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BA in Geological Sciences

Degree Program Description

The Bachelor of Arts in Geological Sciences is a liberal arts degree for students interested in earth science. The curriculum provides an overview of several sub disciplines within Geology, including paleontology and hydro geology. The degree is designed for students interested in careers in science journalism, environmental law, and urban design and planning. The degree can easily be combined with other BA degrees in the College of Arts and Science.

Major Program Requirements

The B.A. Curriculum is designed as a degree through which the student wishes to eventually pursue a career in teaching, journalism, law, etc. In addition to University, general education, and College of Arts and Science requirements, students must also meet the following major program requirements. All major requirements in the College of Arts and Science must be completed with grades of C- or higher unless otherwise indicated.

Geology Core Requirements24-29
GEOL 1100Introduction to the Earth with Laboratory4
or GEOL 1200 Environmental Geology with Laboratory
or GEOL 1050 Planet Earth
GEOL 2150The Age of the Dinosaurs3
or GEOL 2350 Earth and Life Through Time
GEOL 2400Surficial Earth Processes and Products with Laboratory4
GEOL 3250Mineralogy5
Geology course at 2000 level or above (3hr min)3
Geology course at 3000 level or above (3hr min)3
Geology course at 4000 level or above (3hr min)3
Collateral Math/Science Requirements15-21
MATH 1140Trigonometry2-5
or MATH 1160 Precalculus Mathematics
INFOTC 1040Introduction to Problem Solving and Programming3
or MATH 1400 Calculus for Social and Life Sciences I
or STAT 1200 Introductory Statistical Reasoning
CHEM 1400
CHEM 1401
College Chemistry I
and College Chemistry I Laboratory
4
ASTRON 1010Introduction to Astronomy4
or ATM_SC 1050 Introductory Meteorology
or PHYSCS 1050 Concepts in Cosmology
or PHYSCS 1210 College Physics I
BIO_SC 1010General Principles and Concepts of Biology3
or BIO_SC 1060 Basic Environmental Studies
or BIO_SC 1500 Introduction to Biological Systems with Laboratory
or NAT_R 1070 Ecology and Conservation of Natural Resources

Semester Plan

Below is a sample plan of study, semester by semester. A student's actual plan may vary based on course choices where options are available. 

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
GEOL 1100, 1200, or 10504GEOL 23503
MATH 11003MATH 1160 or 11405-2
ENGLSH 10003Second Language5
Second Language5CHEM 14003
 CHEM 14011
 15 17-14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
GEOL 24004Geol 2000+ level course3
MATH 1400, INFOTC 1040, or STAT 12003Humanities or Fine Arts3
BIO_SC 10103Social Science3
Second Language3Behavioral Science3
General Elective3American History or Government3
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
GEOL 32505GEOL 38004
Humanities or Fine Arts3General Elective3
Behavioral Sciences3Humanities or Fine Arts3
Social Sciences32000 Level Behavioral Sciences3
 General Elective3
 14 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Geol 4000-level course General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
2000 Level Humanities or Fine Arts3General Elective3
2000 Level Social Sciences3General Elective3
General Elective6General Elective3
 15 15
Total Credits: 123-120

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Degree Audit

The degree audit is an automated report reflecting a student’s academic progress toward the completion of a degree. 

MU students can request a degree audit by logging in to myDegreePlanner. Students may also access myDegreePlanner via myZou, in the Student Center, click on the Academic Progress Tile, then select Request Degree Audit. The audit automatically pulls in the student’s MU course work, transfer courses and courses in progress. This is available to current students, admitted students, and those who last attended less than three terms ago.

Past MU students can request a degree audit by contacting the Academic Advising Unit of the division in which they were last enrolled at MU. For contact information, go to https://advising.missouri.edu/contact/.

Prospective students, can access a preliminary MU degree audit via https://www.transferology.com. Information on the college credits already earned will have to be manually entered before it can be evaluated against current degree requirements.

For additional details on degree audits, go to https://registrar.missouri.edu/degrees-audits/degree-audits/.

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Major and Career Exploration

The University of Missouri has many resources to assist you in exploring majors and career possibilities. For guidance, visit the Majors and Careers website or view specific resources below.

  • If you are considering a change of major or are exploring multiple majors, schedule an appointment with an advisor in the Discovery Center by calling (573)884-9700 or through MU Connect Discovery Center service in you success network.

  • If you have decided on a major, visit an academic advisor in the School or College that you are interested in to discuss the process of declaring the major

  • If you would like to learn more about your career interests, abilities, values and talents, visit the MU Career Center. No Appointment is necessary to explore career options with one of our staff members.

For additional major and career exploration resources, visit Major & Career Exploration in the catalog.

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