The science of geology is the study of the Earth: its composition; the various physical and chemical changes that occur on its surface and in its interior; and the history of the planet and its life forms from its origin to the present. Consideration of mineral and energy resources, the ecology and evolution of life, plate tectonics, water supplies, environmental protection, and preventive planning for natural disasters are also examined in the Geology Program. Students are encouraged to pursue hands-on experience in their field. Laboratories associated with geomorphology, structural geology, sedimentology, paleontology, mineralogy, and other areas are available. Field studies are stressed, with geologic mapping in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana; studies of sedimentary geology in Spain, Ireland, and the Florida Keys; and examinations of processes acting on the Earth’s surface in West Virginia. Departmental and College assistance is available for the Geological Field Camp. Majors in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Biochemistry B Biology B, M, D Chemistry B, M, D Communications Studies B, M, D Computer Science B Creative Writing M Criminology & Investigations B Economics B English B, M, D Environmental Geoscience B Foreign Languages B, M Forensic & Investigative Science B Geography B, M, D Geology B, M, D History B, M, D Individualized Major B Industrial Mathematics and Statistics B International Studies B Legal Studies M Liberal Arts and Sciences B Liberal Studies M Mathematics B, M, D Multidisciplinary Studies B Philosophy B Physics B, M, D Political Science B, M, D Professional Writing and Editing M Psychology B, M, D Public Administration M Regents Bachelor of Arts B Religious Studies B Slavic Studies B Social Work B, M Sociology M Sociology and Anthropology B Statistics M Women's Studies B B=Bachelor's; M=Master's; D=Doctorate For more information contact Dr. Helen Lang, at: 304-293-5603, ext. 4312, or: Helen.Lang@mail.wvu.edu Or visit the department website: www.geo.wvu.edu

The WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
The Eberly College of Arts and Sciences is the largest and most diverse academic unit within West Virginia University. A faculty of 450 and a staff of 125 are involved in educating and supporting the efforts of more than 6,700 students (nearly one-fourth of the WVU student body) who are majoring in one or more of 63 undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the College’s 16 academic departments and divisions. The College’s academic units and research facilities are housed in 14 buildings on the WVU campus. The Dean’s Office is in historic Woodburn Hall. The College and its Department of Biology also maintain the Core Arboretum, a 75-acre wooded tract adjacent to the Monongahela River.

The College provides the majority of the curriculum for all WVU undergraduates and a wide variety of required and elective courses for the entire student body. Arts and Sciences majors may, with permission, major in more than one discipline, and when appropriate, design highly individualized degree programs.

Eberly College undergraduate degree programs prepare students for many specific professions, while also providing a broad-based education that remains relevant beyond the first job after graduation. Many Eberly College alumni go on to complete graduate and professional degrees. By providing students with analytic and communication skills, reasoning abilities, and a broad knowledge of the humanities and the behavioral and natural sciences, the Eberly College equips graduates for lifelong learning and prepares them to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world and an increasingly volatile job market.

Admission
If University admission requirements are met, a student may be accepted as a Pre-Geology major. Upon completion of 58 credit hours with at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average, and having completed GEOL 101, 102, 103, and 104, a student may apply for admission to the Geology Program. To continue in the program, a 2.0 GPA must be maintained in all geology course work.

Curriculum
For all geology majors, eight credit hours in chemistry, eight credit hours in physics, and ten to 16 credit hours in mathematics and statistics are required, in addition to geology course work.

Candidates for the bachelor of science degree are required to take a total of 40 credit hours of geology courses. Depending on the major field of geologic studies selected, students are encouraged to choose supporting courses in fields such as mining or petroleum engineering, biology, geography, soil mechanics, and computer science.

Geology majors receive a broad education in several areas of the discipline so they may make an informed decision concerning specialization if a graduate degree is sought. More importantly, flexibility in seeking employment in a variety of geology specializations is possible because the student has a broad base of knowledge in all areas of geology. During the senior year, undergraduates may use their geology electives to begin a specialization.

Course Work

Accreditation
West Virginia University is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Career Opportunities
Geologists and geophysicists hold approximately 85,000 jobs nationwide. In addition, nearly 10,000 geoscientists hold geology, geophysics, and oceanography faculty positions in colleges and universities. About half of all geoscientists are employed by energy and environmental companies. Many other geologists work for consulting firms and business services, especially engineering firms, which often provide services to oil and gas companies. The federal government employs approximately 10,000 geologists, geophysicists, oceanographers, and hydrologists.

Graduate School Opportunities
Advancement potential is often enhanced by having a master’s degree in geology or geophysics. A PhD degree is essential for most college or university teaching positions, and is important for work in federal agencies that involves basic research. WVU offers master’s and doctoral degrees in Geology.

Salary Range
Typical starting salaries are $30,667 for those with a bachelor of science degree.