Department website: https://www.atu.edu/bioearthsciences

Geoscience involves the study of Earth's physical and chemical processes, environmental systems, and natural resources. Processes that produce landforms, cause earthquakes, generate volcanism, form rocks and minerals, govern the movement and residence of surface and ground waters are all subjects of geological interest, as well as the history of Earth and the record of life on Earth, as preserved in fossils.

This program is for those who like studying Earth, monitoring natural resources, problem solving, hands-on learning, and working outside, in the lab, or on computers.  It is designed to give students a broad background in geoscience for flexibility in career goals. Graduates from the program have found employment opportunities in private industry, state and federal government agencies, or continued education at all levels. 

¹

See appropriate choices, alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements." A specific general education core course does not have to be taken in the semester listed, any other part of the general education core at any time is acceptable as well.

²

MATH 1203 Plane Trigonometry,MATH 2914 Calculus I, or STAT 2163 Introduction to Statistical Methods.

³

GEOL 4006 Field Geology (6 credit hours of field geology) must be completed during the summer after the Junior or Senior year. 

Graduates of the Arkansas Tech University Geoscience degree program,, within a few years of graduating, will:

1. Be engaged in the pursuit of GIT/PG (Geologist in Training/Professional Geologist) licensure, or other certifications through employment in a geological or closely related occupational field.
2. Be solving problems aided by the geological techniques and skills they learned in their field and laboratory based undergraduate program.
3. Have recognized a pathway to make positive contributions to society using their geological techniques and skills by practicing their profession in an ethical and responsible manner and engaging in lifelong learning to meet the needs of a rapidly changing society and world.

Students who complete the Bachelor of Science in Geosciences will have:

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve broadly defined geologic problems by applying knowledge of mathematics and science to areas of geology.
2. An ability to critically review scientific literature in order to design a geology-based proposal to further the discipline or fulfill a need.
3. An ability to collect and interpret field data and represent these in an organized visualization using traditional geologic methods.
4. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
5. An ability to understand ethical and professional responsibilities common throughout the geologic profession.
6. An ability to establish goals, meet deadlines, and function effectively as teams while maintaining safety in a field setting.

For program assessment visit: https://www.atu.edu/assessment/program_assessment.php