The Department of Geosciences offers the Bachelor of Science degree in geology and the Bachelor of Science degree in earth science. It is emphasized that students wishing to become practicing professional geologists should hold the Bachelor of Science degree in geology at a minimum. It is further recognized that practicing professional geologists typically hold a Master of Science degree. The education of students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in earth science degree should reflect general education in the liberal arts with emphasis in geology.

The goal of the program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in geology is to provide students with a broad spectrum of the various subdisciplines of geology, while at the same time honoring an emphasis in the traditional areas of mineralogy, igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary petrology, structural geology and stratigraphic principles. This curriculum will prepare students to enter graduate programs without deficiencies at the University of Arkansas or other established programs.

Along with the normal degree program, the department offers a B.S. in geology with a concentration in geophysics.

For requirements for the M.S. degree in geology, see the Graduate School Catalog.

B.S. in Geology

Requirements for a Major in Geology leading to the B.S. Degree: In addition to the state minimum core and the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences Graduation Requirements, the following course requirements must be met. Bolded courses from the list below may be applied to portions of the University Core requirements.

State Minimum Core35
CHEM 1103
CHEM 1101L
University Chemistry I (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1414 Lecture)
and University Chemistry I Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1414 Lab)
4
CHEM 1123
CHEM 1121L
University Chemistry II (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1424 Lecture)
and University Chemistry II Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1424 Lab)
4
MATH 2554Calculus I (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 2405)4
MATH 2564Calculus II (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 2505)4
Select one physics sequence from the following:8
College Physics I (ACTS Equivalency = PHYS 2014 Lecture)
and College Physics I Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = PHYS 2014 Lab)
College Physics II (ACTS Equivalency = PHYS 2024 Lecture)
and College Physics II Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = PHYS 2024 Lab)
or
University Physics I (ACTS Equivalency = PHYS 2034)
University Physics II (ACTS Equivalency = PHYS 2044 Lecture)
World language up to the Elementary II level6
A science elective 3000-level or higher as approved by advisor3
A minimum of 45 credit hours of geology courses to include:45
Physical Geology (ACTS Equivalency = GEOL 1114 Lecture)
and Physical Geology Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = GEOL 1114 Lab)
Mineralogy
Sedimentary Geology
Structural Geology
Geological Data Analysis
Geomorphology
Principles of Geochemistry
Geophysics
Stratigraphy and Sedimentation
or GEOS 3313
Geology Field Camp
Earth System History (ACTS Equivalency = PHSC 1104)
Nine credit hours of geology courses chosen from GEOS electives 3000-level or higher
General Electives7-18
Total Hours120

Writing Requirement: A scholarly writing assignment will be included in all geoscience courses numbered 2000 and above. Those papers submitted in geoscience courses 3000 and above will fulfill the Fulbright College writing requirement. The college writing requirement may also be met by the completion of an honors thesis.

Geology B.S.

Nine-Semester Degree Program

State minimum core requirements may vary by individual, based on placement and previous credit granted. Once all core requirements are met, students may substitute with general electives. Students should consult with their academic advisor.

This program requires a summer field camp after the junior year. 

First YearUnits
FallSpringSummer
ENGL 1013 Composition I (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 1013)3    
MATH 2554 Calculus I (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 2405)4    
GEOS 1113 Physical Geology (ACTS Equivalency = GEOL 1114 Lecture)
& GEOS 1111L Physical Geology Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = GEOL 1114 Lab)
4    
CHEM 1103 University Chemistry I (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1414 Lecture)
& CHEM 1101L University Chemistry I Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1414 Lab)
4    
ENGL 1023 Composition II (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 1023)  3  
MATH 2564 Calculus II (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 2505)  4  
CHEM 1123 University Chemistry II (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1424 Lecture)
& CHEM 1121L University Chemistry II Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1424 Lab)
  4  
U.S. History State Minimum Core  3  
General Electives  1  
Year Total: 15 15  
 
Second YearUnits
FallSpringSummer
GEOS 2313 Mineralogy3    
Select one of the following:4    
PHYS 2054 University Physics I (ACTS Equivalency = PHYS 2034)
or PHYS 2013/2011L College Physics I (ACTS Equivalency = PHYS 2014 Lecture)
Social Sciences State Minimum Core3    
Fine Arts State Minimum Core3    
World language at the Elementary I level3    
GEOS 3413 Sedimentary Geology  3  
Select one of the following:  4  
PHYS 2074 University Physics II (ACTS Equivalency = PHYS 2044 Lecture)
or PHYS 2033/2031L College Physics II (ACTS Equivalency = PHYS 2024 Lecture)
GEOS 3873 Geological Data Analysis  3  
Social Sciences State Minimum Core  3  
World language at the Elementary II level  3  
Year Total: 16 16  
 
Third YearUnits
FallSpringSummer
GEOS 4223 Stratigraphy and Sedimentation
or GEOS 3313
3    
GEOS elective 3000-level or higher3    
Social Sciences State Minimum Core3    
General Electives6    
GEOS 3514 Structural Geology  4  
GEOS 4053 Geomorphology  3  
Humanities State Minimum Core  3  
General Electives  5  
GEOS 4686 Geology Field Camp    6
Year Total: 15 15 6
 
Fourth YearUnits
FallSpringSummer
GEOS 4063 Principles of Geochemistry
or GEOS 4433 Geophysics
3    
GEOS electives 3000-level or higher3    
Science elective 3000-level or higher3    
General Electives6    
GEOS 4924 Earth System History (ACTS Equivalency = PHSC 1104)  4  
GEOS electives 3000-level or higher  3  
Year Total: 15 7  
 
Total Units in Sequence:   120

Requirements for B.S. in Geology With Geosciences Concentration

The following credit hour requirements must be met (see Degree Completion Program Policy for additional information). In addition, the Fulbright College Writing Requirement will be satisfied by completing the scholarly writing assignments in any GEOS course numbered 3000-level or higher, or by completion of an honors thesis.

State minimum core requirements may vary by individual, based on placement and previous course credit earned. Once all core requirements are met, students may substitute with general electives in consultation with their academic adviser.

State Minimum Core35
CHEM 1103
CHEM 1101L
University Chemistry I (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1414 Lecture)
and University Chemistry I Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1414 Lab)
4
CHEM 1123
CHEM 1121L
University Chemistry II (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1424 Lecture)
and University Chemistry II Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1424 Lab)
4
PHYS 2054University Physics I (ACTS Equivalency = PHYS 2034)4
PHYS 2074University Physics II (ACTS Equivalency = PHYS 2044 Lecture)4
PHYS 2094University Physics III4
MATH 2554Calculus I (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 2405)4
MATH 2564Calculus II (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 2505)4
MATH 2574Calculus III (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 2603)4
MATH 2584Elementary Differential Equations4
46 credit hours in geosciences (GEOS) and physics (PHYS) courses from the following:45
Physical Geology (ACTS Equivalency = GEOL 1114 Lecture)
and Physical Geology Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = GEOL 1114 Lab)
Mineralogy
Sedimentary Geology
Structural Geology
Geomorphology
Stratigraphy and Sedimentation
Geophysics
Earth System History (ACTS Equivalency = PHSC 1104)
Geology Field Camp
Analytical Mechanics
Electromagnetic Theory I
Modern Physics
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Physics Senior Seminar
General Electives4
Total Hours120

Writing Requirement: A scholarly writing assignment will be included in all geoscience courses numbered 2000 and above. Those papers submitted in geoscience courses 3000 and above will fulfill the Fulbright College writing requirement. The college writing requirement may also be met by the completion of an honors thesis.

Eight-Semester Degree Plan for a Bachelor of Science in Geology with a Concentration in Geophysics 

Students enrolling in the eight-semester degree plan should review the Eight-Semester Degree Completion Policy.

State minimum core requirements may vary by individual, based on placement and previous credit granted. Once all core requirements are met, students may substitute with general electives in consultation with their academic advisor.

First YearUnits
FallSpringSummer
ENGL 1013 Composition I (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 1013) (Satisfies General Education Outcome 1.1)13    
MATH 2554 Calculus I (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 2405) (Satisfies General Education Outcome 2.1)14    
PHYS 2054 University Physics I (ACTS Equivalency = PHYS 2034) (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.4)14    
CHEM 1103 University Chemistry I (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1414 Lecture)
& CHEM 1101L University Chemistry I Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1414 Lab)
4    
ENGL 1023 Composition II (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 1023) (Satisfies General Education Outcome 1.1)1  3  
PHYS 2074 University Physics II (ACTS Equivalency = PHYS 2044 Lecture)  4  
MATH 2564 Calculus II (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 2505)  4  
GEOS 1113 Physical Geology (ACTS Equivalency = GEOL 1114 Lecture)
& GEOS 1111L Physical Geology Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = GEOL 1114 Lab)
  4  
Year Total: 15 15  
 
Second YearUnits
FallSpringSummer
PHYS 2094 University Physics III4    
MATH 2584 Elementary Differential Equations4    
CHEM 1123 University Chemistry II (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1424 Lecture)
& CHEM 1121L University Chemistry II Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1424 Lab)
4    
GEOS 2313 Mineralogy3    
PHYS 3613 Modern Physics  3  
MATH 2574 Calculus III (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 2603)  4  
GEOS 3413 Sedimentary Geology  3  
State Minimum Core—Fine Arts (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.1)1  3  
State Minimum Core—U.S. History or Government (Satisfies General Education Outcome 4.2)1  3  
Year Total: 15 16  
 
Third YearUnits
FallSpringSummer
PHYS 3113 Analytical Mechanics3    
GEOS 4223 Stratigraphy and Sedimentation3    
State Minimum Core—Social Science (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.3)16    
State Minimum Core—Humanities (Satisfies General Education Outcomes 3.2 and 4.1)13    
GEOS 3514 Structural Geology  4  
GEOS 4053 Geomorphology  3  
State Minimum Core—Social Science  3  
General Electives (Choose one course that satisfies General Education Learning Outcome 5.1)1  5  
GEOS 4686 Geology Field Camp    6
Year Total: 15 15 6
 
Fourth YearUnits
FallSpringSummer
PHYS 4073 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics3    
GEOS 4433 Geophysics3    
State Minimum Core—Social Science3    
General Electives6    
PHYS 3453 Electromagnetic Theory I  3  
PHYS 4991 Physics Senior Seminar  1  
GEOS 4924 Earth System History (ACTS Equivalency = PHSC 1104) (Satisfies General Education Outcomes 1.2 and 6.1)1  4  
Year Total: 15 8  
 
Total Units in Sequence:   120
1

Students must complete the State Minimum Core and the requirements of their major(s) as outlined in the Catalog of Studies. These courses also fulfill many, if not all, of the General Education Requirements. Please visit these pages in the links provided and consult with your academic advisor when making course selections to fulfill these requirements.

Minor in Geology

Requirements for a Minor in Geology: A minor in geology shall be awarded upon completion of the following course work:

GEOS 1113
GEOS 1111L
Physical Geology (ACTS Equivalency = GEOL 1114 Lecture)
and Physical Geology Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = GEOL 1114 Lab)
4
GEOS 1133
GEOS 1131L
Earth Science (ACTS Equivalency = GEOL 1124 Lecture)
and Earth Science Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = GEOL 1124 Lab)
4
GEOS 2313Mineralogy3
Two GEOS Courses at the 3000-level6
One GEOS Course at the 4000-level3
Total Hours20

Students are advised to consult with a geology faculty member to develop the course work program that best complements their major area of study.

Requirements for Departmental Honors in Geology: The Departmental Honors Program in Geology provides upper-division undergraduate students with an opportunity to formally participate in geologic research activities. Honors candidates carry out independent study and research under the guidance of the geology faculty. Outstanding student achievement will be recognized by awarding the distinction “Geology Scholar Cum Laude” at graduation. Higher degree distinctions may be awarded to truly outstanding students based upon the whole of their academic program and quality of honors research.

Honors candidates in geology must do the following:

  1. Satisfy departmental and college requirements for a bachelor’s degree with honors,
  2. Become a candidate no later than the second semester of their junior year,
  3. Enroll in six hours of honors research GEOS 3901, GEOS 3911, GEOS 4972H, GEOS 4982H,
  4. Take 12 hours in Honors Studies, which may include 6 hours of thesis,
  5. Complete junior and senior honors courses GEOS 3901, GEOS 3911GEOS 4972H, GEOS 4982H, and
  6. Achieve a cumulative grade-point average of 3.30 in geology courses.

Teacher Licensure Requirements:

Students interested in pursuing a minor in STEM Education or Secondary Teacher Licensure in mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, or computer science at the undergraduate level should consult with a STEM Education faculty adviser, teach@uark.edu. Another option to obtain secondary teacher licensure is to complete the one-year Master of Arts in Teaching.