Geology Major
Geology Minor
Scholarships
Departmental Honors
Geology Field Camp
The Department of Geology was established in 1887 at the University of Arkansas. It offers the Bachelor of Science degree which requires that students complete a minimum of 124 hours and meet the departmental requirements in chemistry, physics and mathematics. The Bachelor of Science degree is a professional program placing emphasis on mathematics and physics and requires students to participate in a summer field geology course either at the departmental camp in southwestern Montana or at another approved facility.
The Department of Geology has all necessary equipment and facilities to introduce the undergraduate to the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the earth. Investigations take place at scales varying from microscopic examination of rock textures to structural analysis of the earth's crust based on satellite images. The faculty also take advantage of the natural laboratory available within the state and adjacent areas. Spring break field trips provide opportunities to view and to learn about regional geology in the Grand Canyon and Big Bend national parks or to watch depositional processes on the south Texas coast or the Bahamas. Field trip experiences provide a frame of reference for further classroom laboratory studies. Most geology classes also take field trips in the Ozarks, the Ouachitas, the Arkoma Basin, or the coastal plain.
The department of Geosciences offers degrees in areas of geology including the Bachelor of Science in Geology and the Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Science. It is emphasized that students wishing to become practicing professional geologists should hold the Bachelor of Science degree in geology at a minimum. It is further recognized that practicing professional geologists typically hold a Master of Science degree. The education of students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Earth Science should reflect general education in the liberal arts with emphasis in geology.
The goal of the program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Geology is to provide students with a broad spectrum of the various subdisciplines of geology, while at the same time honoring an emphasis in the traditional areas of mineralogy, igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary petrology, structural geology and stratigraphic principles. This curriculum will prepare students to enter graduate programs without deficiencies at the University of Arkansas or other established programs.
Requirements for a Major in Geology leading to the B.S. Degree are comprised of a minimum of 40 semester hours including GEOL 1113/1111L (or GEOL 3002), GEOL 2313, GEOL 3313, GEOL 3413, GEOL 3513/3511L, GEOL 4223, GEOL 4643/4641L, GEOL 4666, and 6 additional geology course hours selected from GEOL 4033, GEOL 4043, GEOL 4053, GEOL 4153, GEOL 4253, GEOL 4413, GEOL 4433. Also, each student must complete CHEM 1103/1101L and CHEM 1123/1121L, College or University Physics (8 hours), MATH 2554 and MATH 2564 and a 3-hour upper-level science course approved by the student’s adviser.
A minor in geology shall be awarded upon completion of the following course work: GEOL 1113/1111L (or 3002), GEOL 1133/1131L, GEOL 2313, two courses at the 3000-level, and one course at the 4000 level. Students are advised to consult with a geology faculty member to develop the course work program that best complements their major area of study.
Scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate GEOLOGY MAJORS from the Department of Geosciences. The policy of the scholarship committee is to provide partial funding to students to further their academic goals. For example, field camp, research, and presentations at professional meetings.
The department offers the following guidance on some of the criteria that is considered in making awards. Applications must be TYPED. No handwritten applications will be accepted or considered. Applicants must also plan ahead for their needs and submit their applications to include details of their proposed budget, providing information regarding other potential sources and amounts of funding as well as their requested scholarship amount. Budgets should be itemized, realistic, and relevant to academic goals of the student.
Applications must be submitted by 1 March and 1 October the Fall and Spring semesters respectively. Financial need and the students existing scholarships are also considered. Further, student contribution to the Department of Geosciences will be used as a criterion for scholarships. Contributions include, but are not limited to, participation in departmental activities, presentations at meetings, and publications. Return completed, typed application forms to Dr. Steele, Room 113, Ozark Hall on or before each deadline date. Decisions will be made within 30 days following each deadline.
Downloadable Scholarship Forms:
Undergraduate Scholarship Application
Graduate Scholarship Application
Students with strong academic backgrounds and minimum grade point averages of 3.25 are encouraged to enroll in the departmental honors program no later than the second semester of the junior year. Honors students participate in special seminars and colloquia as well as upper-division honors classes. With the guidance of a faculty advisor, the honors candidate engages in independent research toward the writing and defense of an honors thesis. Students who complete the honors program and maintain the minimum grade point average are awarded the distinction Geology Scholar C um Laude at graduation. The distinctions Magna Cum laude and Summa Cum Laude are awarded for exceptional work.