Bachelor of Science in Geology
George Mason University
Key Information
Campus location
Fairfax, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 4,897 / per semester **
Application deadline
01 Jun 2024*
Earliest start date
Aug 2024
* for International student | Domestic student is 1st of February
** in-state tuition full-time (12-15 credits); USD 16,980 - out-of-state tuition full-time (12-15 credits); USD 1,803 - mandatory student fee
Introduction
Studying the Earth and its processes. Students receive a broad background in the Earth sciences and select one of five specialty concentrations.
Program Highlights
- Mason undergraduates have internships at local government agencies such as the US Geological Survey and the Smithsonian Institution.
- Students have the opportunity as upper-level students to mentor lower-level students by joining the Learning Assistant program. Students may also join the Honors Program.
- Faculty have research projects around the world including Europe, Peru, India, West Africa, and many more exciting locations.
Concentrations
The concentrations in Earth Surface Processes, Environmental Geoscience, Geology, and Paleontology are solely offered by the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences. The concentration in Oceanography and Estuarine science is offered jointly with the Department of Environmental Science and Policy, where specific advice is also available.
- Concentration in Earth Surface Processes (EP): This concentration focuses on a broad understanding of the physical processes and natural materials found at or near the Earth's surface that have produced the primary landforms and landscapes observed today. Fundamental concepts, methods, and techniques of landscape analysis are also examined.
- Concentration in Environmental Geoscience (EVGS): This concentration provides the tools for applying geologic information (on soils, rocks, water, weather, and landscapes) to contemporary environmental problems (including pollution, waste management, resource extraction, natural hazards, land-use, habitat restoration, species preservation, and human health). Environmental geoscience studies the physical environment in which biological interactions take place, thereby aiding the understanding of ecology.
- Concentration in Geology (GEOL): This concentration is fashioned after traditional geology bachelor's degrees. It allows graduates to be employed as geologists in the field or to pursue graduate studies in geology.
- Concentration in Oceanography and Estuarine Science (OEST): This concentration provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of oceanography. Additional coursework in physical and chemical oceanography gives insight into the aquatic environment and its link to both ecosystems and climate. Within the concentration, students can choose an Open Ocean or Coastal Ocean option. The curriculum will emphasize local and regional case studies, in particular the Chesapeake Bay. The program will provide students with the basic training required to allow them to obtain entry-level positions in oceanographic and estuarine career tracks or an appropriate graduate degree program.
- Concentration in Paleontology (PLEO): This concentration focuses on a broad understanding of Earth's history and the evolution of life on Earth as revealed through the fossil record. Fundamental concepts, methods, and techniques of historical geology and paleontological data and analysis are also examined. This concentration may not be taken in conjunction with the Paleontology Minor.
Program Outcome
- Comprehend important earth-science concepts that reflect the complexity of the integrated earth-ocean-atmosphere system. These concepts include (but are not limited to) (1) Earth materials, (2) tectonics, (3) basic dynamics of the oceans and atmosphere, and (4) surficial processes of land-ocean-atmosphere interactions.
- Demonstrate intellectual and technical ability to observe, develop questions, describe, measure, classify, interpret, assess problems, and critically evaluate hypotheses or plans in field and laboratory settings.
- Appreciate both team and individual approaches to scientific problem solving, and work effectively, thoroughly, efficiently, and competently in either situation.
- Develop the ability to observe and analyze geoscience problems in three dimensions and time.
- Know how to perform their own research and efficiently track down and critically evaluate primary literature on earth science topics to help them answer (or pose) scientific questions in the geosciences.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate scientific ideas and findings effectively in both oral presentations and writing to a wide range of audiences.
- Conduct themselves professionally, rationally, and ethically.
- Have the appropriate knowledge base from their individual concentrations to enter the workforce or to continue on to graduate school to ultimately enter industry, academia, or government service as a geoscientist.
- Value scientific information in and of itself, and the process through which scientific knowledge is generated.
- Be an open-minded (open to new scientific concepts and information), independent, and analytical thinker.
Career Opportunities
A degree in Earth Science from George Mason University will open doors to many exciting, essential careers such as environmental science, resource extraction, and geological hazard management just to name a few.
Our graduates have gone on to graduate school at leading institutions across the country and internationally.
Research Opportunities
Mason faculty are actively conducting research in the rock record, coastal processes, structural geology, paleontology, and more.
Undergraduates play a vital role in this research, working directly with faculty members and graduate students on their research projects. Many Mason Geology Program undergraduates present research at local, regional, national, and international scientific conferences. Several have also published their work with the Mason Geology Program faculty.
Curriculum
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
This is a Green Leaf program.
Students must complete all coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.00.
Core Science and Mathematics
- GEOL 101 & GEOL 103 Physical Geology (Mason Core) and Physical Geology Lab 4
- GEOL 309 Oceanography 3 or BIOL 309 Oceanography
- GEOL 420 Earth Science and Policy (Mason Core) 3
- CHEM 211 & CHEM 213 General Chemistry I (Mason Core) and General Chemistry Laboratory I (Mason Core) 4
- CHEM 212 & CHEM 214 General Chemistry II (Mason Core) and General Chemistry Laboratory II (Mason Core) 4
- MATH 113 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) 4
- MATH 114 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II 4
- STAT 250 Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) 3
Select one of the following options: 3-4
Option A:
- CLIM 111 Introduction to the Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science (Mason Core)
- CLIM 112 Introduction to the Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science Lab (Mason Core)
Option B:
- PHYS 111 Introduction to the Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science (Mason Core)
- PHYS 112 Introduction to the Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science Lab (Mason Core)
Option C:
- GGS 309 Introduction to Weather and Climate
Total Credits 32-33
Physics
Select one 8-credit sequence from the following: 8
- PHYS 160 & PHYS 161 & PHYS 260 & PHYS 261 University Physics I (Mason Core) and University Physics I Laboratory (Mason Core) and University Physics II (Mason Core) and University Physics II Laboratory (Mason Core)
- PHYS 243 & PHYS 244 & PHYS 245 & PHYS 246 College Physics I (Mason Core) and College Physics I Lab (Mason Core) and College Physics II (Mason Core) and College Physics II Lab (Mason Core)
Total Credits 8
Concentration in Earth Surface Processes (EP)
This concentration focuses on a broad understanding of the physical processes and natural materials found at or near the Earth's surface that have produced the primary landforms and landscapes observed today. Fundamental concepts, methods, and techniques of landscape analysis are also examined. Students choosing this concentration must complete the following coursework:
- GEOL 102 & GEOL 104 Historical Geology (Mason Core) and Historical Geology Laboratory (Mason Core) 4 or EVPP 108 & EVPP 109 Ecosphere - Introduction to Environmental Science I-Lecture (Mason Core) and Ecosphere- Introduction to Environmental Science I- Lab (Mason Core)
- GEOL 302 Mineralogy 4
- GEOL 303 Field Mapping Techniques 3
- GEOL 306 Soil Science 3
- GEOL 317 Geomorphology 1 4
- GGS 311 Geographic Information Systems 3
Select 10-15 credits from the following: 10-15
- GEOL 304 Sedimentary Geology
- GEOL 305 Environmental Geology
- GEOL 313 Hydrogeology
- GEOL 315 Topics in Geology II
- GEOL 363 Coastal Morphology and Processes
- GEOL 401 Structural Geology
- GEOL 403 Geochemistry
- GEOL 417 Geophysics
Total Credits 31-36
Mason Core and Elective Credits
In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires additional credits (specific credit counts by concentration are shown below), which may be applied toward any remaining Mason Core requirements, Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, and elective courses. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.
- EP concentration: 43-49 credits
- EVGS concentration: 38-45 credits
- GEOL concentration: 45-46 credits
- OEST concentration: 45-47 credits
- PLEO concentration: 41-44 credits
Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.
Foundation Requirements
- Written Communication (ENGH 101) 3
- Oral Communication 3
- Quantitative Reasoning 3
- Information Technology and Computing 3
Exploration Requirements
- Arts 3
- Global Understanding 3
- Literature 3
- Natural Science 7
- Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
- Western Civilization/World History 3
Integration Requirements
- Written Communications (ENGH 302) 3
- Writing-Intensive 3
- Synthesis/Capstone 3
Total Credits 40