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. Although the Bachelor of Arts degree is not registered as a Licensure-Qualifying Geology Program with the New York State Education Department, it contains all of the same core classes as the Geology B.S. degree.  This degree is ideal for students who are pursuing a double major with another B.A. degree field because it requires fewer cognates and does not require a capstone experience.  Should a student with a B.A. decide to pursue a professional geologist license, they could meet the educational requirements by taking an additional three credits of college-level math (beyond college algebra) and three additional credits in college-level chemistry, biology, or physics (note: this is our interpretation of the requirements and graduates should double check with NYSED).  Students in this degree program must complete 39-40 credits of required geology courses, six credits of electives, and 12 credits of cognate sciences (a year of chemistry and Calculus I).

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Geology B.A. 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.