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Geology, B.S. or Geosciences, B.A. with Teacher Licensure

Understand The Planet’s Natural Systems and Inspire Students

Alumni work as:

Geologists teach at the high school, community college and university levels to train future professionals in geological subdisciplines and educate the public about the role of geology in our lives.

Geologists combine scientific knowledge, familiarity with regulatory requirements and technical expertise to conduct environmental assessments, identify and minimize risks resulting in legal action or fines, ensure compliance with current law and preserve health and safety.

Geologists provide data to, and work with, engineers to evaluate the Earth materials using the principles of soil and rock mechanics for the solutions to engineering problems. Scientists rely on knowledge of geology, hydrology, geophysics and other related sciences.

Geologists work for State Geological Surveys, the U.S. Geological Survey, National Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management conducting research, creating geologic maps and interfacing with the public.

Geologists collect groundwater information such as water level, water quality and contamination data and develop groundwater models to trace groundwater contamination and determine sustainable water extraction amounts.

Learn To

Understand and be able to apply the scientific method to geologic problems

Critically read, logically evaluate and effectively communicate geological data, problems and issues

Identify and describe common rocks and minerals and processes that form and later basic Earth materials

Analyze and interpret geological data in both laboratory and field settings

Geology B.S. Program Overview

Study the Earth and Its Evolution

The B.S. degree in geology focuses on scientific study of Earth; common rocks and minerals, processes that form and alter basic Earth materials and key events in the geologic evolution of the planet. Our program is designed to prepare you for advanced studies in geology or licensure as a professional geologist.

Integrative Curriculum

Because geology continues to become more integrative, technical and global in its approach, the B.S. in geology program encourages you to develop basic proficiencies in mathematics, chemistry and physics in addition to effective oral and written communication skills including computer literacy.

Become a great teacher

The teacher licensure program is designed to develop highly competent professionals to serve in educational leadership roles. Such teachers make consistent, defensible and appropriate decisions to facilitate student achievement of intended learning outcomes.

A group of geology professors smiles for the camera while looking over a map

Sample Courses In Geology

Sample Courses
GLY 101 Earth Revealed
GLY 101L Earth Revealed Laboratory
GLY 132 Earth Through Time
GLY 201 Mineralogy
BIO 201 Principles of Biology: Cells
BIO 202 Principles of Biology: Biodiversity
PHY 260 Introduction to Astronomy
GGY 230 Introduction to Weather and Climate
See The Full Curriculum

How Do I Major In Geology with Teacher Licensure?

For information on the Teacher Education Program admissions criteria and the courses required for licensure in North Carolina, see the Watson College of Education in the undergraduate catalogue. If you are planning to pursue licensure, you should apply to the Watson College of Education as soon as admissions requirements are met (typically your sophomore year) and plan your program in regular consultation with your advisor. Teacher licensure requirements are established at the state level and may be changed by the state at any time.

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