
B.A. in Geology with a major in Earth Science
Harrisonburg, USA
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
TUITION FEES
USD 6,434 / per semester **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* regular admission | November 1st, 2022: early admission
** in-state tuition fee | $15,076: out-of-state tuition fee. Additional fees may apply
Introduction
Earth Science is an all-embracing term for the multiple sciences related to the planet Earth.
Also known as geoscience, the geosciences or the Earth Sciences, Earth Science at JMU has much to offer our majors. We urge students to go beyond the classroom and into the real world to explore their scientific interests. Because our geology department consists entirely of undergraduates, our majors receive more individualized instruction from our professionally recognized faculty. Our earth science major, specifically, is designed to integrate all the earth sciences in a systems approach to understanding the Earth. Majors can expect to explore subjects such as oceanography, meteorology and astronomy. The major prepares graduates for a wide range of professional public-sector service careers where earth science and communication of science to nonscientific audiences is a requirement or an asset.
The B.A. degree in Geology with a major in Earth Science is designed to integrate all the Earth sciences in a systems approach to understanding the Earth. This includes incorporating and integrating subjects such as oceanography, meteorology and astronomy. The emphasis is on the preparation of individuals to work in a wide range of professional public sector service careers where preparation in Earth science and communication of science to non-scientific audiences is a requirement or an asset. This includes the preparation of Earth science teachers.
Gallery
Admissions
Curriculum
Earth science majors earn a B.A. degree. The major in Earth science prepares individuals to work in a wide range of professional public sector service careers where preparation in Earth science and communication of science to nonscientific audiences is a requirement or an asset. This includes the preparation of Earth science teachers.
The major in Earth science is designed to integrate all the Earth sciences in a systems approach to understanding the Earth. This includes incorporating and integrating subjects such as oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. The emphasis is on the preparation of individuals to work in a wide range of professional public sector service careers where preparation in Earth science and communication of science to non-scientific audiences is a requirement or an asset.
Required Courses
- General Education 41 Credit Hours 1
- Foreign Language classes (intermediate level required) 0-14 Credit Hours 2
- Philosophy course(s) (in addition to General Education courses) 3 Credit Hours 3
- Major requirements (listed below including cognate sciences and math) 59-63 Credit Hours
- General Electives 0-17 Credit Hours
Footnotes
1 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
2 The foreign language requirement may be satisfied by successful completion of the second semester of the intermediate level of the student’s chosen language (typically 232), or by placing out of that language through the Department of Foreign Languages, Literatures and Cultures’ placement exam.
3 100, 200, 300 or 400-level course acceptable or consult the list of courses satisfying B.A. degree requirements
Major Requirements
Earth science students are expected to complete CHEM 131-CHEM 131L before enrolling in geology courses numbered 300 and higher.
Core Requirements
- GEOL 110L. Physical Geology Laboratory [C3L] Credits: 1.00
- GEOL 167. History and Philosophy of the Geosciences Credits: 3.00
- GEOL 211. Introduction to Oceanography [C3NS] Credits: 3.00
or - GEOL 401. Oceanography for Teachers Credits: 3.00
- GEOL 230. Evolution of Earth (3, 2) Credits: 4.00
- GEOL 291. Writing and Communicating in the Geosciences Credits: 1.00
- GEOL 320. Meteorology Credits: 3.00
- GEOL 367. Genesis of Solid Earth Materials (3, 2) Credits: 4.00
- GEOL 377. Earth Surface Processes (2, 2) Credits: 3.00
- GEOL 387. Stratigraphy, Structure, and Tectonics (3, 2) Credits: 4.00
- GEOL 477. Contemporary Issues in the Geosciences Credits: 4.00
Choose one of the following: 3 Credit Hours
- GEOL 102. Environment: Earth [C3NS] Credits: 3.00
- GEOL 110. Physical Geology [C3NS] Credits: 3.00
- GEOL 115. Earth Systems and Climate Change [C3NS] Credits: 3.00
- GEOL 210. Applied Physical Geology [C3NS] Credits: 3.00
Choose one of the following: 3 Credit Hours
- ASTR 220. General Astronomy I: The Night Sky, the Solar System, and Stars Credits: 3.00
- GEOL 307. Planetary Geology (2, 2) Credits: 3.00
Research Requirements: 2-6 Credit Hours
In addition to GEOL 291, choose from the following to complete the research requirement. All majors must complete a minimum of two credits. Students conducting research with faculty should select GEOL 497; Honors students doing research with faculty must complete a minimum of six credits in GEOL 499A/GEOL 499B/GEOL 499C. All students must give a formal presentation to fulfill this requirement.
- GEOL 491. Geological Literature and Research Credits: 2.00
- GEOL 494. Internship in Geology Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
- GEOL 497. Problems in Geology Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
- GEOL 499A. Honors in Geology Credits: 1.00
- GEOL 499B. Honors in Geology Credits: 2.00
- GEOL 499C. Honors in Geology Credits: 3.00
Cognate Science and Mathematics Area
The B.A. degree option requires that each student complete at least 16 hours of cognate science credit hours with at least one course from biology, physics, and chemistry chosen from:
Biology: 4 Credit Hours
- BIO 140. Foundations of Biology I [C3NS] Credits: 3.00
- BIO 140L. Foundations of Biology I Laboratory [C3L] Credits: 1.00
- BIO 350. Paleobiology Credits: 4.00
Chemistry: 4 Credit Hours
- CHEM 131. General Chemistry I [C3PP] Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 131L. General Chemistry Laboratory [C3L] Credits: 1.00
- CHEM 132. General Chemistry II Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 132L. General Chemistry Laboratory Credits: 1.00
Physics: 3-4 Credit Hours
- PHYS 140. College Physics I [C3PP] Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 140L. General Physics Laboratory [C3L] Credits: 1.00
- PHYS 150. College Physics II Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 150L. General Physics Laboratory Credits: 1.00
or - GEOL 440. Geophysics (3, 2) Credits: 4.00
Math: 3-4 Credit Hours
The B.A. option requires that each student complete at least six credit hours of mathematics, including one of the following:
- MATH 205. Introductory Calculus I [C3QR] Credits: 3.00
- MATH 232. Calculus with Functions II Credits: 3.00
- MATH 235. Calculus I [C3QR] Credits: 4.00
Recommended Minors for the Major in Earth Science
The Earth science major recommends (but does not require) that students complete a minor in a complementary program, suitable for their career goals of the student.
Students may also propose a minor that is not listed above to their adviser for approval.
Minor
Approved minors include:
- Astronomy 12 Credit Hours 1
- Biology 12-16 Credit Hours 1
- Business Analytics 18-19 Credit Hours
- Chemistry 20 Credit Hours 1
- Economics 18 Credit Hours
- Environmental Information Systems 24 Credit Hours
- Environmental Management Minor 19 Credit Hours 1
- Environmental Science 15 Credit Hours 1
- Environmental Studies 18 Credit Hours 1
- Humanitarian Affairs 18 Credit Hours
- Geographic Science 19 Credit Hours
- Mathematics 14-18 Credit Hours 1
- Nonprofit Studies 19-21 Credit Hours
- Physics 14-22 Credit Hours 1
- Political Science 19 Credit Hours
- Public Policy and Administration 19 Credit Hours
- Science, Technology, and Society 18 Credit Hours
- Pre-Professional Secondary Education (SEED) Minor 20-22 Credit Hours
- Sociology Minor 18 Credit Hours
- Statistics 15-16 Credit Hours 1
- Urban and Regional Studies 24 Credit Hours
- Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication 18 Credit Hours
Footnote
1 Credit hours for courses in the minor that are already required courses for the Earth Science major have been subtracted from the total hours listed here.
Recommended Schedule for the Earth Science Major
First Year
- Cluster One: Skills for the 21st Century 9-12 Credit Hours
- GEOL 110. Physical Geology [C3NS] Credits: 3.00
- GEOL 110L. Physical Geology Laboratory [C3L] Credits: 1.00
- GEOL 167. History and Philosophy of the Geosciences Credits: 3.00
- GEOL 230. Evolution of Earth (3, 2) Credits: 4.00
- MATH 205. Introductory Calculus I [C3QR] Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 131. General Chemistry I [C3PP] Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 131L. General Chemistry Laboratory [C3L] Credits: 1.00
Second Year
- GEOL 211. Introduction to Oceanography [C3NS] Credits: 3.00
- GEOL 291. Writing and Communicating in the Geosciences Credits: 1.00
- GEOL 320. Meteorology Credits: 3.00
- GEOL 367. Genesis of Solid Earth Materials (3, 2) Credits: 4.00
- GEOL 377. Earth Surface Processes (2, 2) Credits: 3.00
- Foreign language courses 1-8 Credit Hours 1
- General Education courses 12 Credit Hours
- Foreign language courses 1-8 Credit Hours
Footnote
1 Foreign language at the intermediate level.
Third Year
- GEOL 387. Stratigraphy, Structure, and Tectonics (3, 2) Credits: 4.00
- Cognate science and mathematics 9-12 Credit Hours
- General Education courses 9 Credit Hours
- Choose one of the following: 3 Credit Hours
- ASTR 220. General Astronomy I: The Night Sky, the Solar System and Stars Credits: 3.00
- GEOL 307. Planetary Geology (2, 2) Credits: 3.00
Fourth Year
- GEOL 477. Contemporary Issues in the Geosciences Credits: 4.00
- Cognate science 3-4 Credit Hours
- Geology electives 4-6 Credit Hours
- Electives 12-20 Credit Hours
- Choose one from the following: 2-6 Credit Hours
- GEOL 491. Geological Literature and Research Credits: 2.00
- GEOL 494. Internship in Geology Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
- GEOL 497. Problems in Geology Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
- GEOL 499A. Honors in Geology Credits: 1.00
- GEOL 499B. Honors in Geology Credits: 2.00
- GEOL 499C. Honors in Geology Credits: 3.00
Career Opportunities
A successful career and a meaningful life is what it’s all about. Whether it’s an internship, a great first job or a top graduate school appointment, JMU Dukes make their dreams ignite. You will, too.
Here are current openings available to JMU students.
Jobs for JMU Students
Field Technician
- Forest Service is hiring for temporary seasonal positions! at USDA Forest Service
- Fire Service Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) - Basic at City of Philadelphia
- Biological Science Technician (Plant, Fish, Fish & Wildlife), Hydrological Technician, Biological Science Aid at USDA Forest Service
- Solar Installation Technician at Southern Energy Management
- Research Tech IV - Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia-Richard Aplenc Lab at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
- Sample Registration Technician at Eurofins
- Biological Field Technician - Bias Trials Administrator - (968) at Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc.
- Environmental Field Testing Technician at Alliance Technical Group
- Environmental Specialist at Republic Services
- Aquatic Invasive Species Member - Amistad National Recreation Area at American Conservation Experience
- Biological Field Technician - (966) at Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc.
- Fisheries Biologist at Wyoming Game and Fish Department
- Invasive Species Management Biological Technician at Invasive Plant Control, Inc.
- Hazardous Materials Specialist - Franklin County Department of Emergency Services at Franklin County PA
- Legal Instruments Examiner (Inmate Classification & Computation Technician) at Federal Bureau of Prisons
- Research Associate II - RNA/DNA Cancer Epigenetics Studies at City of Hope
- Environmental Technician at LaBella Associates
- Molecular Biology Technician, req 2972 at Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc.)
- Biologist Technician - Fisheries at Wyoming Game and Fish Department
Landscape
- Accounts Receivable Manager at PBS Distribution
- Social Media Specialist at Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
- Managed App Services NetSuite Consulting Associate - Summer 2023 at RSM US LLP
- Market Research Analyst - Healthcare & Life Science - Remote Opportunity at Proactive Worldwide
- Project Manager, Forest and Climate Conservation at The Nature Conservancy
- Naturalist, Outdoor Education Instructor at Mile High Pines Camp
- Family Intervention Specialist - Knoxville, TN at Youth Villages
- Hatchery Worker at Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
- Research Associate at Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
- Family Intervention Specialist - Columbia, TN at Youth Villages
- Family Intervention Specialist - Nashville, TN at Youth Villages
- Family Intervention Specialist at Youth Villages
- Family Intervention Specialist - Cookeville, TN at Youth Villages
- Medical Laboratory Scientist (Recent Graduates) at Natera
- Family Intervention Specialist - Jackson, TN at Youth Villages
- Golf Course Superintendent at Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation
- Graduate Development Program, Associate Analyst, Market Segmentation at National Grid
- Graduate Development Program, Associate Commercial Analyst, Offshore Wind at National Grid
- Account Coordinator at Digital Additive
Urban Planner
- Principal Planner at COUNTY OF FRANKLIN
- Assistant Planner at GAI Consultants
- Planner at GAI Consultants
- Planner/Community Development Specialist at County of Henry
- Transportation Planner at HDR, Inc.
- Junior Cost Engineer at Alliance Consulting Group, Inc.
- AIRPORT PLANNER (ENTRY or MID-LEVEL) at Cignus Consulting
Regional Planner
- Business Analyst/ Asset Management Analyst at Hazen and Sawyer
- Principal Planner at COUNTY OF FRANKLIN
- Assistant Planner at GAI Consultants
- Planner at GAI Consultants
- Analysis December Virtual Hiring Event - Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM) at Defense Intelligence Agency
- 22-119 Regional Water Planner (Planner III) at Texas Water Development Board
- 22-116 Regional Flood Planner (Planner II) at Texas Water Development Board
- Demand Planner at Luminator Technology Group
- 22-GEN - TWDB General Position at Texas Water Development Board
- Maintenance Engineer (EV Battery Manufacturer) at Envision AESC US LLC
- Brand Deployment Analyst at Kimberly-Clark
- 2022 Chain Sales Merchandiser | Los Angeles, CA at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
Internships for JMU Students
Field Technician
- Safety Intern - Kiewit Safety (Summer 2023) at Kiewit
- USDA-ARS Biological Sciences Research Internship at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
Landscape
- Managed IT Services M365 Consulting Intern - Summer 2023 at RSM US LLP
- Consumer and Business Banking Summer Intern, Payments at Santander Bank, N.A.
- Business Insurance Data Scientist - Summer Intern at Farmers Insurance Corporate Careers
- Business Insurance Product Analyst - Summer Intern at Farmers Insurance Corporate Careers
- Actuarial Intern at Farmers Insurance Corporate Careers
- Digital Communications and Public Affairs Fellow at Monument Advocacy
- IT Analyst - Finance SAP at PetSmart
- Software Engineer Intern (Summer 2023, Remote/Hybrid) at Vectorworks, Inc.
- Strategy and Corporate Development Summer Analyst at Santander Bank, N.A.
- Consumer and Digital Transformation Intern, Digital Products at Santander Bank, N.A.
- Strategy Intern (Monetization Office) - Summer 2023 (BS/MS) at TikTok Inc.
- Intern, Grounds Crew - Landscape Management at Minnesota Twins
- Intern, Grounds Crew - Turf Management at Minnesota Twins
- INTERNSHIPS - NAMI HelpLine Information and Resource Referral Specialists - Spring 2023 at NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- 2023 IT Summer College Intern - Cyber Security Technology Solutions at NextEra Energy, Inc.
- Campus Graduate 2023 Global Merchant & Network Services Business Development Summer Internship at American Express
- Campus Graduate 2023 Global Merchant & Network Services Product Management Summer Internship at American Express
- Financial Arts Management Internship at FringeArts
- Virongy Marketing and Business Development Intern at Virongy Biosciences Inc.
Urban Planner
- Intern - Occupational Health at Dot Foods
- Sports Camp Summer Staff at UW Sports Ministry
- Health/Fitness/Injury Prevention & Treatment Internships at HealthFitness
Scholarships and Funding
Madison awards more than 400 one- to four-year scholarships each year to incoming students. The primary criterion for merit-based scholarships is exceptional academic performance. Other selection criteria may include leadership, involvement, and career goals.
The Madison Scholarships Hub is the application center for all JMU Foundation scholarships at James Madison University. To access the Madison Scholarships Hub, log in to MyMadison. Under the Applicant tab, click on the Madison Scholarships Hub logo.
All students are encouraged to fill out the General Application in the Madison Scholarships Hub to be considered for various scholarship opportunities. Qualifications for the majority of our scholarships are based on the General Application information as well as information pulled directly from your admissions application.
Review the criteria carefully for any recommended scholarship opportunities you are presented with and if you meet the qualifications, click apply to submit the additional required information. Deadlines vary across departments so be sure to complete the General Application as soon as possible to receive full consideration. Some scholarship opportunities become available starting in the fall while others open later so be sure to check back in January, February and March.
English Language Requirements
Certify your English proficiency with PTE. The faster, fairer, simpler English test, accepted by thousands of universities around the world. PTE, Do it worry-free!