Geosciences

Box 70357
322 Ross Hall
Phone: (423) 439-7516
FAX: (423) 439-7520
Web Address: www.etsu.edu/cas/geosciences

Geosciences is the study of the Earth in all its complexities, from the investigation of minerals and rocks, natural resources, evolution of plants and animals, climate change, natural hazards caused by earthquakes, horrendous weather, or careless human engineering, to the tools of geospatial science used to map out and visually portray our land. It is a fundamental science for humans to appreciate, understand, and utilize in order to have a functioning society.

Currently the department offers two Bachelor of Science degrees: BS in Geography and BS in Geology. These will end in 2018 but beginning the Fall of 2015 they will be replaced by the BS in Geosciences. This new accommodating degree program brings together depth and breadth and does so by offering four concentrations: Geospatial Science, Paleontology, Geology & Environment, and Geography. Geospatial science is an applied science (a tool) taught throughout all the concentrations and is found to be highly beneficial in obtaining employment, be it in geosciences, urban planning, public health, anthropology, sociology, engineering, or among a host of federal and state government agencies.

ETSU’s graduates in the geosciences with a good background in geospatial sciences typically obtain jobs right after graduation. Graduates in paleontology often continue with advanced degrees in the profession.

Department of Geosciences offers a major in Geography and Geology with the B.S. degree; and beginning in the Fall of 2015 will offer a major in Geosciences with the B.S. degree. These majors must satisfy the General Education Core Requirements and B.S. requirements at the beginning of the College of Arts and Sciences section of this catalog. A minor is not required in the B.S. in Geosciences; however, it is advisable. The Department of Geosciences with its new B.S. in Geosciences degree also will offer four minors: Geography, Geology, Geographic Information Systems, and Paleontology.

Double counting of credits for the major and minor are permitted when utilizing a minor offered by the Department of Geosciences.

Graduate Study-Students interested in graduate studies in geosciences may elect to participate in either the Geospatial Analysis or Paleontology concentrations with a M.S. degree. Further information is contained in the Graduate Catalog.