Majors and Minors
Majors and Minors
Students in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences may take one of two paths to obtain the BS degree in Geology and Environmental Studies. The first is the concentration in geology. This concentration emphasizes the physical, chemical, and biological processes on and in the Earth. The geology concentration has prerequisites and corequisites to provide the student with background in the physical and biological sciences, a set of core courses to introduce students to the application of those sciences to the study of the Earth, and a set of electives to expose the student to the specialties in geology. A student in the geology concentration is also required to take a course in field geology, generally taken during the summer term.
Students concentrating in environmental studies also take prerequisites and corequisites to prepare the student for the broad range of scientific and societal aspects of Earth’s environment. The curriculum draws from courses in the biological sciences, Earth sciences, and social sciences to introduce the student to environmental studies. The student also selects courses of interest in environmental studies.
Both concentrations contain an honors option. Students who have completed five upper-division courses in either the Geology or Environmental Studies concentration and have maintained a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 are encouraged to pursue an honors concentration. In addition to fulfilling all requirements for their preferred concentration, an honors concentration requires 3 hours of GES 491, GES 492, or GES 493; 3 hours of GES 497, during which students will complete written and oral presentation of thesis results; and an additional 9 hours of honors coursework (including honors-by-contract). A GPA of at least 3.25 must be maintained throughout matriculation. Interested students should consult their academic advisor for details.
Majors
Geology and Environmental Studies Major, BS – Environmental Studies Concentration
The Environmental Studies concentration provides sound scientific, socioeconomic, and philosophical background for understanding the Earth’s environment and prepares the student for careers in science, education, law, business, public policy, and many other fields.
Geology and Environmental Studies Major, BS – Geology Concentration
The Geology concentration is designed to provide students with a detailed understanding of rock forming minerals; the physical, chemical, and biological processes involved in rock formation (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic); the biologic and tectonic evolution of the Earth; field recognition of geologic processes; and the composition and evolution of extraterrestrial planets. Students then select a suite of upper-level electives to enhance interests in specific geologic disciplines.
Geology and Environmental Studies Major, BS – Planetary Geoscience Concentration
A concentration in Planetary Geoscience consists of 37 credit hours. This concentration is for undergraduate students who want to pursue a career in applying geoscience skills to extraterrestrial bodies. Students will gain a strong geoscience background with the flexibility to supplement with additional courses tailored to their specific interest in the planetary field (i.e., remote sensing, astrobiology, etc.). Students in this concentration will develop analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills they can put to work in careers in scientific research, planetary mission development and support, teaching, and related fields.
Geology and Environmental Studies Major, BS – Water Science Concentration
The Geology and Environmental Studies major is designed for students who want a broad, general background in geosciences and wish to develop their leadership and communication skills to pursue careers in science, education, law, business, public policy and many other fields.
Program Learning Outcomes for the B.S. degree in Geology and Environmental Studies:
- Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of geosciences in one of the four concentrations.
- Students can apply geoscience techniques presented in the curriculum.
- Students will develop a depth of professional knowledge, the ability to problem solve, and critical thinking skills comparable to other professional geoscience programs.
Water Science encompasses a variety of important topics related to water issues and challenges experienced by humanity. Water Science is a core area of the geosciences that is focused on studying the distribution, movement, and storage of water on the surface, and in the soils and rocks of Earth’s crust and other rocky planetary bodies. Our undergraduate offerings in the Geology and Environmental Studies major focus on rock forming processes on Earth and other planetary bodies, the evolution of life, natural geological resources, geochemistry, environmental pollution, climate and human impact. Courses in the major not only provide the foundation for advanced education and research into urgent challenges in water quality, availability, and management, but also offer our students pathways into successful careers in science, education, industry and government.
Minors
Geology Minor
A minor in geology consists of 24 hours. A maximum of 3 hours of Geology GEOL 493 may be counted toward the minor.
Geochemistry Minor
A minor in Geochemistry consists of 23 credit hours. This minor is for undergraduate students who want to support their major with a general background in geosciences and a selection of courses that will expose them to the chemistry of Earth materials. Students in this minor will develop analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills they can put to work in careers in scientific research, teaching, environmental consulting, mining and minerals industries, government oversight, and related fields.
Paleontology Minor
A minor in Paleontology consists of 24 hours. This minor is for undergraduate students who want a general background in geosciences and wish to develop analytical, critical thinking, and problem solving skills to prepare them for successful careers in science, education, consulting, museums, government, and other related fields.
Honors Programs
Environmental Studies – Honors Concentration
Students who have completed five upper-division courses in either the Geology or Environmental Studies concentration and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 are encouraged to pursue an honors concentration. In addition to fulfilling all requirements for their preferred concentration, an honors concentration requires 3 hours of GEOL 491, GEOL 492, or GEOL 493; 3 hours of GEOL 497 during which students will complete written and oral presentation of thesis results; and an additional 9 hours of honors coursework (including honors-by-contract). A GPA of at least 3.25 must be maintained throughout matriculation. Interested students should consult their academic advisor for details.
Geology – Honors Concentration
Students who have completed five upper-division courses in either the Geology or Environmental Studies concentration and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 are encouraged to pursue an honors concentration. In addition to fulfilling all requirements for their preferred concentration, an honors concentration requires 3 hours of GEOL 491, GEOL 492, or GEOL 493; 3 hours of GEOL 497 during which students will complete written and oral presentation of thesis results; and an additional 9 hours of honors coursework (including honors-by-contract). A GPA of at least 3.25 must be maintained throughout matriculation. Interested students should consult their academic advisor for details.
How to apply
Are you interested in applying to The University of Tennessee and studying with us in the Earth and Planetary Sciences department? Here’s an easy how-to:
- Register for a GoVols account OR apply via CommonApp
- Are you going to arrive as a first-year student? Here’s what you need to know.
- Are you a transfer student? Here’s what you need to know.
- Are you an international student? Here’s what you need to know.
When you begin registering for classes, tell your advisor you want to pursue classes in Earth and Planetary Sciences. They will direct you to the appropriate course of study! If you want to browse our course now, feel free!
