College of the Sciences
Geology
Bachelor of Arts | Major
Geology, BA
The BA degree prepares you to incorporate geosciences into careers such as teaching, educational outreach, resource management, environmental planning, business, or law.
The BA is the most common major for students seeking an endorsement in teaching high school Earth science, and for anyone who is interested in communicating science. Students who successfully complete the Geology BA and STEM Teaching Program are eligible to apply for Washington State teacher certification.
Questions? Contact Us.
Nick Zentner
Discovery Hall 134
You Belong Here
What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | Geological Sciences Department Website
Courses
Introductory Geoscience
- GEOL 101 - Introduction to Geology
- SCED 102 - Integrated Earth and Space Science
Geoscience Breadth Courses
- GEOL 201 - Climate and Water
- GEOL 202 - Natural Hazards and Tectonics
- GEOL 203 - Earth History
- GEOL 210 - Introduction to Geologic Field Methods
- GEOL 320 - Rocks and Minerals
- GEOL 351 - Geology of the Pacific Northwest
- GEOL 370 - Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
- GEOL 382 - Earth Resources and Pollution
- GEOL 384 - Ocean, Atmosphere and Climate Interactions
- GEOL 386 - Geomorphology
- GEOL 487 - End-of-major Review Seminar
- PHYS 101 - Introductory Astronomy I
Science Communication Courses
- GEOL 306 - Communicating Geoscience
- SCED 411 - Field Experience in Communicating Science to the Public
- STP 201 - Inquiry Approaches to Teaching
- STP 300 - Inquiry Approaches to Teaching and Lesson Design
Advanced Field or Research
- GEOL 490 - Cooperative Education
- GEOL 493 - Field Methods in Environmental Geology
- GEOL 495 - Senior Research
Department-Approved Electives
- GEOG 361 - Soils
- GEOG 388 - Weather and Climate
- GEOL 346 - Mineralogy
- GEOL 360 - Structural Geology
- GEOL 371 - Paleobiology
- GEOL 415 - Earthquake Geology and Neotectonics
- GEOL 434 - Petroleum Geology
- GEOL 441 - Climate Variability and Climate Change
- GEOL 445 - Hydrogeology
- GEOL 477 - Tsunami Geology and Geophysics
- GEOL 478 - Volcanology
- GEOL 304 - Geological Sciences Seminar
- GEOL 388 - Field Trips
- GEOL 492A - Experience Teaching Upper-level Geology
- GEOL 492B - Laboratory Experience Teaching Earth Science
Allied Science Courses
- MATH 154 - Pre-Calculus Mathematics II
- CHEM 111 - Introduction to Chemistry
- CHEM 111LAB - Introductory Chemistry Laboratory
- CHEM 112 - Introduction to Organic Chemistry
- CHEM 112LAB - Introduction to Organic Chemistry Laboratory
- CHEM 181 - General Chemistry I
- CHEM 181LAB - General Chemistry Laboratory I
- CHEM 182 - General Chemistry II
- CHEM 182LAB - General Chemistry Laboratory II
- MATH 172 - Calculus I
- MATH 173 - Calculus II
- MATH 211 - Statistical Concepts and Methods
- PHYS 111 - Introductory Physics I with Laboratory
- PHYS 112 - Introductory Physics II with Laboratory
- PHYS 181 - General Physics I with Laboratory
- PHYS 182 - General Physics II with Laboratory
Experiential
We focus on hands-on experience for all students, including in the classroom, the laboratory, and the field.
Gateway to Teaching
This major is often paired with the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teaching program, allowing students to pursue teaching earth sciences.
Professional
Students collect and analyze data using the same techniques, equipment, and strategies as professional geoscientists.
Unique
This major includes field work in the rich, geologically diverse landscapes of Central Washington.
Apply
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Financial Aid
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Student Life
Pursue your interests in a supportive community. Learn more.
Visit
The best way to discover what makes CWU so special is to experience it yourself.
Demand
Geoscientists have employment opportunities everywhere, from local and regional communities to locations around the world.
Your Education
The Geological Sciences Department typically awards scholarships totaling $15-$20k per year.
Relevance
Geoscientists address critical societal issues related to energy, water, climate, natural hazards, and more.
Why Study Geology at Central?
- Experience personalized guidance and mentorship from dedicated faculty in our close-knit department
- Accelerate your career with a high post-graduation employment rate, driven by strong demand in the field, while pursuing a meaningful career that brings about real-world changes
- Make a difference as a STEM teacher, inspiring future generations to practice sustainability and responsible resource management
Career Pathways
Earth Sciences Teacher
Environmental Consultant
Natural Resource Management (Public or Private)
Academia and Research