Geology and Earth Science

The Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences offers the B.S. degree in geology, the B.S. degree in Earth Science, and the B.A. degree in Earth Science. The B.S. in Geology focuses on traditional geology, while laying a solid foundation for further graduate study in the geosciences. The B.S. in Earth Science has an environmental geology focus. The B.A. in Earth Science provides a broader overview of geology and supporting sciences and is designed primarily for careers in secondary education.

Geology program

The B.S. degree is the only degree offered in the geology program and is designed to acquaint the student with the broad discipline of geology and its supporting sciences. Sufficient depth of coursework is provided so that the student may pursue graduate study. Forty-four credits of geology are required, including Geol 1000, 1000L, 1020, 1020L, 3020, 3150, 3150L, 3160, 3560, 3570, 3650, 3680, 4790 and 9 credits of geology electives. Required supporting courses include Chem 1770, 1770L, 1780, 1780L, Phys 1110 and 1120; Math 1650, 1660 or 1810, 1820, Engl 3090 or 3140, and 6 additional credits of either geology electives or courses from an approved departmental list of science, engineering, and mathematical disciplines outside of geology. Students with senior standing may use graduate geology courses (5000-level or above) to fulfill the elective requirement; however, they should be aware that courses taken at the graduate level and counted toward the B.S. degree cannot be applied again toward a graduate degree at Iowa State University.

Geology courses generally have prerequisites in geology or in mathematics, chemistry, or physics. Prerequisites require that courses be taken in a prescribed sequence; however, because of differences in the preparation and background of each student, there is not a unique way to proceed through the B.S. program.  Students are advised to maintain frequent contact with their academic advisors so that all degree requirements are met in a timely fashion.

Geology as a secondary major

The Geology program has identified the core of 31 credits of geology courses that can complement a B.S. degree or major in materials engineering, civil engineering, environmental science, meteorology, or biology for students wishing to earn a secondary major in geology. This pathway to earning a Geology major allows students in these academic programs with affinity to geology to complete both programs. Students should work closely with their advisors in each department to ensure that all requirements are met. These programs prepare students for careers or graduate study in the geosciences.

Earth Science program

The B.A. degree is offered in the Earth Science program. It requires fewer courses in geology, allows coursework in other disciplines, and prepares the student primarily for a career in secondary education. It requires 35 credits in geology, 3 credits in meteorology, and 6 credits in astronomy. The required courses are Geol 1000, 1000L, 1020, 1020L, 3020, 3150, 3150L, 3160, 3560, 3650, 3680, 3 credits of a geology elective, Mteor 2060, 2 and Astro 1200 and 1500. Additional courses in geology and agronomy are strongly recommended. The required supporting courses include Chem 1770, 1770L, 1780, 1780L, Phys 1110 and 1120, Math 1510 or 1600 or 1650 or 1810, Stat 1010 or 1040 or Com S 1070, and a course in biology. In addition to these requirements, the student must meet the requirements for teacher licensure (outlined in Table 2; see also the listings under the Teacher Education Program in the ISU Catalog). Dr. Cinzia Cervato is the Teaching Coordinator for Earth Sciences.

The English requirements for the Earth Science program are the same as for the Geology program.