College of the Sciences
Geology
Bachelor of Science | Major
Geology, BS
The BS program builds your skills in collecting and analyzing data to address questions about the Earth's systems.
The BS in Geology gives you the opportunity to explore a range of Earth processes, from plate tectonics and mountain building to erosion and the deposition of sediments, with a focus on the solid earth over geologic time. This program will prepare you for a variety of careers in the geosciences, including geotechnical consulting and resource exploration, and for graduate school. The program also prepares you to be a licensed professional geologist in Washington.
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 346 - Mineralogy
- GEOL 360 - Structural Geology
- GEOL 370 - Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
- GEOL 384 - Ocean, Atmosphere and Climate Interactions
- GEOL 487 - End-of-major Review Seminar
- GEOL 489 - Geologic Field Methods
Department-Approved Electives
General Geoscience
- GEOL 304 - Geological Sciences Seminar
- GEOL 306 - Communicating Geoscience
- GEOL 351 - Geology of the Pacific Northwest
- GEOL 388 - Field Trips
- GEOL 377 - Regional Natural History
- GEOL 377LAB - Regional Natural History
- GEOL 386 - Geomorphology
- GEOL 423 - The Cryosphere
- GEOL 441 - Climate Variability and Climate Change
- GEOL 470 - Fluvial Geomorphology
- GEOL 472 - Coastal Geomorphology
- GEOL 474 - Quaternary Geology
- GEOL 493 - Field Methods in Environmental Geology
Earth Materials
- GEOL 371 - Paleobiology
- GEOL 475 - Petrography and Petrogenesis
- GEOL 476 - Advanced Sedimentology
- GEOL 478 - Volcanology
- GEOL 483 - Isotope Geochemistry
- GEOL 484 - Geochronology
Earth Structure and Tectonics
- GEOL 432 - Field Geodetic Techniques
- GEOL 453 - Seismology
- GEOL 456 - Geodynamics
Hazards and Resources
- GEOL 382 - Earth Resources and Pollution
- GEOL 415 - Earthquake Geology and Neotectonics
- GEOL 425 - Environmental Geochemistry
- GEOL 434 - Petroleum Geology
- GEOL 445 - Hydrogeology
Research and Teaching
- GEOL 395 - Junior Research
- GEOL 396 - Individual Study
- GEOL 490 - Cooperative Education
- GEOL 492A - Experience Teaching Upper-level Geology
- GEOL 492B - Laboratory Experience Teaching Earth Science
- GEOL 495 - Senior Research
- GEOL 496 - Individual Study
Capstone Experiences Electives
- GEOL 425 - Environmental Geochemistry
- GEOL 432 - Field Geodetic Techniques
- GEOL 472 - Coastal Geomorphology
- GEOL 475 - Petrography and Petrogenesis
- GEOL 478 - Volcanology
- GEOL 490 - Cooperative Education
- GEOL 493 - Field Methods in Environmental Geology
- GEOL 497 - Honors
Allied Science Courses for Bachelor of Science Degree
Chemistry
- CHEM 181 - General Chemistry I
- CHEM 181LAB - General Chemistry Laboratory I
- CHEM 182 - General Chemistry II
- CHEM 182LAB - General Chemistry Laboratory II
Physics
- PHYS 121 - Introductory Physics for Life Sciences I
- PHYS 181 - General Physics I with Laboratory
- PHYS 122 - Introductory Physics for Life Sciences II
- PHYS 182 - General Physics II with Laboratory
- PHYS 123 - Introductory Physics for Life Sciences III
- PHYS 183 - General Physics III with Laboratory
Mathematics
- MATH 172 - Calculus I
- MATH 173 - Calculus II
- MATH 211 - Statistical Concepts and Methods
Experiential
We focus on hands-on experience for all students, including in the classroom, the laboratory, and the field.
Best In Class
Your experience will be enhanced by using our cutting-edge technology and laboratory resources in your studies.
Real-World Application
Students collect and analyze data using the same techniques, equipment, and strategies as professional geoscientists.
Location
This major includes field work and trips to the rich, geologically diverse landscapes of Central Washington.
Apply
Discover how to apply to your program of choice at Central.
Financial Aid
Our Financial Aid staff are here to help you navigate financial aid.
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.
Salary
The average annual salary for geoscientists is around $100,000, and starting salaries with a bachelors degree are in the $60,000-$70,000 range.
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
Geologist
Environmental Consultant
Natural Resource Management (Public or Private)
Hydrogeologist