Nov 02, 2024  
2024-2025 SUNY Potsdam Academic Catalog 
    
2024-2025 SUNY Potsdam Academic Catalog

Geology, B.S.


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The geology curriculum gives students an understanding of Earth history, the processes that shape our dynamic planet, and a geologic perspective on how to make human interactions with the planet clean, safe, and sustainable. The Bachelor of Science degree is registered as a Licensure-Qualifying Geology Program with the New York State Education Department and is designed for those who wish to earn a graduate degree in geology or to immediately pursue a career in geology.  Students in this degree program must complete 39-40 credits of required geology courses, four credits of a capstone experience, six credits of electives, and 23-24 credits of cognate sciences (typically a year of chemistry, calculus, and physics/biology). 

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Geology B.S. students will be able to:

   • demonstrate a significant amount of geologic knowledge so that they can be successful geologists either in a job or in graduate school.
   • demonstrate geology-specific skills that they will need in either graduate school or in the workforce including mineral, rock, and fossil identification; recognition of geologic structures; Brunton compass use; and topographic and geologic map reading.
   • demonstrate their ability to apply the knowledge and skills to a problem. They will collect, synthesize, and analyze data; make interpretations; and present conclusions.

Program Requirements


Required Courses: 39-40 Credits


Capstone Requirement: 4 Credits


one or more of the following

Electives: 6 Credits


two or more of the following for a minimum of six credits:

Cognate Requirements: 23-24 Credits


Grade Requirements


Minimum grade of 2.0 is required for all courses in the major and for cognates. Students may not S/P/U geology courses.

Total Credit Hours Required: 49-50 Plus 23-24 Credits of Cognates


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