About the Program
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 of 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 or an internship experience. Students may find additional information about undergraduate research possibilities from faculty and by visiting the Undergraduate Research Office website.
A departmental honors program also is available. Students should contact the department for additional information.
About the Geosciences Department
160 Science and Math Complex
1300 Elmwood Ave
Buffalo, NY 14222
Phone: (716) 878-6731
Fax: (716) 878-4009
https://geosciences.buffalostate.edu/
Career Information
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 Education 23 Requirements
33 credit hours 33
Geology Major Requirements (67-75 credit hours)
Required GES courses (40-41 credit hours)
At least 7 credit hours from the following: 7-8
GES 200 FIRST YEAR GEOLOGY EXPERIENCE
GES 201 PHYSICAL GEOLOGY (4)
GES 202 EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTS THROUGH TIME (4)
All of the following courses (33 credit hours)
GES 303 MINERALOGY 4
GES 306 SEDIMENTOLOGY AND STRATIGRAPHY 4
GES 307 GEOMORPHOLOGY 4
GES 323 THIRD- YEAR RESEARCH AND FIELD METHODS EXPERIENCE 3
GES 401 IGNEOUS AND METAMORPHIC PETROLOGY 4
GES 408 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY 4
GES 418 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY FIELD EXPERIENCE 1
GES 428 GEOLOGICAL HAZARDS 3
GES 452 HYDROGEOLOGY 3
GES 472 GEOLOGY SENIOR SEMINAR 3
Required Cognate Courses (27-34 credit hours) 27-34
Chemistry (8 credit hours)
CHE 111 FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMISTRY I
& CHE 113 LABORATORY FOR FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMISTRY I (4)
CHE 112 FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMISTRY II
& CHE 114 LABORATORY FOR FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMISTRY II (4)
Physics (8-10 credit hours)
PHY 107 GENERAL PHYSICS I (4)
or PHY 111 UNIVERSITY PHYSICS I
PHY 108 GENERAL PHYSICS II (4)
or PHY 112 UNIVERSITY PHYSICS II
Mathematics (5-10 credit hours)
Choose one of the following combinations:
Combination 1:
MAT 124 FUNCTIONS AND MODELING II
& MAT 126 APPLIED CALCULUS I (7)
OR
MAT 161 CALCULUS I
& MAT 163 USING TECHNOLOGY TO EXPLORE CALCULUS I (5)
Combination 2:
MAT 124 FUNCTIONS AND MODELING II
& MAT 311 INTRODUCTORY PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS (6)
Combination 3:
MAT 126 APPLIED CALCULUS I
& MAT 127 APPLIED CALCULUS II (8)
Combination 4:
MAT 161 CALCULUS I
& MAT 163 USING TECHNOLOGY TO EXPLORE CALCULUS I (5)
AND
MAT 162 CALCULUS II
& MAT 164 USING TECHNOLOGY TO EXPLORE CALCULUS II (5)
GIS Course (6 credit hours)
GEG 325 MAPS AND MAPMAKING USING GIS
GEG 425 FUNDAMENTALS OF GIS
All College Electives 13-22
Total Credit Hours 120
Professional Licensure Disclosure
New York State prides itself in the high quality of its licensed and certified professionals. For the protection of its citizens, each license and certificate has requirements that individuals must meet in order to be licensed or certified in New York State. SUNY’s academic programs leading to licensure or certification are carefully designed to meet and exceed these State requirements. This is a role SUNY plays in protecting the public. Other states frequently have their own requirements, so if your goal is to practice in another state, this disclosure will help you check to see what that state requires.
Enrolled students and prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact their State’s licensure entity using the links provided in the full disclosure document to review all licensure and certification requirements imposed by their state(s) of choice.
Review full disclosure and licensure by state (PDF, 144 KB)