Nov 21, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Geology: STEM Education, B.S.


General Education (40-41 hours)


(see General Education  for list of approved courses) 

Senior Research Experience


4 credits of research experience. Must take GEOL 4800 and 4900 or the Departmental Thesis option.

Additional Information and Notes


Minimum of 39 hours of 3000 and 4000 level courses.

Electives to complete 128 hours.

For admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP): Earn a minimum 2.75 cumulative grade point average, a 2.75 average on all courses taken at UTC, a 2.75 GPA in education courses with no grade lower than C, and a 2.75 in content area courses with no grade lower than C.

In addition to the department and university requirements there are the following minimum requirements for graduation with licensure: 2.75 cumulative average, 2.75 at UTC, 2.75 average in STEM courses with no grade lower than C, 2.75 average in courses in licensure content area courses with no grade lower than C.

See Degree and Graduation Requirements  for additional requirements.

Requirements to take State Board Exam (ASBOG) towards licensure


An application for approval to take the Fundamentals of Geology (FG) examination is designed for applicants who want to take the FG examination before acquiring the professional geologic work experience required for licensure. It is recommended that you take the FG examination during your final semester in college (assessment examination) or shortly after graduating from college. You must have completed a minimum of 30 hours of Geology coursework to take the exam. Students should consult with their Geology faculty advisor/mentor to plan coursework that will contribute to success on the FG exam.

Field Work


Geology majors are encouraged to enroll in a field geology course (field camp) during the summer following the junior or senior year. In the latter case, graduation will be postponed until August and the requirement that the last 30 hours be completed at UTC will be waived. It is still required, however, that at least 30 hours be completed at UTC.

ClearPath for Advising


The ClearPath for Advising provides students with an opportunity to see program requirements defined in a semester-by-semester format. The ClearPath for Advising guides also provide students with important tips, pointers, and suggestions for staying on track with progress toward the degree.  Your ClearPath is available through the Advisement website.

Graduate Study Preparation


Most graduate schools in geology require a minimum of 1 year of calculus, 1 year of calculus-based physics, and a good background in courses from biology, chemistry, and computer science, and a geology field camp. Therefore, students intending to pursue a graduate degree in geology should take those courses that will best prepare them for the graduate program of their choice.

It is strongly recommended that the prospective graduate student also take GEOL 4997R . MATH 1710 and MATH 1720 may be recommended to precede MATH 1950, depending on preparation of the individual student.