS& 221
PHYS 182 with Laboratory	PHYS& 222
Also recommended:	-
MATH 172	MATH& 151
MATH 173	MATH& 152
or MATH 211	MATH& 146

The Transfer Equivalency Site (TES) provides CWU equivalencies for courses at other colleges and universities.

Advising Notes

We offer three degrees (BS in Geological Sciences; BA in Geological Sciences, BS in Environmental Geological Sciences) and a minor in Geological Sciences.
An Associate in Science-Transfer Degree Track 1 (AS-Track 1) degree is recommended, but not required. Transfers with an AS-Track 1 degree can complete any major within two years; however, general education requirements still need to be fulfilled.
Transfers with an AA-DTA degree might take longer than two years if they have not completed Physics, Math, and Chemistry.
Any Washington state DTA (Direct Transfer Agreement) degree will satisfy all general education requirements.
Major requirements may change over time; students will be expected to meet the catalog requirements in place at the time they are admitted to the major.

Current Catalog