Geology, B.S.

Geology is the study of the Earth. Volcanoes, earthquakes, floods, landslides, erosion and plate tectonics are some of the things that geologists investigate and try to understand. Geology is a field-oriented science that involves mapping and analyzing rocks, deciphering the Earth’s history from the rock record, locating natural resources, identifying natural and man-made hazards, and understanding Earth’s natural processes.

Saint Louis University's bachelor of science degree places a stronger emphasis on chemistry, physics, calculus and fieldwork. It is more appropriate for students who intend to go on to graduate school or become a professional geologist.

Since the undergraduate geology program is relatively small compared to larger public universities, students have more opportunities to interact with faculty, get personalized attention and take advantage of opportunities inside and outside of the University. One highlight of students’ education is the annual department field trip in which faculty, graduate and undergraduate students spend one week exploring a region of the country. Traveling through national parks, seeing natural systems not commonly encountered by students and learning firsthand about the Earth and its environment is rewarding to all who participate. The department heavily subsidizes these trips so that most students can participate.

Curriculum Overview

The geology curriculum is built around areas of knowledge fundamental to understanding the Earth.

Survey courses in Earth systems are the first two courses that students take. Intermediate and upper-division courses are focused on the building blocks of Earth and the processes that build and modify the Earth’s features. These courses cover the study of minerals and rocks, weathering and erosion, sediment transport and deposition, development of mountain ranges and deformation of the Earth, and the movement of tectonic plates.

Students enrolled in the bachelor of science program also enroll in a six-week summer camp during which they learn to work in the field.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

During the annual geology department field trip, faculty, graduate and undergraduate students spend one week exploring a region of the United States. Students travel through national parks, see natural systems and learn firsthand about the Earth and its environment. SLU's Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences heavily subsidizes these trips so that most students can participate.

Students in the department may have the opportunity for part-time work assisting faculty members with their research. Such jobs expose students to various aspects of science as well as provide them with some income. Other part-time jobs may also be available elsewhere in the University. The city of St. Louis provides opportunities for science-related volunteer work in places such as the Saint Louis Science Center and Saint Louis Zoo.

Careers

A degree in the geosciences prepares students for a variety of interesting careers. Many geoscientists work in industry or for government agencies concerned with oil and natural gas exploration and production, mining, water resources, civil engineering, waste and pollution management, environmental impact assessment, conservation and land management, policy analysis and implementation education. Students in the program also acquire a solid background in critical thinking, effective communication and computer use.

Admission Requirements

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory course work is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file. College admission test scores (ACT or SAT) are used as an additional indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University and are used as qualifiers for certain University scholarship programs. To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, the applicant must be graduating from an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the General Education Development (GED) test.

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED. An official high school transcript and official test scores are required only of those students who have attempted fewer than 24 transferable semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit. Those having completed 24 or more of college credit need only submit a transcript from previously attended college(s). In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the office of admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
• Financial Aid: provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, applicants should apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit the student financial services office online at http://finaid.slu.edu.

1. Graduates will know the founding principles in their field of study, as well as the facts and content appropriate to the field.
2. Graduates will be able to use their knowledge to reason about issues in their discipline.
3. Graduates will be able to solve quantitative problems in their discipline.

Continuation Standards

Students must have a minimum of a 2.00 GPA in their major courses within the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and required related credits (biology, chemistry, mathematics and computer sciences, physics, etc.) by the conclusion of their freshman year. Students that fall below a 2.00 GPA will be placed on probation. If a student fails to obtain at least a 2.0 GPA in their major courses and required related credits by the conclusion of their sophomore year they will not be allowed to continue in the program.

Bachelor of Science Core Curriculum Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses [numbered below 1000]).
• Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s) and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate, or related elective credits.
• Complete Dept/Program specific academic and performance requirements.
• Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through Saint Louis University or an approved study abroad program.
• Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through Saint Louis University or an approved study abroad program.
• Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester.  Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Program Notes

At least two earth and atmospheric sciences electives must be at the 3000-4000 level. Science electives outside of earth and atmospheric sciences may also be approved by the program director.