Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences

Admission Requirements

• Complete the Application and Admission Requirements for Baccalaureate Programs.

Graduation Requirements

• Complete the General University Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees.
• Complete the General Education Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees.
• Students who audit a Geology (GEOL) course or who are unable to earn a minimum grade of C may repeat the course. All prerequisites for GEOL courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C.
• Complete the following major requirements with a minimum grade of C:

A minimum of 120 credits is required for the degree, of which 39 must be upper-division credits. 

Honors in Geological Sciences

The Department of Geological Sciences offers recognition to students who demonstrate exceptional promise in the science by awarding them with departmental honors in geological sciences. To graduate with departmental honors, the student must be a declared geological sciences major and meet the following requirements:

• Satisfy all requirements for a BS in Geological Sciences;
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50;
• Complete 6 credits of GEOL A499, or 3 credits of GEOL A498 and 3 credits of GEOL A499, with a minimum grade of B;
• Students intending to graduate with departmental honors must notify the departmental honors committee in writing on or before the date they file their Application for Graduation with the Office of the Registrar.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

The curriculum of the UAA Geological Sciences program is designed to produce graduates who:

• Have a basic knowledge of the principles related to the geological sciences with either an emphasis in environmental geology or general geology.
• Have an understanding of how to think scientifically and apply their knowledge to solve geologic problems.
• Have sufficient competence to obtain employment as an entry-level geologist or environmental geologist, and be able to progress professionally within the discipline and are prepared for advanced study.
• Have a fundamental understanding of Alaskan geology and environmental problems in Alaska.
• Are able to communicate their ideas.
• Are prepared for and understand the need for continued professional development throughout their careers.

In keeping with the objectives, it is expected that graduates of the UAA Geological Sciences program will have:

• An ability to apply their knowledge of general geology and/or environmental geology.
• An ability to accept challenges and think through problems until they are solved.
• An ability to design and conduct projects that include field work, laboratory analyses and interpretation in their area of emphasis.
• Experience in field geology in Alaska.
• An ability to communicate effectively.
• A recognition of the need for, and ability to pursue, lifelong learning.

The academic plan below is one pathway through the degree/certificate. It includes all requirements, taking into account recommendations from program faculty. Each student’s plan may vary according to their initial course placement, intended course load, additional majors and/or minors, and their placement into required prerequisite courses. Any change in the plan below can have an unforeseen impact on the rest of the plan. Therefore, it is very important to meet with your academic advisor to verify your personal academic plan.

Please review the following terms, definitions, and resources associated with the sample academic plan below.

• Each course in the far left column links to a pop-up bubble with a course description, prerequisite requirements, and associations with university requirements. For example, if a course fulfills a general education requirement, you will see that in the pop-up bubble.

• GER: indicates a General Education Requirement. GERs that also count toward degree/certificate requirements appear as a specific course in the plan. For these courses, "GER" is not indicated explicitly in the table, but if you click on the course, you will see the course's GER status in the pop-up bubble.

• Program Elective: indicates a specific course selection determined by program faculty to fulfill a degree/certificate requirement. Students should seek assistance from their academic advisor.

• Elective: indicates an open selection of 100-400 level university courses to fulfill elective credits needed to meet the minimum total credits toward the degree/certificate.

• Upper Division Program Elective: indicates a specific 300-400 level course selection determined by the program faculty to fulfill a degree/certificate requirement. Students should seek assistance from their academic advisor.

• Upper Division Elective: indicates an open selection of 300-400 level courses to fulfill elective credits needed to meet the minimum total credits toward the degree/certificate. These courses must be upper division in order to meet General University Requirements for the particular degree/certificate type.