Geology Minor
This program is available at the following location:
- Corvallis
The undergraduate Geology minor provides curricular depth in geosciences, and affords a pathway for students majoring in physics, chemistry, civil engineering, forest engineering, and related fields to develop a strong geology background as part of their program.
Minor Code: 550
Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet the following learning outcomes:
- Explain the fundamental concepts of geology including the origin, composition, and evolution of the Earth and its components, and how the Earth system responds to internal and external forces over geologic time.
- Analyze, interpret, and model geological data using a variety of critical thinking skills and techniques to test hypotheses.
- Utilize applied practical skills in geology in the laboratory, field, and in internships or directed research at a basic and advanced level through intensive experiential learning.
- Develop quantitative literacy in techniques specific to geology.
- Effectively communicate scientific observations and interpretations through oral, written and graphical presentations to scientists and the general public.
Students must complete a minimum of 14 unique credits in the minor that do not fulfill requirements of majors, minors, options or certificates.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Required Core | ||
GEO 201 | *PHYSICAL GEOLOGY | 4 |
or GEO 101 | +*PLANET EARTH | |
GEO 202 | *EARTH SYSTEMS SCIENCE | 4 |
or GEOG 102 | *PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY | |
GEO 203 | *EVOLUTION OF PLANET EARTH | 4 |
GEOG 360 | GISCIENCE I: GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND THEORY | 4 |
Electives | ||
Select 11 credits of the following: | 11 | |
EARTH MATERIALS I: MINERALOGY | ||
EARTH MATERIALS II: PETROLOGY | ||
SURFACE PROCESSES | ||
STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY | ||
STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTOLOGY | ||
IGNEOUS PETROLOGY | ||
EARTH MATERIALS III: PETROGRAPHY | ||
^VOLCANOLOGY | ||
^GEOCHEMISTRY | ||
APPLIED GEOMORPHOLOGY | ||
^GEOPHYSICS AND TECTONICS | ||
GLACIAL GEOLOGY | ||
HYDROGEOLOGY | ||
QUATERNARY STRATIGRAPHY OF NORTH AMERICA | ||
Total Credits | 27 |
- *
Baccalaureate Core Course (BCC)
- ^
Writing Intensive Course (WIC)
- +
Core Education course. Applies only to students admitted to an OSU undergraduate degree from Summer 2025 onwards
Minor Code: 550