Undergraduate Degrees

The objectives of the ISU Geosciences Department are to train students for professional positions or for further study in the geosciences. Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees are offered as well as a minor in Geosciences. ISU also has cooperative agreements with the Geology departments of Boise State and University of Idaho for undergraduate credit transfers and degrees.

Most courses include field trips and hands-on experience. The ISU Geology summer field camp based at the Lost River Field Station north of Mackay, Idaho, is nationally recognized and attended by students from universities nationwide. Numerous evening classes are offered for the general public.

To be admitted to the geosciences program ISU recognizes the following three categories with regard to a student's major.

Pre-Major

In the process of applying to Idaho State University, the student may indicate a preference for the Geosciences major. This is not the same as having a major in Geosciences.

Intending to Major

To declare a major in Geosciences, go to the main office in the Geosciences Department, fill out a declaration form, and meet with an advisor to outline a plan of study.

Admitted to Geosciences Major

Once admitted the following requirements need to be taken as soon as possible before taking upper level Geoscience classes:

• Earn a grade of "C" or better in GEOL 100 or 101 (3 cr.)
• Earn a grade of "C" or better in GEOL 110 (1 cr.)
• Complete University General Education Goals 1 through 3 (English, Speech, and Mathematics)

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Bachelor of Arts in Geology

The B.A. degree is offered to those students who wish either a broader-based liberal arts degree or a broader multi-disciplinary science degree than is possible with the B.S. The B.A. degree is especially suited for future earth science teachers, environmental scientists, environmental lawyers, and others who wish to learn more about how the earth works. The degree fulfills major requirements for secondary school earth science teachers.

Bachelor of Science in Geology

The B.S. degree is offered for undergraduates who wish to become professional geoscientists either after their bachelor's degree or after subsequent graduate study. It trains students in the essential observational and analytical skills of field geology as well as more applied areas of microscope petrology, geochemistry, and geotechnology. The B.S. degree is designed to give the student a broad and comprehensive understanding of the discipline of geology and a firm background in math, physics, and chemistry.

 

Geology B. A. - Required Courses CHEM 111 5cr General Chemistry I MATH 147 5cr Precalculus GEOL 100/100L 4cr Geology and Human Affairs or GEOL 101 3cr Physical Geology (recommended) GEOL 110 1cr Physical Geology for Scientists Lab GEOL 102 3cr Historical Geology GEOL 210 3cr Earth in Space and Time GEOL 313 3cr Earth Materials I GEOL g406 3cr Environmental Geology GEOL 421 4cr Structural Geology GEOL g431 4cr Geobiology & the History of Life GEOL g452 4cr Sedimentation-Stratigraphy GEOL g456 2cr Geology of Southern Idaho or GEOL g458 3cr Geology of North America ---Plus one of the following four courses: GEOL g402 4cr Geomorphology GEOL g415 3cr Quaternary Global Change GEOL g420 3cr Principles of Geochemistry GEOL g430 3cr Principles of Hydrogeology ---TOTAL NEEDED: 33 to 35 geoscience credits plus 5 to 7 other geoscience credits to equal 40 credits.

Geology B. S. - Required Courses: MATH 147 5cr Precalculus MATH 170 4cr Calculus I MATH 175 4cr Calculus II CHEM 111 5cr General Chemistry I CHEM 112 4cr General Chemistry II PHYS 111/112 6cr General Physics I and II or PHYS 211/212 8cr Engineering Physics(recommended) GEOL 100/100L 4cr Geology and Human Affairs or GEOL 101 3cr Physical Geology (recommended) GEOL 110 1cr Physical Geology for Scientists Lab GEOL 210 3cr Earth in Space and Time GEOL 313 3cr Earth Materials I GEOL g452 4cr Sedimentation-Stratigraphy GEOL 421 4cr Structural Geology GEOL 450 6cr Field Geology (This is a 5-week summer field course, usually taken between the Junior and Senior years.) ---Plus three of the following six courses: GEOL 314 3cr Earth Materials II or GEOL g420 3cr Principles of Geochemistry GEOL g402 4cr Geomorphology or GEOL g415 3cr Quaternary Global Change GEOL g430 3cr Principles of Hydrogeology (recommended for environmental jobs) or GEOL g431 4cr Geobiology and the History of Life ---Plus one of the following three courses: GEOL g403 3cr Principles of GIS GEOL g407 3cr GPS Applications in Research GEOL g409 3cr Remote Sensing ---TOTAL NEEDED: 36 to 38 required geoscience credits plus at least 10 other optional geoscience credits.

 

For more information about requirements for undergraduate degrees and minors please check the I.S.U. Undergraduate Catalog for more information and with the Geosciences Deparment. It is highly recommended you meet with an advisor about requirements and meet with them yearly.