Geoscience

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Purpose and Focus

The Department of Geoscience offers two degree programs for majors interested in the geological sciences. These programs are designed to prepare students for specific career paths in geoscience including the pursuit of graduate degrees. In addition, the department wishes to communicate the flavor and excitement of the geological sciences to all students at the university by offering a number of introductory courses that are directed toward students of all backgrounds and goals.

Accreditation

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Undergraduate Majors

Earth and Environmental Science
Geology

Admission to the Major

Minimum GPA : 2.00

Transfer Policies

All transfer students should meet with an advisor without delay after admission in order to evaluate the applicability of previous course work to UNLV, their major, and graduation requirements.

Department Policies

Graduation Requirements

For graduation with a major in Earth and Environmental Science, major in Geology, or minor in Geology, a minimum final grade of C (2.00) is necessary in all required courses with a GEOG or GEOL prefix. In addition, before enrolling in any course with a GEOG or GEOL prefix, the student must have completed all GEOG and GEOL prerequisites for that course with a grade of C or higher.

Probation

A student will be placed on probation for any of the following reasons:

1. The student’s cumulative GPA falls below 2.00.
2. The student’s semester GPA is below 2.00 for all degree courses.
3. The student receives D, F, or I grades in more than two courses in one semester.
4. The student transfers into the college from another program at UNLV or from another institution with a GPA less than 2.50 but at least 2.00.

Requirements for Probationary Students

Once a student has been placed on probation as a major in the department, the following general guidelines apply:

1. The student must meet with a faculty advisor to agree upon a probationary course of study. This course of study must include at least 15 credits that apply toward a degree in the major, with a majority of the credits coming from courses in the college, unless all requirements within the college have been completed. Specific courses will be selected in consultation with the faculty advisor based on the student’s previous progress and on established degree program requirements. Upon agreement on a course of study, the advisor will place a memorandum outlining the course of study in the student’s file.
2. Students are expected to complete the probationary course of study within two consecutive semesters and one summer. With approval of the faculty advisor, three consecutive semesters (and the intervening summer) may be allowed if course schedules make it necessary. Students who complete the probationary course of study within the allotted time with a GPA (for the course of study only) of at least 2.50 will be removed from probation.

Advisement

Students who declare a major in geology or earth and environmental science are automatically assigned a faculty advisor. The student is required to meet with the advisor at least once a year, but the department recommends each semester.

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