Degree Options

The undergraduate programs in the Department of Geology & Geophysics emphasize the basics (mathematics, chemistry, and physics) as well as comprehensive lecture, laboratory, and field study in geology and geophysics.

Undergraduate students at Texas A&M may pursue a B.S. degree in Geology, Geophysics, or Earth Sciences, or may pursue a B.A. degree in Geology. In addition, the Geology degree offers an Engineering Geology option and a Petroleum Geology track. Students also may pursue a Minor in Geology, Geophysics, Earth Science or Geoinformatics by completing 15-18 credit hours in the respective discipline.

The B.S. degree in Geology or Geophysics prepares students for entry-level employment and graduate school, as most job opportunities in industry require a M.S. degree. The B.S. degree in Earth Sciences prepares students to teach earth science in middle and secondary schools. The B.A. degree in Geology offers more flexibility than the B.S. program, and meets the needs of many students who plan to use geology as a basis for careers in other fields. Students planning a research or university teaching career should pursue a Ph.D. degree.

The first two years of the academic program is common to both Geology and Geophysics degrees. They include 8 credit hours each of chemistry and physics, 14 hours of mathematics, and 19 hours of Geology. Additional credit hours focus on requirements in liberal arts and social sciences, and on electives.

Prior to the junior year, students must select their degree program, either Geology, Engineering Geology, or Geophysics. The junior and senior years involve more advanced study in the geosciences, including the opportunity to concentrate on specific disciplines such as environmental and engineering geology, petroleum geology and geophysics, and hydrogeology.

Course and degree requirements for a B.S. in Earth Science are broad-based, and include both a solid education in the basic geosciences as well as training in professional education. The Earth Science program includes certification in Earth Science in the secondary school system.