Geology Major

Requirements for the Major in Geology

The department offers two major tracks of study and a minor.

Geology Track Requirements

This track’s curriculum is intended for students who wish to pursue their liberal arts education by learning about the geological formation and evolution of the Earth. This course of study provides students with a sound basis for assessing numerous scientific and social issues, including many of the key environmental problems currently faced by our society. Requirements include:

1. One introductory course: course, course, course, course, course, EA 055L KS, EA 100L KS 

2. A set of seven core courses: course, course, course, course, course, course, course

3. Two geology electives (any two non-introductory GEOL credits other than GEOL 199 not already being used to fulfill major requirements)

4. course, a year-long senior thesis

5. course. 

6. An additional quantitatively grounded course in mathematics or the natural sciences, not used to fulfill the requirements above. Course selection must be approved in writing by the student’s Geology major advisor, with a copy sent to the Department Chair. Geologically relevant quantitative courses outside the natural sciences may be considered via petition to the Chair.

Students, particularly those interested in pursuing graduate studies or professional careers as geologists, are strongly encouraged but not explicitly required to take a full year of introductory chemistry and physics, as well as an approved summer field camp. An excellent way to pursue the latter is through participation in the College’s Frontiers Abroad study abroad program in New Zealand, which includes a five-week field camp prior to the start of an academic semester in Christchurch. Frontiers Abroad programs are offered in both the spring and fall semesters. Study Abroad programs at many other locations (e.g., Cape Town, Edinburgh) also provide excellent opportunities for students to explore a wide array of geological settings and environments.

Earth System Science Track Requirements

The track's curriculum is intended for students who wish their coursework in the Major to emphasize a scientifically grounded Geoscience "theme" such as in Planetary Geology, Geophysics, Geochemistry, Biogeochemistry, Paleoclimatology, or other combination of Geology and cognate science and math. This track is also appropriate for those who may be considering coursework that builds toward expertise in Environmental Consulting or Geological Engineering. Requirements include:

1. One introductory course: course, course, course, course, course, EA 055L KS, EA 100L KS 

2. A set of four core courses: course, course, course, course

3. At least two courses from among: course, course, course, course, course, course

4. Two additional GEOL courses numbered 110 or above that are not being used to fulfill requirements 2 and 3. The two elective courses will ideally complement the theme of the ESS laid out in the coursework plan.  (any two non-introductory GEOL credits other than GEOL 199 not already being used to fulfill major requirements)

5. At least three courses selected from cognate science, math, or engineering course offerings at the Claremont Colleges, which build out the theme of the ESS coursework plan. At least one of the three courses must be numbered higher than introductory level for the department, program, or field group offering it. The cognate courses may contribute toward completion of another major.

6. course, a year-long senior thesis

7. Courses selected to complete a major in the ESS track must be approved in writing by the student's Geology major advisor, ideally in consultation with the Department, with a copy of the approved ESS coursework plan field with the Department Chair when the major is declared. Geologically relevant quantitative courses outside of the natural sciences may be considered for inclusion in the coursework plan via petition to the Department via the Chair.

Public Policy Major in Geology Track Requirements

This track is intended for students with minimal interest in pursuing a career in geology; however, it differs from the Environmental Analysis or Geology path in having a much stronger public policy focus and a lighter science course load. See the Public Policy Analysis Program section of this catalog for information about requirements.