Majoring in Geological Sciences
The School of Earth Sciences (SES) of The Ohio State University offers two undergraduate degree programs, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A) and the Bachelor of Science (B.S.). The B.A. Program is a broad geological program with optional physics. The B.S. Program is designed for students planning for employment in geology or considering graduate school and a professional career in the geological sciences. The B.S. program requires comprehensive preparation in basic science and mathematics. It also requires courses in field geology offered only in Utah during the Summer Quarter. By using free electives and an unspecified ten hours in Earth Sciences, B.S. majors may "concentrate" their studies in a particular area of interest.
A student who declares Geological Science as a major in either program should see the Department Undergraduate Academic Advisor, Dr. Anne Carey, Room 325 Mendenhall, for advice and counsel as soon as possible. After discussing previous training, academic standing and career objectives, a comprehensive course schedule will be planned for completion of University, College, and SES Degree requirements. This schedule will include choosing at an appropriate time a senior thesis project, a thesis advisor from the School of Earth Sciences faculty, enrollment in Individual Studies during thesis preparation, and completion of the Major Program Form prior to graduation.
Students who want to discuss career opportunities in the geological sciences, and the relative merits of the B.S. Programs, and individual educational goals, should make an appointment with Dr. Anne Carey, 325 Mendenhall Laboratory at (614) 292-2375 or carey@geology.ohio-state.edu.
Bachelor of Arts Program
Preparation for the Major: Chemistry 121 and 122; Mathematics through 151; Biology 113 and 114; Earth Sciences 121 and 122; Statistics 145 or 245 or Earth Sciences 245. Major Program: A minimum of 40 credit hours of courses in Earth Sciences at the 200 level or higher, excluding Earth Sciences 580 and 583.
Bachelor of Science Program
Preparation for the Major: Earth Sciences 121 and 122; Chemistry 121 and 122; Mathematics through 153; Biology 113; Physics 131 and 132; Statistics 245 or Earth Sciences 245. In addition, a minimum of four other basic science and/or mathematics courses of individual choice are required from Chemistry 123 and higher, Mathematics 254 and higher, Physics 133 and higher, Engineering Graphics 167, Computer Information Science 230, Evolution/Ecology/Organismal Biology 350, 370 and/or 400, Geography 520, Geography 580.
Major Program: 40 credit hours in Earth Sciences plus courses in basin sciences and math. The required courses are Earth Sciences 421, 423, 530, 570, 581, 582, two additional courses in Earth Sciences at the 600 level or higher, and one or more courses in Earth Sciences chosen from Earth Sciences 501, 502, 550 or 560.