About the Program
Geosciences Department
160 Science and Math Complex
(716) 878-6731
https://geosciences.buffalostate.edu/
Professional Licensure: This program leads to a recommendation for New York State Professional Licensure certification; please check for certification requirements in all other states
The Geology program offers students a variety of opportunities to investigate the materials that constitute and the processes that shape the earth. Classroom, laboratory, and field work provide a base for careers related to energy, the environment, and the exploration for petroleum and mineral resources. Graduates of the program are prepared to enter these fields and/or pursue advanced study in the geosciences. The Geology program includes all the coursework necessary for graduates to be eligible for obtaining a New York State license as a Professional Geologist.
Student majors are strongly encouraged to pursue independent research under faculty supervision and/or an internship experience. Students may find additional information about undergraduate research possibilities from faculty and by visiting the Office of Undergraduate Research Web site at undergraduateresearch.buffalostate.edu/ (http://undergraduateresearch.buffalostate.edu/).
A departmental honors program also is available. Students should contact the department for additional information.
Learning Outcomes
Students will:
1. demonstrate knowledge of fundamental concepts and principles of Geology
2. be able to work as part of a team and to communicate results
3. demonstrate critical thinking skills in Geology
4. be skilled in scientific writing, and use of geology literature
5. be able to collect, analyze and interpret field and laboratory data
6. be proficient in geology-used computer hardware and software
Program Requirements
General Education23 Requirements (33 credit hours)
Completion requirement
Geology Major Requirements (67-75 credit hours)
Completion requirement
At least 7 credit hours from the following
Earn at least 7 credits from the following:
GES200 FIRST YEAR GEOLOGY EXPERIENCE | 3 - Credit Hours
GES201 PHYSICAL GEOLOGY | 4 - Credit Hours
GES202 EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTS THROUGH TIME | 4 - Credit Hours
Required GES Courses (34 credit hours)
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
GES303 MINERALOGY | 4 - Credit Hours
GES306 SEDIMENTOLOGY AND STRATIGRAPHY | 4 - Credit Hours
GES307 GEOMORPHOLOGY | 4 - Credit Hours
GES323 THIRD- YEAR RESEARCH AND FIELD METHODS EXPERIENCE | 3 - Credit Hours
GES401 IGNEOUS AND METAMORPHIC PETROLOGY | 4 - Credit Hours
GES408 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY | 4 - Credit Hours
GES418 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY FIELD EXPERIENCE | 1 - Credit Hours
GES428 GEOLOGICAL HAZARDS | 3 - Credit Hours
GES452 HYDROGEOLOGY | 3 - Credit Hours
GES472 GEOLOGY SENIOR SEMINAR | 3 - Credit Hours
Required Cognate Courses: Chemistry (8 credit hours)
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
CHE111 FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMISTRY I | 3 - Credit Hours
OR CHE113 LABORATORY FOR FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMISTRY I | 1 - Credit Hours
CHE112 FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMISTRY II | 3 - Credit Hours
OR CHE114 LABORATORY FOR FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMISTRY II | 1 - Credit Hours
Required Cognate Courses: Physics (8-10 credit hours)
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
PHY107 GENERAL PHYSICS I | 4 - Credit Hours
OR PHY111 UNIVERSITY PHYSICS I | 5 - Credit Hours
PHY108 GENERAL PHYSICS II | 4 - Credit Hours
OR PHY112 UNIVERSITY PHYSICS II | 5 - Credit Hours
Mathematics Requirement: Combination 1
Please choose ONLY ONE Mathematics Combination (5-10 credit hours)
Complete ANY of the following Courses:
MAT124 FUNCTIONS AND MODELING II | 3 - Credit Hours
AND MAT126 APPLIED CALCULUS I | 4 - Credit Hours
MAT161 CALCULUS I | 4 - Credit Hours
Choose Either MAT124 & MAT126 Combination OR MAT161
Mathematics Requirement: Combination 2
Please choose ONLY ONE Mathematics Combination (5-10 credit hours)
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
MAT124 FUNCTIONS AND MODELING II | 3 - Credit Hours
AND MAT311 INTRODUCTORY PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS | 3 - Credit Hours
Mathematics Requirement: Combination 3
Please choose ONLY ONE Mathematics Combination (5-10 credit hours)
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
MAT126 APPLIED CALCULUS I | 4 - Credit Hours
AND MAT127 APPLIED CALCULUS II | 4 - Credit Hours
Mathematics Requirement: Combination 4
Please choose ONLY ONE Mathematics Combination (5-10 credits)
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
MAT161 CALCULUS I | 4 - Credit Hours
MAT162 CALCULUS II | 4 - Credit Hours
GIS Courses (6 credit hours)
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
GEG325 MAPS AND MAPMAKING USING GIS | 3 - Credit Hours
GEG425 FUNDAMENTALS OF GIS | 3 - Credit Hours
All College Electives (13-22 credit hours)
Completion requirement
120 Total Credit Hours