Getting Started (Majors Guide)

College: CNS

 (Revised Spring 2018)

Department of Geosciences

How to Explore/Get Started in the Major

Suggested General Education Courses

Under the new guidelines students are still required to take two courses, one in U.S. Diversity and one in Global Diversity. Students entering in Fall 2018 are expected to take one of these diversity courses, either U.S. or Global, in their first year on campus.  For Fall 2018 Registration, look for courses with DU (formerly U) and DG (formerly G) to help students stay on track.  Any course labled DU will satisfy the requirement for a U.S. diversity course and any course labeled DG will satisfy the the requirement for Global diversity course. Course planning guidelines, including guidelines for students, are available at www.umass.edu/gened.

Suggested Major and Pre-requisite Courses

Required prerequisites:

  • GEOLOGY 101 The Earth (with lab; 4 cr.)

NOTE: GEOLOGY 103 Oceanography plus GEOLOGY 131 Introductory Geology Lab OR GEOLOGY 105 Dynamic Earth plus GEOLOGY 131 Introductory Geology Lab OR GEOGRAPHY 110 Global Environmental Change plus GEOLOGY 131 Introductory Geology Lab are also accepted combinations.

first-year students should take*:

  • GEOLOGY 101 The Earth (Fall)
  • GEOLOGY 201 History of the Earth and GEOLOGY 231 Field Methods (Spring)
  • CHEM 111-112 and MATH 131-132 (or MATH 127-128)

transfers with sophomore/junior standing should take*:

  • GEOLOGY 131 Experiencing Geology (if introductory geology course did NOT have a lab)
  • CHEM 111-112, MATH 131-132 or 127-128 and either PHYSICS 131-132 or 151-152.
  • GEOLOGY 311** Mineralogy, GEOLOGY 321 Petrology, and GEOLOGY 231 Field Methods (assuming that a course equivalent to GEOLOGY 101 has been completed)

*Please consult with a Geology Advisor. **Note that CHEM 111 is a pre-requisite (or co-requisite) for GEOLOGY 311.

How to Declare the Major

Students should speak with a Geology advisor (Professor Leckie, or Professor Clement for CHC students). The earlier students declare the major, the greater the flexibility in course selection as juniors and seniors.

Summary of Requirements for the Major

Minimum total credits required: 47-69 depending on subplan.

The department offers three different degree tracks* as follows, with minimum credits listed for each:

B.S. in Geology:    Geology Subplan – for professional geologists and/or for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees (70-73 credits).
B.S. in Geology:   Earth Science Subplan – for K-12 Science/Earth Science teacher licensure. Students interested in licensure should talk with an advisor in the Secondary Teacher Education Program in 125A Furcolo Hall (68-71 credits).
B.A. in Geology:   Note: the B.A. has greater flexibility in selecting supporting sciences than the B.S. degree. Students should consult the Chief Undergraduate Advisor (Professor Leckie) for more information (53 credits).

*Total credits include supporting science courses, NATSCI 387 (Junior Year Writing), and GEOLOGY 494LI (IE course). Please refer to individual checklists available from the Geosciences advisor at NSO or in the Geosciences Main Office, 233 Morrill Science.

Is there a minor? If so, what are the requirements?
Yes. The minor consists of the following:

  • GEOLOGY 101 (GEOLOGY 103 & 131 or GEOLOGY 105 & 131 or GEOGRAPHY 110 & GEOLOGY 131 are also accepted for the minor)
  • GEOLOGY 201
  • Twelve credits of upper division Geology or Physical Geography, to be selected in consultation with a Geology advisor.

For further information, contact:
Professor R. Mark Leckie
252 Morrill Science Ctr. IV South
545-1948; mleckie@geo.umass.edu

or

Professor Bill Clement, wclement@geo.umass.edu
for students in Commonwealth Honors College