Why study geology at CMU?
The geology program at CMU offers the training that students need to get started in this exciting field. Program course work, modern learning resources, and required fieldwork and research experiences prepare students for graduate school and geology-related careers. Consider these key features distinguishing this program at CMU:
- An undergraduate-only department that facilitates small class sizes and significant student-faculty interaction
- Opportunities to conduct original research with faculty mentors
- Field trips to local, regional, and international locations, such as sites throughout the Great Lakes region, Virginia, New York, Ireland, Australia, and more
- Professional development, resources, and contacts through student organizations such as CMU Geology Club and Sigma Gamma Epsilon Earth Science Honor Society
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:
- Employment of environmental scientists is expected to grow about nine to 17 percent and employment of hydrologists should grow 18 to 26 percent.
- Job opportunities will be spurred by a continued awareness regarding the need to monitor the quality of the environment, to interpret the impact of human actions on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and to develop strategies for restoring ecosystems.
- Graduates with a master's degree may have the best opportunities for careers in the geosciences.
Career options
Graduates of the geology program at CMU will find a variety of career opportunities. Some of these may require additional education.
- Elementary or Secondary Teacher
- Engineering Geologist
- Environmental Scientist
- Geochemist
- Hydrologist
- Mineralogist
- Museum Scientist
- Science Policy Advisor
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires. For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Geology Major
Students choose between this major or a Geology major with a hydrogeology/environmental concentration. Students are encouraged to meet with a departmental advisor to discuss the concentration that is in alignment with their individual goals. Note additional MTH and PHY courses strongly recommended for students who plan to go to graduate school. A minor is encouraged but not required.
Total: 66-68 semester hours
Core Courses I
(3-4 hours)
Introduction to the Geosciences
Select one of the following options:
CR1A-GEL
Option A
(4 hours)
CR1B-GEL
Option B
(4 hours)
CR1C-GEL
Option C
(3 hours)
CR1D-GEL
Option D
(3 hours)
Core Courses II
(25 hours)
The Earth's history as revealed in the rock record. Geologic processes and concepts are applied to the evolution of North America and life through geologic time. Prerequisites: One of: GEL 100; or GEL 101, 102; or GEL 105, 102; or GEL 130.
Students learn to solve geoscience-specific problems through application of quantitative methods, graphs, and spreadsheets. Prerequisites: MTH 132; One of: GEL 100 or GEL 101, 102 or GEL 105, 102 or GEL 130.
GEL 290
Introduction to Geologic Investigation
3
An introduction to methods of geologic research and investigation. Topics include information gathering (library, Internet), field methods (observations, measurements, sampling, map-making), and report writing. Prerequisites: GEL 101 or GEL 105, and GEL 102; or GEL 100 or GEL 130.
GEL 310
Introductory Mineralogy
4
Introduction to crystallography. Physical and chemical properties, and descriptions of basic groups and classifications of minerals. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: GEL 101 or 105, and 102; or GEL 100 or 130. Pre/Co-requisites: CHM 131; GEL 280.
GEL 370
Structural Geology
3
Theoretical and applied study of structures developed by deformation of the Earth's crust and their tectonic environment. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: GEL 201, 280, 290.
GEL 440
Stratigraphy and Sedimentology
3
Stratigraphy is concerned with the study of layered rocks and their interrelationships. Sedimentology considers properties of sedimentary rocks that allow interpretations of depositional processes. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: GEL 201, 290; GEL 310 or GEL 320.
GEL 450
Geology Field Camp
5
Actual field experience in mapping and interpreting various terrains. Student will construct a map and write a report based on observations. Field trip fee required. Prerequisite: GEL 320 or GEL 321; GEL 370, 440, and permission of department chair.
MET 101QR
Our Changing Climate
3
Scientific causes of climate change and its potential impact. Past, current, and future climates with emphasis on how scientists measure and interpret climate variation. Quantitative Reasoning. (University Program Group II-A: Descriptive Sciences)
Required Courses I
(23 hours)
Note: In addition, students interested in pursuing graduate school are strongly recommended to take MTH 133 - Calculus II (4 hours) and PHY 146 - University Physics II (4 hours).
CHM 131
General Chemistry I
4
Fundamental concepts of chemistry including stoichiometry, gas laws, thermochemistry, and molecular structure. CHM 131 is a first course for science majors. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Recommended: High school algebra or MTH 107; high school chemistry or CHM 120. (University Program Group II-B: Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences)
CHM 132
General Chemistry II
4
Continuation of CHM 131 including solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, weak acids and bases, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Prerequisite: CHM 131. Recommended: a grade of C or better in CHM 131.
GEL 250/MET 250
Geoscience Mapping and Resource Evaluation
3
This course explores applications that aid in the analysis of geoscience data. Integration of various geospatial data sources and analysis pertinent to geoscientists. Identical to MET 250; credit may not be earned in both of these courses. Prerequisites: GEO 203; One of: MET 240 or GEL 100 or GEL 101, 102 or GEL 105, 102 or GEL 130.
GEO 203QR
Introduction to Geographic Information Science
3
Fundamentals of geographic information science - including spatial data gathering, measurement, classification, analysis, display and map interpretation. Current computer mapping technologies are used in laboratory. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format. Quantitative Reasoning. (University Program Group II-B: Quantitative and Mathematical Science)
Limits, continuity, interpretations of the derivative, differentiation of elementary functions, applications of derivatives, antiderivatives, Riemann sums, definite integrals, fundamental theorem of calculus. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format. Recommended: MTH 106, 107; or MTH 130. (University Program Group II-B: Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences)
PHY 145QR
University Physics I
4
Normally the first physics course for majors and minors. Mechanics of single and many-particle systems, conservation laws, statistical concepts, and gravitational interaction. Quantitative Reasoning. Pre/Co- Requisite: MTH 132.
PHY 175
University Physics Laboratory I
1
Laboratory experience for PHY 145. Introduction to experimental techniques and the treatment of experimental data. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Pre/Co-requisite: PHY 145. (University Program Group II-B: Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences)
Required Courses II
(6 hours)
Genesis and evolution of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Identification, description of hand samples and thin-sections emphasizing petrogenesis. Optical mineralogy of common rock-forming minerals. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: GEL 290, 310; Pre/Co-requisite: CHM 132.
GEL 430
Invertebrate Paleontology
3
A general survey of the taxonomy, phylogeny, identification, stratigraphy, and paleoecology of the major fossil invertebrate groups. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: GEL 201. Recommended: BIO 110, 218.
Required Courses III
(6-7 hours)
Select two of the following courses:
GEL 372
Introduction to Geophysics
3
A survey of the physical properties and structure of the earth, and the basic geophysical techniques by which they are known. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: GEL 280; PHY 145.
Introduction to the study of groundwater, groundwater flow, well hydraulics, groundwater quality and pollution and resource exploration, evaluation, and management. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: GEL 101 or GEL 105, and GEL 102; or GEL 100 or GEL 130; MTH 106 or higher; junior standing.
GEL 385
Introductory Petroleum Geology
3
Petroleum deposits of the earth: location, origin, and occurrence. Technical aspects of exploration and production, emphasizing petroleum and natural gas formations of Michigan. Prerequisite: GEL 201.
GEL 420
Applied Geostatistics
4
Application of geostatistical methods to various scientific and engineering domains. Emphasis on analyzing and interpreting spatial data. Kriging, variography and simulation methods. Prerequisites: GEL 280, 290; GEL/MET 250. Recommended: MTH 223; STA 382.
Basic principles of geochemistry, involving distribution and significance of elements in natural systems, as well as processes which affect this distribution. Prerequisites: one semester of chemistry. Pre/Co-Requisites: GEL 320 or GEL 321; CHM 131 or CHM 120 and 127.
GEL 550
Economic Geology
3
Metallic and nonmetallic ore deposits, fossil fuels, and their tectonic settings; general principles of exploration for natural resources within the context of responsible environmental stewardship. Prerequisite: GEL 320 or 321 or graduate status in the College of Science and Technology.
Electives
(3 hours)
Select one or more of the following courses for a total of 3 credits:
OR choose any course from Required Courses III listed above, without double counting.
GEL 275
Special Problems in Geology
1
A study of special topics presented on demand when sufficient students and interested faculty are available.
GEL 297
Independent Study
1-3
Qualified self-directed students may explore topics of special interest with faculty guidance. More than 3 credits permitted only rarely. Prerequisite: GEL 101 or GEL 105 and 102; or GEL 100 or 130; and permission of instructor.
GEL 304
Earth Resources
3
Mineral, energy, water, and soil resources, including geological origin, location, extraction, and environmental consequences of their usage. Prerequisites: GEL 101 or 105, and GEL 102; or GEL 100 or 130.
GEL 305
Engineering Geology
3
Application of geologic processes and quantitative methods to analyze engineering problems involving soils, rocks, surface water and groundwater. Prerequisites: GEL 201; MTH 130; PHY 130 or 145. Recommended: MTH 132.
GEL 325
Glacial Morphology and Landforms
3
Patterns and processes in the formation and distribution of selected glacial features. Prerequisite: GEL 290
GEL 402
Environmental Geochemistry
3
Application of chemical principles to environmental-geological topics. Explores geochemical aspects of contemporary problems such as water and soil pollution, including data analysis and problem solving. Prerequisite : GEL 380; CHM 132.
Senior level research project approved by the geology faculty. Results of the research project must be presented in a written thesis and oral report. Prerequisite: Senior standing; permission of both instructor and department chairperson.
Geologic approach to geomorphology with emphasis on quantitative analysis, dynamics of landform evolution, and use of geomorphology in solving geologic problems. Prerequisites: GEL 320 or GEL 321; ESC 210 and STA 282 recommended.
GEL 510
Geomicrobiology
3
Examines the fundamental mechanisms microorganisms use to drive the geochemical cycling of Earth's major elements and contaminants in various environments. Prerequisites: GEL 310 or 320; CHM 132; or graduate Status in a CST program.
GEL 515
Environmental Soil Chemistry
3
Explores chemical and physical properties of soils, such as soil mineralogy, natural organic matter, redox reactions, precipitation/dissolution, and ion sorption. Prerequisites: GEL 310 or 320; CHM 132; or graduate status in a CST program.
GEL 597
Independent Study
1-6
Qualified self-directed students may explore topics of special interest with faculty guidance. More than 3 credits permitted only rarely. Prerequisites: department chairperson and instructor approval.