Future Students

Academics

Geology

College of Sciences


 

QUICK JUMP
  Geology
  Requirements and Core Courses
  Facilities and Technology
  Careers in Geology
  Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation
  Scholarships and Financial Aid
  Campus Organizations and Activities
  Contact Information

Geology

Geology is the study of the earth: its composition, structure, and origin. Geology majors often include courses on the environment and engineering in their educational plans.
• Offered at WSU: Bachelor of science, minor, master of science, doctorate
• Available at: Pullman

Requirements and Core Courses

In addition to the classes listed below, students must complete general education, college, and department requirements as well as approved science and degree electives.

GEOLOGY CORE COURSES
Chem 105 & 106—Principles of Chemistry I & II
Geol 101—Introduction to Geology
Math 140—Mathematics for Life Scientists
     or 171—Calculus
Geol 210—Evolution and Earth History
Geol 350—Mineralogy and Crystallography
Geol 351—Optical Mineralogy
Math 172—Calculus II
     or Cpt S 121— Program Design and Development
     or Stat 412—Biometry
Phys 101 & 102—General Physics I & II
     or 201 & 202—Physics for Scientists and Engineers I & II
Geol 356—Igneous Petrology
Geol 315—Water and Earth
Geol 320—Sedimentary Petrology and Sedimentation
Geol 340—Geologic Structures
Geol 362—Metamorphic Petrology
Geol 307—Geology Field Camp (Summer Session)
Geol 308—Field Geology
Geology electives

NOTE: Students should consult the General Catalog for course planning and must meet course requirements as outlined in the General Catalog in order to graduate.

HONORS COLLEGE
The Honors College offers international education opportunities, small classes with top faculty and highly motivated peers, and challenging interdisciplinary studies. Participation in the Honors College is a way to fulfill graduation requirements, and the four-year core curriculum works with any major. Students complete a substantial original project in their junior year. Please call the Honors College at 509-335-4505 to discuss your eligibility.

Facilities and Technology

Computing facilities include a student laboratory equipped with 12 microcomputers, fast laser printer, color flat bed and slide scanners, GeoRef database, and an extensive collection of geological software including ARCinfo and AutoCad. Also available are an IBM 3090 mainframe computer and a Scanning Electron Microscope Center.

The GeoAnalytical Laboratory houses a new Finnegan MAT plasma source multi-collector mass spectrometer, an automated Cameca electron microprobe, a Rigaku automated X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, a Siemens automated X-ray powder diffractometer and assorted powder and single crystal X-ray cameras, an automated Finnigan-MAT gas source mass spectrometer, and a Hewlett-Packard inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer.

Other departmental equipment includes modern research quality microscopes equipped for cathodoluminescence, reflected light photometry, and fluid inclusion examination and a stable isotope extraction laboratory. Field laboratory hydrogeology equiment includes a drilling rig, spectrophotometers, AA, and GCs with ECD, FID, and TGD.

Careers in Geology

Geology students are prepared for jobs in many areas including the search for and production of ore deposits (economic geology), the use and quality of groundwater resources (hydrogeology), and the evaluation and monitoring of volcanic hazards (volcanology). Many geologists are employed by the petroleum industry. Other employers include mining companies, engineering firms, and agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency, NASA, and the United States Geological Survey. Many city, county, and state agencies employ geologists to investigate a variety of environmental protection issues.

Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation

• Solid background in mathematics, physics, and chemistry
• Enjoyment of the outdoors and a desire to travel

Scholarships and Financial Aid

A variety of federal, state, and University-sponsored programs is available to assist qualified students with education costs. Three undergraduate scholarships awarded by the Department of Geology are the Lyle and Lela Jacklin Scholarship, the Harold E. Culver Memorial Scholarship, and the Myron and Marie Huckle Scholarship. Information about financial assistance is available from the Office of Student Financial Aid (phone 509-335-9711) and the Office of Scholarship Services (509-335-1059).

Campus Organizations and Activities

WSU’s Geology Club provides opportunities to take field trips and hear guest lecturers with others interested in geology.

Contact Information
School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Washington State University
Webster Physical Science 1228
P.O. Box 642812
Pullman, WA 99164-2812
Phone: 509-335-3009
E-mail: ofallon@mail.wsu.edu
335-8538
 

Strengths of the Program

  • Study at numerous nearby field sites such as the Columbia River Basalt plateau, the Idaho and Wallowa batholiths, the Cascade volcanics, and local groundwater sources.
  • Learn from geology experts in volcanology, sedimentology and stratigraphy, hydrogeology, and subsurface water contamination.
  • Learn from professors who have worked professionally with petroleum and mining companies, the U.S. Geological Survey, and state agencies and can provide connections for student research projects.
  • Study such diverse subjects as the evolution of the biological kingdom through geological time, how to prospect for gold, field instrument operation, and geologic feature interpretation.
  • Expand your experience through the department’s close and progressive ties with the Department of Geology at the University of Idaho.
  • You can join a math, science, and engineering community residence hall at WSU Pullman—share classes with your neighbors, study together, get free tutoring, and use the hall’s computer lab.
Office of Enrollment Management, PO Box 641067, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-1067, 888-GO TO WSU (888-468-6978), Contact Us