Earth Sciences
with
Geology Option
Geological sciences focus on understanding the Earth, from its composition and internal
structure to its history and the processes that shape its surface. Our planet is the geologist’s
laboratory. Geologists study the process of rock formation, mountain building, land surface
evolution, and mineral resource creation over the Earth’s 4.6 billion-year history. A geologist
contributes to society through the discovery of earth resources such as metals, fossil fuels, and
construction materials; through recognition and mitigation of earthquake, volcanic, landslide
and flood hazards; and through environmental remediation of human impacts. Applied geology
also includes providing information on ground stability for, construction of buildings, dams and
coastal jetties. Geologists also play a key role in characterizing past climate conditions and how
they have changed, and inform government officials and the public.
The geology option is built on a foundation of basic sciences. Experiential learning lies
at the core of a geologist’s education in CEOAS, and practical field experiences are integrated
throughout the curriculum. Students take field trips in many classes, in addition to two intensive
field-based courses: “Introduction to Field Geology” is taught in California, and “Advanced Field
Geology” is a four week field camp at our own field station in Mitchell, Oregon. In field intensive
courses, students build camaraderie, gain technical skill expertise, and synthesize classroom
learning across the curriculum.
Students in the geology option are mentored by a dedicated faculty with a broad range
of expertise. The college is a vibrant research hub visited by scientists from around the world,
complementing the world-class research done by our own Geology faculty. Undergraduate
students often engage in research with faculty mentors. Examples of recent projects include
using gases trapped in Antarctic ice to understand past climate, exploring mineral deposits in
Oregon and Nevada, understanding how rivers change course through time, investigating the
structure and origin of mountain ranges, and tracing the eruptive history of volcanoes in the
western United States.
Career Opportunities
A vibrant job market in Geology reflects society’s environmental concerns, needs for hazard
mitigation, and world demand for resources including water, gas, oil and metals.
Recent OSU graduates are employed as:
• Geologists for environmental
consulting firms
• Geotech engineering technicians
• Geologists in mineral
exploration
• Petroleum geologists
• Teachers and researchers at universities
• Geologists in federal and state
agencies
Earth Sciences with Geology Option
What to know about
Oregon State University
Student Services & Advising
College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences
102-104 Wilkinson Hall
541-737-1201
OSU Admissions
104 Kerr Administration
541-737-4411
800-291-4192
OSU Financial Aid
Student Employment
Loans & Scholarships
College Work Study
218 Kerr Administration
541-737-2241
OSU Registrar
102 Kerr Administration
541-737-4331
OSU Housing
102 Buxton Hall
541-737-4771
OSU Website
http://oregonstate.edu
OSU Extended Campus
4943 The Valley Library
800-667-1465
http://ecampus.oregonstate.edu
For more information,
please contact:
College of Earth, Ocean, and
Atmospheric Sciences
Oregon State University
104 Wilkinson Hall
Corvallis, Oregon 97331-5506
phone: 541-737-1201
fax: 541-737-1200
email: earth.sciences@oregonstate.edu
web: http://ceoas.oregonstate.edu
Course of Study
The Earth Sciences major consists of foundational math and science courses, core Earth
Sciences courses, and focused coursework in the option. A graduation checklist with complete
requirements can be obtained from an advisor. Below you will see an example curriculum
showing a course plan to complete the B.S. in Earth Sciences with a Geology option. In addition
undergraduates at OSU must complete the Baccalaureate Core, consisting of Skills courses;
Perspectives courses; a class in Difference, Power and Discrimination; two Synthesis courses; and
a Writing Intensive Course.
FreshmanCredits
Physical GeologyGEO 2014
Earth Systems ScienceGEO 2024
Evolution of Planet EarthGEO 2034
Chemistry
CH 231, CH 232, CH 233
15
MathMTH 1124
Baccalaureate Core and Electives14
SophomoreCredits
Introduction to Field GeologyGEO 2953
Earth Materials I: MineralogyGEO 3104
Earth Materials I: PetrologyGEO 3154
Earth Materials I: Igneous Petrography
GEO 415
4
Intro to GISGEO 3654
OceanographyOC 2014
CalculusMTH 251, MTH 2528
Introduction to Statistical Methods
ST 351
4
Baccalaureate Core and Electives10
JuniorCredits
Surface ProcessesGEO 3224
Structural GeologyGEO 3404
Stratigraphy & SedimentologyGEO 3704
Geology Elective6
The Changing ClimateATS 3203
PhysicsPH 211, PH 2128
Baccalaureate Core and Electives16
SeniorCredits
Advanced Field Geology (Summer)
GEO 495
6
HydrogeologyGEO 4874
GeochemistryGEO 4304
Geophysics/TectonicsGEO 4634
Geology Elective6
Oregon State University is an Affirmative Action Contemporary Earth Science Issues
GEO 409
3
Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with Baccalaureate Core and Electives18
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.