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BS in Geological Sciences

Degree Program Description

A Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Sciences provides students with the quantitative and conceptual skills they need to succeed in graduate work and a career as a professional geologist in industry, government or academia. The curriculum provides flexibility for students who seek to focus on a specific subdiscipline in the geosciences. Students interested in geophysics, for example, should use their electives to expand their background in math and to develop a broad knowledge of geology and geophysics. Other subdisciplines include geochemistry, paleobiology and hydrogeology. The capstone class is an award-winning 6-week summer Field Camp based in Lander, Wyoming. Many students participate in research projects with faculty members, usually involving fieldwork, and leading to a senior thesis. Their results are typically presented at a national meeting and in an oral defense in the department. Study abroad classes are typically offered every two to three years - recently to China, Chile, and Spain. Some BS graduates pursue careers in environmental consulting. Many others go into the oil and gas industry, which typically requires an MS degree.

Major Program Requirements

Majoring in geological sciences and earning a Bachelor of Science degree prepares the student for graduate work and a career as a professional geologist in industry, research or academia. The curriculum provides flexibility for students who seek to focus on a specific subdiscipline in the geosciences. Students interested in geophysics, for example, should use their electives to expand their background in math and to develop a broad knowledge of geology and geophysics. In addition, students must meet all degree, college, and university graduation requirements including university general education.

Major Core Requirements52-55
GEOL 1100Introduction to the Earth with Laboratory4
or GEOL 1200 Environmental Geology with Laboratory
or GEOL 2130 Physical Geology for Scientists and Engineers
or GEOL 1050
GEOL 2100
Planet Earth
and Independent Study in Geology
GEOL 2350Earth and Life Through Time3
GEOL 2360Earth and Life Through Time Laboratory1
GEOL 2400Surficial Earth Processes and Products with Laboratory4
GEOL 3250Mineralogy5
GEOL 3800Sedimentology and Stratigraphy with Lab4
GEOL 4150Structural Geology4
GEOL 4650Plate Tectonics3
GEOL 4900Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology with Laboratory4
GEOL 4992Geology Field Camp6
One additional geological sciences course at or above 2000 level (except GEOL 2130)3
Four additional geological sciences courses at or above 3000 level (except GEOL 3085, can include 3 hr of GEOL 4950)12
Collateral Math and Science Coursework24-28
Chemistry Sequence
CHEM 1320College Chemistry I4
CHEM 1330College Chemistry II4
Physics Sequence: University Physics or College Physics
PHYSCS 2750University Physics I5-4
or PHYSCS 1210 College Physics I
PHYSCS 2760University Physics II5-4
or PHYSCS 1220 College Physics II
Mathematics Requirement
MATH 1500Analytic Geometry and Calculus I5
Advanced Mathematics or Statistics (Calculus II or Statistics Option)
MATH 1700Calculus II5
or STAT 1200
STAT 2200
Introductory Statistical Reasoning
and Introductory Statistical Methods
or STAT 2500 Introduction to Probability and Statistics I

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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 or 12004GEOL 23503 
CHEM 13204GEOL 23601 
MATH 11605CHEM 13304 
ENGLSH 10003MATH 15005 
 American History OR Political Science Course3 
 16 16  
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
GEOL 24004GEOL 38004 
GEOL 32505PHYSCS 27505 
MATH 17005Social/Behavioral Science Course3 
Humanities/Fine Arts Course3Humanities/Fine Arts Course3 
 17 15  
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
GEOL 41504GEOL 49004GEOL 4992 (Or Year 4 - Summer)6
PHYSCS 27605GEOL 2000+ Elective3 
Second Language OR Alternative3GEOL 3000+ Elective3 
 Second Language OR Alternative3-5 
 Humanities/Fine Arts Course3 
 12 16-18 6
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
GEOL 46503GEOL 3000+ Elective Course3 
GEOL 3000+ Elective Course3Elective Course3 
2000-Level Humanities/Fine Arts Course32000-level Social/Behavioral Course3 
Social/Behavioral Science Course3  
Second Language OR Alternative3-5  
 15-17 9  
Total Credits: 122-126

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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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