Admission and Progression Standards for this major:

Click on the link to learn more about the admission and progression standards of this major: http://www.jmu.edu/advising/snapshots/SSGEOL.shtml

Description of Major:
Geology is offered as a major and minor at JMU through the Department of Geology and
Environmental Sciences. The major in Geology presents a high quality program of specialized study focusing on earth materials, internal and external earth processes, analysis of earth history and appreciation of geology to environmental and engineering issues. The Geology program provides a strong theoretical background in geology while allowing the student flexibility in choosing courses to prepare for a specific career in the geological sciences. Geology majors are prepared to collect data in the field and laboratory on minerals, rocks, fossils, landforms and structures; properly use field and laboratory equipment; and construct accurate geologic maps and displays of geologic data. Geology majors are also able to use geologic data to write interpretive geological reports and histories of regions, solve environmental and economic geological problems, and critically evaluate the theories and conclusions of other geologists. The department also offers a BA in Earth Science.

Tell me more about this field of study.
Geology is the study of the Earth. The composition, structure and interior processes of the Earth are fundamental to all areas of geology. Time and the evolution of the Earth and life on Earth are unique aspects of science. The study of Earth surface processes has recently become one of the most dynamic sub-disciplines. Surface processes are the processes that alter the surface of the Earth, produce the landscape, and control the distribution of water and soil resources. The Earth as a life support system and the limitations of the earth are evolving as major areas of effort for geologists. Geoscience is the science of exploration, discovery, and Earth stewardship. The geosciences address all issues relating to Earth Systems, including the solid Earth, oceans, and atmosphere. The major applications of the geosciences are: exploration and responsible development of natural resources (oil, gas, coal, minerals, construction aggregate, water, soil), preservation of the natural environment, restoration from environmental damage, mitigation of geohazards such as earthquakes and landslides, and exploratory research like the Mars space mission and understanding El Niño. By addressing these issues and developing solutions to problems affecting the Earth, geoscientists act as stewards of the Earth. Though much has been learned about the Earth through earth science, much more is yet to be discovered, especially as new problems face society, such as global climate change, advances in technology, and exhaustion of energy and raw material supplies.

Tell me more about specializations in this field.
The field of geology like other scientific disciplines has grown so vast that no individual can function at the cutting edge of all aspects of the science. Consequently, virtually all geologists specialize in one or two sub-disciplines. While the total number of areas of specialization is quite large, most geologic effort is focused in a few areas. Some of the more important of these are: fuels geology (mainly petroleum and natural gas exploration), geohydrology, environmental geology, regional studies, soils, engineering geology, sedimentary systems, geophysics, and mineralogy.

What common major or minor combinations from other departments complement this major?
Geology majors commonly acquire minors in Geographic Sciences, Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Management, Environmental Studies, Integrated Science and Technology, Mathematics, Materials Science, Physics, or Urban and Regional Studies.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS
Our students are exposed to a greater variety of geologic sub-disciplines than most undergraduates. Enthusiasm for the subject, their clarity of expression on paper and in speech, ability to work well with other people, self-sufficiency, physical fitness and emphasis on the quantitative aspects of the science and report writing has added greatly to their success.

CAREERS
Many graduates choose typical career paths associated with this major. However, some graduates choose nontraditional career fields that utilize skills and experiences developed during their years in college. Keep in mind, that some fields will require graduate study or further training. The listing below offers examples of possible career paths and is not meant to be comprehensive.