Jun 07, 2026  
Working Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027 
    
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Working Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027

Geology (BS)

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The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Geology is a rigorous program that is designed to both prepare students for entry into the workforce as practicing geoscientists, and to provide them with the knowledge required to pursue an advanced degree. Students enrolled in the Geology program are afforded the opportunity to pursue interests in several areas of specialization, including: petrology, volcanology, structural geology, sedimentary geology, economic geology, hydrology, soil science, climate change, petroleum geology, and paleontology. A critical component of this degree program is a field-based capstone project in which students must demonstrate their ability to interpret a natural system and communicate their understanding in a professional manner.

Please see the UNLV College of Sciences, Geoscience department web page for information about department programs, faculty and facilities. Degree worksheets and 4/5 year plan for the major are available on the UNLV Degrees Directory.

Advising

Please see advising information at the UNLV College of Sciences Advising Center.

Accreditation

For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.

Transfer Policy

Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics transfer courses require a minimum grade of C to satisfy major requirements.

University Graduation Requirements

Please see Graduation Policies  for complete information.

Geology (BS) Degree Requirements - Total: 120 Credits

To develop a level of geologic competency in our graduates so they are equipped to compete successfully for entry-level jobs in the geological job market and/or for admission to graduate programs offered by accredited universities and colleges. To accomplish the above:

  1. The B.S. in Geology degree is intended to recognize, formulate, employ, and interpret the scientific methodology that is appropriate to geological research.
  2. All students will graduate with competency in correctly identifying the properties, characteristics, and behavior of earth materials.
  3. Graduating students will be proficient in the production and interpretation of geologic maps.
  4. All graduates will have a working knowledge of those scientific disciplines ancillary to the science of geology: chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
  5. All students will have the ability to function independently, collaboratively, and ethically with others in the profession.
  6. Each graduate will demonstrate the written and verbal communications skills required to convey the results of scientific research.

General Education Requirements - Credits: 32-42

First-Year Seminar - Credits: 2-3

  1. It is strongly recommended that students take SCI 101 to satisfy the First Year Seminar requirement.

English Composition - Credits: 6

  

Second-Year Seminar - Credits: 3

 

Constitutions - Credits: 3-6

Mathematics

 

Distribution Requirement - Credits: 18

Please see Distribution Requirements  for more information

Humanities and Fine Arts - Credits: 9
  • Two courses 3 credits each from two different humanities areas - 6 credits
  • One course in fine arts - 3 credits
Social Science - Credits: 9
  • One course each from three different fields.
Life and Physical Sciences and Analytical Thinking - Credits: 0
  • Automatically satisfied by Major requirements

Multicultural and International - Credits: 0-6

  • Multicultural, one 3 credit course required
  • International, one 3 credit course required

These courses may overlap with general education and major requirements. A single course may not meet the multicultural and international requirements simultaneously. Visit the Provost webpage for the list of approved Multicultural and International courses.

Major Requirements - BS in Geology - Credits: 58-61

Writing Requirement - Credits: 3

Select 3 credits from the following:

Required Department Courses - Credits: 33-34

  • Any GEOL/GEOG 100 level course for no more than 4 credits

Related Required Courses - Credits: 25-27

Mathematics Courses

and one of the following 3 courses:

Chemistry Courses

and either

or both

Physics Courses

Choose 8 credits of Physics. Preferably 2 lecture courses with their respective labs in the same sequence.

or

or

and one set from

or

General Electives - Credits: 17-30

Additional Electives in Geology and other topics (at least 9 must be 300 level or above in GEOL or GEOG.)

Total Credits: 120

Notes:

  1. It is strongly recommended that students take SCI 101 to satisfy the First Year Seminar requirement.
  2. Students must complete 40 upper-division credits (satisfied by the degree requirements in the major).
  3. GEOL 220  is a Milestone Experience course for Geology B.S.
  4. GEOL 472  is a Culminating Experience course for Geology B.S.

 

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