Planning your Major in Geology at UT

---

Most students will progress into the major by taking introductory geology courses and basic chemistry (see Requirements for a Geology Major and Four-Year Sample Curricula below). However, there are many different routes to completing a major in Geology at the University of Tennessee! For instance, we discourage students from taking Geology 310 (Mineralogy) if they have not completed at least one semester of basic chemistry; these students, however, frequently progress into the major through Geology 320 (Paleobiology) and Geology 340 (Sedimentology and Stratigraphy). Courses used to satisfy upper-level elective requirements will also vary depending on the interests of the student. Some students will take advantage of customized undergraduate research opportunities, whereas others take approved upper-level courses in the Department of Geography (e.g. GIS courses) or in the Schools of Agriculture or Engineering.

The best strategy for planning your major is to set up an appointment with a departmental advisor as soon as possible. Your advisor will be able to guide you through the major requirements, help you choose appropriate upper-level electives based on your interests and goals, inform you of undergraduate research opportunities, and help you move successfully into your post-graduate career as a geoscientist. To speak to a departmental advisor, a student can either call the College of Arts & Sciences Advising Center (865-974-4483) and ask for an appointment with the Geology representative, or call the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (865-974-2366) and ask to speak with a departmental advisor.

Requirements for the Geology Major

Note: Along with departmental requirements, students are required to complete additional requirements for the College of Arts & Sciences and the university. Details regarding these requirements can be found at the website for the College of Arts & Sciences Advising Center.

Progression into the Geology Major:

To progress into the major, students must take 2 of Geology 101-102-103, as well as Chemistry 120-130.

Note: Chem 130 can be taken concurrently with Geology 310.

Co-requisite Requirements for the Geology Major:

Geology requires a broad background in the physical sciences. Co-requisite requirements include Math 141-142, and 3 courses from Biology 130-140 and Physics 135-136.

Note: Co-requisite courses can be taken at any time during completion of the geology degree. Some of these courses, however, are required as prerequisites to specific 300- and 400-level courses. Students should check course listings and speak with their advisor to assure adequate preparation for courses.

Geology Major Requirements:

Upper-division requirements include Geology 310-320-330-340-370-380 (24 hours), a minimum of 5 hours of an approved field camp, and 9 elective hours at the 400-level or above. We encourage students to participate in undergraduate research (Geology 493). A maximum of 3 hours of Geology 493 may count towards the major.

Note: When preparing to attend field camp, students should meet with the departmental field camp representative for advice and approval of their chosen field camp.

Honors Concentration in Geology:

Students with 5 upper-division Geology courses and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 are encouraged to pursue an honors concentration, which includes completion of 3 hours of Geology 491, 492, or 493 beyond the normal major requirements, submission of a written thesis, and oral presentation of thesis results.

Minor Concentration in Geology:

A minor in Geology consists of 2 of Geology 101-102-103, and an additional 16 hours at the 200-level or above. A maximum of 6 hours at the 200-level and 3 hours of Geology 493 may count towards the minor.

Four-Year Sample Curriculum:

Freshman Year: English Composition Geology 101-102 Chemistry 120-130 Humanities, Non-US History, or Social Science Elective Total Credit Hours	(6) (8) (8) (6)   (3) (31)		Sophomore Year: Foreign Language Math 141-142 Geology 310-320 (fall) Geology 330-340 (spring)       Total Credit Hours	(6) (8) (8) (8)        (30)
Junior Year: Foreign Language or Elective Physics 135 (fall) Biology 130 (spring) Geology 370-380 Geology 440 (summer) Humanties, Non-US History or Social Science Total Credit Hours	(6) (4) (4) (8) (5) (3) (6) (33)		Senior Year: Biology 140 or Physics 136 Upper-level Distribution Geology (400-level or above) Humanties, Non-US History or Social Science Electives     Total Credit Hours	(4) (6) (9) (6)   (6)     (31)
Grand Total Credit Hours(125)