Earth Science


Required Courses in the Freshman Year

First Semester Second Semester
  • ESC 211 Intro to Meteorology or GEL 201
  • MTH 122 Precalculus (if needed)
  • ESC 222 Intro to Water Resources
  • MTH 201 Calculus I

 

Required Courses in the Sophomore Year

First Semester Second Semester
  • GEL 201 Intro to Physical Geology or ESC 211
  • PHS 205 Intro to Physics I or PHS 235 Physics I
  • CHM 205 College Chemistry I

Prerequisite Courses

  • GEL 201 is a prerequisite for all other GEL electives .
  • ESC 211 is a prerequisite for all upper division meteorology courses .

Co-requisite Courses

  • CHM 205 College Chemistry I
  • MTH 122 or 201 Pre-Calculus or Calculus I
  • PHS 205 or 235 Intro to Physics I or Physics I

Suggested Patterns

General Earth Sciences—The earth sciences major can be designed to meet interdisciplinary career goals for which a broad background in the earth sciences is desired. A minor or second major in political science, communications, journalism, economics, business, recreation and leisure, criminal justice or computer science is strongly encouraged. With the appropriate minor or second major, a student can prepare for a career in scientific writing, interpretive naturalist, environmental policy and regulation, national or state park service, or environmental planning. Students may choose to pursue further studies in environmental law, urban planning or geographic information systems. Note that students wishing to pursue teacher certification should contact an Earth Science department advisor as soon as possible as the sequence of courses may vary slightly.

Teacher Certification—Students seeking the Adolescent Inclusive Teaching Certification should refer to the DegreeWorks audit for requirements. Students interested in pursuing a teaching certification in Childhood Inclusive or Adolescent Inclusive should consult the Department of Education and Human Development.

Recurring Problems

Some ESC and GEL upper division courses are offered once every two years. Students should contact an earth sciences advisor at their earliest opportunity to be kept informed of scheduling changes that could affect their program.