Bachelor of Science, Major in Geology (Geoscience)

This is an archived copy of the 2023-2024 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.shsu.edu.

Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit. 

Bachelor of Science, Major in Geology (Geoscience)
Core Curriculum
Component Area I (Communication)6
Component Area II (Mathematics) 13
Component Area III (Life and Physical Science) 28
Component Area IV (Language, Philosophy, and Culture)3
Component Area V (Creative Arts)3
Component Area VI (U.S. History)6
Component Area VII (Political Science/Government)6
Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Sciences)3
Component Area IX (Component Area Option) 14
Degree Specific Requirements
CHEM 1411
CHEM 1412
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry II 2
8
Select two of the following or more advanced courses:6-8
Pre Calculus Algebra 1
Plane Trigonometry 1
Elementary Functions 1
Calculus I 1
PHYS 1301
PHYS 1101
General Phy-Mechanics & Heat
and General Physics Laboratory I
4
or PHYS 1411 Introduction To Physics I
PHYS 1302
PHYS 1102
Gen Phy-Snd,Lght, Elec, & Mag
and General Physics Laboratory II
4
or PHYS 1422 Introduction To Physics II
Major: Foundation
GEOL 1403Physical Geology4
or GEOL 1405 Geologic & Environmental Hazards
GEOL 1404
GEOL 3301
Historical Geology
and Field Methods
7
GEOL 3404
GEOL 3405
Mineralogy
and Petrology
8
GEOL 4304Geochemistry3
GEOL 4400
GEOL 4402
Stratigraphy & Sedimentation
and Structural Geology
8
GEOL 4426Hydrogeology4
or GEOL 4320 Petroleum Geology
Major: Prescribed Advanced Electives
Advanced Geology electives15
Minor: Required
Minor (Advanced)6
Minor12
Total Hours120-122
1

MATH 1410 or MATH 1420 satisfy one semester credit hour of the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area IX (Component Area Option).  If the mathematics requirement is satisfied by MATH 1316 and MATH 1314, then KINE 2115 is recommended to satisfy the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area IX (Component Area Option).

2

CHEM 1411 and CHEM 1412 satisfy the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area III (Life and Physical Science) and the Degree Specific requirement.

Notes

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum overall GPA in all coursework. 

Students must meet a 2.0 minimum overall major GPA in all major coursework.

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum SHSU GPA in all coursework.

Students must meet a 2.0 minimum SHSU major GPA in all major coursework.

A minor in geography, science, or mathematics is strongly recommended.

Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit. 

First Year
FallHoursSpringHoursSummerHours
Component Area IX 11CHEM 141134GEOL 33013
ENGL 130123ENGL 130223 
GEOL 1403 or 14054GEOL 14044 
MATH 1314 or 141013-4MATH 1420 or 131623-4 
PHYS 1301
PHYS 1101 (or PHYS 1411)
4  
 15-16 14-15 3
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours 
CHEM 141234GEOL 34054 
GEOL 34044PHYS 1302
PHYS 1102 (or PHYS 1422)
4 
Minor 3POLS 230643 
POLS 230543Minor 3 
 14 14 
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours 
Component Area IV3Component Area V3 
GEOL 44004GEOL 44024 
GEOL Advanced Elective3GEOL Advanced Elective3 
HIST 130153HIST 130253 
Minor 3Minor 3 
 16 16 
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours 
Component Area VIII3Component Area IX3 
GEOL 43043GEOL 4426 or 43204 
GEOL Advanced Elective3GEOL Advanced Elective3 
GEOL Advanced Elective3Minor (Advanced)3 
Minor (Advanced)3  
 15 13 
Total Hours: 120-122
1

Satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area II (Mathematics) and one semester credit hour of Component Area IX (Component Area Option) if MATH 1410 or MATH 1420 is included.  If both MATH 1314 and MATH 1316 satisfy the mathematics requirement, then KINE 2115 is recommended to fulfill the requirement for Component Area IX (Component Area Option) requirement. 

2

Satisfies Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area I (Communications).

3

Satisfies four semester credit hours of the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area III (Life and Physical Science).

4

Satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area VII (Political Science/Government).

5

Satisfies he Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area VI (U.S. History).

Notes

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum overall GPA in all coursework. 

Students must meet a 2.0 minimum overall major GPA in all major coursework.

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum SHSU GPA in all coursework.

Students must meet a 2.0 minimum SHSU major GPA in all major coursework.

A minor in geography, science, or mathematics is strongly recommended

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers.  Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The BS in Geology (Geoscience) is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

  • Observation, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
  • Prepare, process, and present data.
  • Handle information in a range of different mediums, e.g. textual, numerical, oral, graphical.
  • Written and verbal communication skills.
  • Report writing skills.
  • Problem-solving skills and lateral thinking.
  • Self-motivation and resilience.
  • Team-working skills and the ability to work on your own initiative.