Major Academic Plan (MAP)
Associate in Arts
BA in Geology
(66 – 72 credits)
Department of Geology
College of Science, Health and Engineering
Why study geology?
Geology is the science of planet Earth. Geologists use elements of
chemistry, physics, biology and mathematics in interpreting the evolution
of the earth and its life forms. Applied geology addresses exploration of
earth resources, environmental quality and hazards and practical
understanding of the planet on which we live.
Other Degree Options
BS in Geology
BAE in Earth and Space Science, Secondary Education
Minor in Geology
Bachelor of Arts in Geology
Required Courses (31-37 credits)
GEOL 120 Physical Geology–The Solid Earth (5)
GEOL 121 Physical Geology–Surficial Processes (5)
GEOL 122 Historical Geology (5)
GEOL 311 Earth Materials (4)
GEOL 312 Crystallography and Optical Mineralogy (4)
GEOL 313 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (4)
GEOL 490 Senior Capstone: Geology Field Camp (10) Requires GEOL
430/431
or GEOL 490 Water and the West (4)
or GEOL 491 Senior Thesis (4)
Required Supporting Courses (10 credits)
CHEM 151 General Chemistry (5)
CHEM 152 General Chemistry (5)
Choose from one of the following supporting courses (5 credits)
BIOL 171 Biology I (5)
GEOG 328 Geographic Information Systems I (5)
GEOG 410 Geomorphology (5)
MATH 161 Calculus I (5)
MATH 380 Elementary Probability and Statistics (5)
PHYS 131 Introductory Physics I (4) and PHYS 161 Mechanics Lab (1)
Elective Credits (20)
GEOL 320 Environmental Geology (4)
GEOL 360 Geologic Hazards (4)
GEOL 408 Invertebrate Paleontology (4)
GEOL 411 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (4)
GEOL 430 Structural Geology I (4)
GEOL 431 Structural Geology II (4)
GEOL 470 Hydrogeology (4)
GEOL 496 or GEOL 425 Geology field course or Eastern WA Geology,
respectively (up to 5 credits)
Department Chair
Dr. Jennifer Thomson
SCI 134
509-359-7478
jthomson@ewu.edu
Department Assistant
Carolyn Harbolt
SCI 130
509-359-2286
charbolt@ewu.edu
Sample Careers
Park naturalist
Urban regional planner
Geological technician
Degree Requirements (AA-DTA) with Suggested Classes
that Fulfill EWU Prerequisites/Requirements*
Course(s) listed in the left column are those offered at your institution, course(s) listed in
the right column are those that are equivalent at EWU.
COMMUNICATIONS (13 credits)
ENGL& 101 English Composition I (5)
ENGL& 102 English Composition II (5)
HUMANITIES (15 credits)
Consult your advisor for course options.
SOCIAL SCIENCES (15 credits)
Consult your advisor for course options.
QUANTITATIVE SKILLS (5 credits)
Consult your advisor for course options.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (3 activity credits)
Consult your advisor for course options.
NATURAL SCIENCE (15 credits)
CHEM& 161 General Chem. I w/Lab (5)
CHEM& 162 General Chem. II w/Lab (5)
GEOL& 103 Historical Geology (5)
ELECTIVES (24 credits)
Consult your advisor for course options.
ENGL 101 College Composition:
Exposition & Argument (5)
ENGL 201 College Composition:
Data/Research/Analysis (5)
CHEM 151 General Chemistry (5)
CHEM 152 General Chemistry (5)
GEOL 122 Historical Geology (5)
Required Courses for Undergraduate Students at EWU

These courses can be taken before or during the major Program.

Foreign Language
o
Two full years of high school-level or one full year of college-level credit is
required for graduation.
Cultural Diversity (4 quarter credit minimum)  International Studies (4 quarter credit
minimum)
o
CMST 201 Intercultural Communication
o GEOG 201 Introduction to World
(5)
Regional Geography (5)
o
ENGL 251 Voices of Women in Literature
o HIST 211 U.S. in World Affairs I (5)
(5)
o HIST 212 U.S. in World Affairs II (5)
o
HPER 268 Diversity in Sports (5)
o HIST 250 Introduction to Latin America
o
HUM 107 Gender Perceptions in
^D (5)
o HIST 255 Traditional East Asian
American Film (5)
Civilization (5)
o
PSYC 139 Psychology of Women (5)
o
HIST 256 Modern East Asian Civilization
o
SOC 205 Racial/Ethnic Relations (5)
(5)
o
SOC 220 Gender and Society (5)
o HUM 109 World Arts and Culture (5)
o
WST 139 Psychology of Women (5)
o PHIL 103 Asian Philosophy ^D (5)
o
WST 200 Introduction to Women’s
o POLS 211U.S. in World Affairs I (5)
Studies (5)
o POLS 212 U.S. in World Affairs II (5)
o
WST 220 Gender and Society (5)
o SOC& 201 Social Problems (5)
o
WST 251 Voices of Women in Literature
(5)
*One Diversity course is required for degree completion.