Geological Sciences, BS

Location(s): Main Campus

The Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences is intended as training for graduate school and professional employment, with research, teaching, and industry careers as the ultimate goals. Coursework emphasizes depth in the geological discipline as well as breadth across the natural sciences, and fieldwork is a requirement of the program. The BS offers three tracks for students to specialize in geology, environmental geology, and geophysics. Students who complete any of these three tracks are eligible for licensure.

Program Requirements

University General Education Requirements

All Binghamton University undergraduate students are required to fulfill this set of university-wide requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of a SUNY university undergraduate education. Please refer to the General Education page for more information.

Harpur College Requirements

All students in Harpur College must fulfill additional requirements designated by Harpur College to complement and extend the general education requirements. Please refer to the Harpur College of Arts and Sciences page for more information.

Major Requirements

Course Requirements

Students must fulfill the following course requirements for the major, including the below geology core classes, additional science cognate courses, and the courses required for the student’s chosen track:

One four-credit 100-level geology course* GEOL 206 OR GEOL 234 OR ENVI 206 OR ENVI 234

GEOL 301 - Rock Record And Earth History * OR
GEOL 311 - Earth’s Surface Processes**
GEOL 302 - Introduction to Geophysics
GEOL 303 - Earth Materials
GEOL 304 - Intro to Envi Geochemistry
GEOL 401 - Field Geology OR equivalent (summer field experience)

Additional Science Cognate Courses

A. Geology Track

GEOL 311 - Earth’s Surface Processes
GEOL 344 - Structural Geology AND
Two additional 300-400 level Geology Courses.

And one of the following GEOL courses:

B. Environmental Geology Track

And three from the following list of courses:

C. Geophysics Track

And one course selected from:

Notes:

*Students pursuing the SUNY Transfer Path in Geology should fulfill these requirements by taking: GEOL 111; GEOL 213 (instead of GEOL 301)

**Geophysics students must complete this requirement with GEOL 311. All others must take GEOL 301.

Two of the required courses for the major - MATH 224 and PHYS 121 or 131 - may have prerequisites. If students do not place into MATH 224, then MATH 223 and, if needed, MATH 108 are also required to complete the major. If students are not placed into PHYS 121, then MATH 108 is also required to complete the major. In addition, the geophysics track requires PHYS 341. MATH 304 and 330 may be required prerequisites to PHYS 341; students should check for current prerequisites on the physics program page.

Additional Information About the Program

The department requires a C- or better grade in all courses counted toward the major. No courses for the major may be taken as Pass/Fail.
Students must take a field experience course (GEOL 401 or equivalent) for 4-6 credits, generally in the summer following their junior year. They are encouraged to choose a course in the branch of the earth sciences that most directly relates to their major track or career interest. The course must cover basic field techniques and skills, followed by field experience with traditional geological, hydrogeological, geophysical, or other approved applications.
In addition, geology majors are encouraged to gain experience with statistics, computer languages or programming, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Professional Licensure Qualification: Students who complete any of the three BS tracks in geology will have taken the necessary coursework to be considered licensure-qualified and will be allowed to take the first of two licensing exams: Fundamentals of Geology (followed by Practice of Geology after five years working in the profession). The National Association of the State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) offers these exams, and more information about them can be found on their website. Being a licensed professional geologist is becoming a requirement for many employers in environmental and geological consulting companies in New York. It provides opportunities for advancement beyond the most entry-level jobs. Although licensing can only be granted by the New York State Education Department, completing one of the three BS tracks in geological sciences will automatically qualify you for taking the ASBOG examinations. You can find complete details about becoming a professional geologist in New York here.

For more information on the Geological Sciences BS program, please refer to the Earth Sciences website. To apply to the Geological Sciences BS program, please visit the University Admissions website.