B.S. Geoscience
Program Facts
College: College of Science and Mathematics
Major: Geoscience
Degree Level: Bachelor's
- On-Campus
Credit Hours: 120
Duration: 4 years
Tuition & Fees
Estimated costs available via the calculator.
Overview
This degree emphasizes the study of the physical, chemical, and biological processes of the Earth, from its deep interior to the surface. Geoscience majors also study topics such as:
- Rivers/beaches
- Volcanoes
- Glaciers
- Earthquakes/plate tectonics
- Global Climate Change
- Soils/sediments
Courses
More About the Program
- Student Employment
Students in our program who maintain a solid GPA and show dedication toward their studies are often offered positions as lab assistants. Many of our students also work as tutors in the Science Clinic. These positions are similar to Lab Assistantships in that students must meet a certain GPA requirement to be approved for each job.
- Internships
Internships are a great way for students to gain hands-on experience that will help them learn key skills needed for a future career, and are highly encouraged by the university. Some internship opportunities that are offered to Tarleton students include:
- EARTH Magazine
- The Mickey Leland Environmental Internship Program
- American Geosciences Institute
- Geological Society of America
- Dr. O. A. Grant Scholarship
Endowed in honor of Tarleton's Professor Emeritus of Social Sciences, these $1,000 scholarships are offered to qualified history and political science majors. As many as ten academically outstanding students can receive this scholarship during an academic year.
- Phi Alpha Theta
Phi Alpha Theta is a history honor society that was established at Tarleton in 1985. The Alpha Beta Chi Chapter is starting out this semester with great expectations and we are looking for new members who qualify for membership. To see if you qualify or for more information, contact Dr. Janet Schmelzer.
- Texan Corps of Cadets
The Texan Corps of Cadets are instilled with values that are essential for the service of our nation, and are exceptionally qualified to succeed in several areas of business, government, and the military. Corps members can benefit from scholarships, corporate internships, and graduation reward opportunities, as well as with the option to minor in Leadership Studies.
Offered Concentrations
- Geology: Majors concentrate on the standard geological sciences, and most graduate and go to work in the oil field. Some will go on the graduate work in sedimentology, stratigraphy, paleontology, environmental science and seismic work, to name a few. Those who get their master’s will often work for major oil companies, but could go on to teach and work other field oriented jobs, depending on their concentration.
- Environmental Science: This degree combines chemistry, geology, and biological sciences. Most people who graduate with this degree will either go on to graduate studies or directly into the field working remediation and environmental assessment jobs.
- Petroleum Geology: This degree is designed to aid those students going directly into petroleum work. Courses are much more intensive. Most majors will go on to do a master’s, then work in the petroleum field.
- Science Teacher Certification (Grades 8-12): a well-defined route leading to teacher certification in science. Upon graduation, students are prepared to teach grades 8-12 sciences courses in the State of Texas.
- Hydrogeology: Another highly intensive degree, this is intended for those who with to work on our water resources. Majors will go on to work in waterways and groundwater assessment.
- Earth Science: A very diverse route for those who want a rounded science experience or want to explore the different earth science fields. Many will go on to get alternative teacher certification from the state of Texas, or go on to study fields such as oceanography and meteorology.
- Earth Science Without Certification/ESWC
Environmental Science/ENVS
Geology/GEOL
Hydrogeology/HGEO
Petroleum Geology/PGEO
Learning Outcomes
- Landslides/floods
- Hurricanes
- Water pollution
- Toxic chemical spills
- The availability of mineral/energy/water resources
- The history of Earth and its inhabitants
- Mineral chemistry
- Paleontology
- Petroleum
- Non-point pollution
- Water supply protection
- Wetland hydrology
Career Outcomes
- Prepare students for a wide range of Geoscience associated careers.
- Prepare students for work in the Environmental Science field.
- Prepare students for work in the Petroleum Industry by teaching the math skills that are critical to success in both industry jobs and Graduate School.
- Use the Teacher Certification Program to mold the next generation of high school science teachers.
- Prepare students for employment in the Hydrogeology field by focusing on related sciences that pertain to the occurrence, movement, and quality of water with particular attention to groundwater and water-related environmental problems.
- Provide a field of study that gives an overview of the Earth Sciences that will enable students to gain the extensive knowledge needed to succeed in any related industry.