Geosciences Program
Program Overview
Introduction
Geologists and hydrologists study the composition, structure and other physical aspects of the Earth as well as the Earth’s geologic past and present by using sophisticated instruments to analyze the composition of rocks and fluids. Many geoscientists search for natural resources, such as groundwater, petroleum, minerals and metals. Others work closely with environmental scientists to preserve and clean up the environment.
Curriculum
The ASU Geosciences program includes a Bachelor of Science in Geosciences and a minor in Earth Science. Because the primary entry-level degree in the Geosciences is a master’s degree, our primary educational objective is to prepare students for graduate study in geology, geophysics, engineering, environmental science and hydrology. This program emphasizes teaching fundamental field geology-based skills and analytical problem-solving techniques.
Full-time faculty expertise and research interests are in traditional core areas of geology, including:
- Structural geology
- Hydrogeology
- Petrology
- Geochemistry
Part-time geology faculty bring additional expertise in hydrology, planetary geology, geographic information science, astronomy and science education.
The Geosciences bachelor’s degree plan is interdisciplinary: students minor in a complementary field, such as physics, range and wildlife management, computer science, ecology and evolutionary biology, chemistry or mathematics. Students also take coursework in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Prior to graduation, students will be prepared to take the national Fundamentals of Geology Exam as part of Professional Geologist certification.
Most students will complete an undergraduate research project. The San Angelo office of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) supervises several research projects and helps to teach several courses. The curriculum is coordinated with the Texas Tech University Department of Geosciences, a nationally respected master’s degree and Ph.D. granting department.
Employment
Employment growth of 18 percent is expected for geoscientists and hydrologists
between 2008 and 2018, which is larger than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The average entry-level salary of 2008 M.S. graduates in oil industry positions was $86,600, a 35-percent increase in
three years, according to the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.
Bachelor of Science
(Geosciences Major – 120 semester hours)
| Courses | Hours |
|---|---|
| Geology 1401, 1402 | 8 |
| Geology 3102, 3302, 3310, 3371, 3400, 3411, 3600 | 24 |
| Geology 3303, 4330 or 4391 | 3 |
| Geology 3401 or 4402 | 4 |
| Geology 4303 or 4320 | 3 |
| Courses | Hours |
|---|---|
| Chemistry 1411 and 1412 | 8 |
| Communication 2301 | 3 |
| Computer Science 1361 | 3 |
| English 1301 and 1302 or Honors 1302 | 6 |
| English sophomore literature: 2323, 2324, 2325, 2329 or Honors 2301 | 3 |
|
English 3351 |
3 |
| History 1301 and 1302 | 6 |
| Mathematics 2513*, 3514 | 10 |
| Physical Activity: 1111, 1112, 1113, 1114, 1115, 1116, 1117, 1118, 1119, 1120, 1125, 2101, 2102 | 1 |
| Physics 1441 | 4 |
| Physics 2442 or Biology 1480 | 4 |
| Political Science 2301 and 2302 | 6 |
| Social Science: Economics 2301, Geography 2301, Psychology 2301, Sociology 2301 | 3 |
|
Visual and Performing Arts: Art 1301,Music 1341, Theatre 1311 |
3 |
| Courses | Hours |
|---|---|
|
Minor** (Chemistry, English, or Mathematics is recommended. If a student chooses a different minor, then this degree may exceed 120 semester credit hours.) |
18 |
| Courses | Hours |
|---|---|
| Electives (2 hours must be advanced) | 5-9 |
The above plan meets all core curriculum and general Bachelor of Science degree requirements. The degree requires a minimum of 120 hours with a minimum of 42 advanced hours.
*The student is expected to have completed two years of high school algebra, one-half year of high school trigonometry and a pre-calculus course. If not, the student will be advised whether Mathematics 1561 should be completed before enrollment in Mathematics 2513.
** Students may select single or multiple area minors from any of those listed for a Bachelor of Science degree at Angelo State University. Students must complete 18 SCH in a single area minor with six advanced hours in residence. Each discipline in a multiple area minor requires a minimum of nine hours with six advanced hours in residence. The Department of Physics must advise students on minor requirements. The following minor areas for the Geoscience degree are recommended: Chemistry, English, or Mathematics. If a student chooses a different minor, then this degree may exceed 120 semester credit hours.
