Oct 05, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Geosciences Major, B.S. (Paleontology Concentration)


Department Information


Department of Geosciences
PO Box 70357
322 Ross Hall (Main Office)
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.

The department offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Geosciences. This degree program brings together depth and breadth of Geosciences and does so by offering four concentrations: Geospatial Science, Paleontology, Geology & Environment, and Geography and Sustainability. Geospatial science is an applied science 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.

The study of earth’s geology related to environment is taught in the concentration, Geology & Environment. It applies knowledge of geology in solving environmental problems occurring due to natural and human induced hazards. Graduates from Geology and Environment work for consulting industries, state and local government agencies such as geological surveys, department of transportation, and department of environment and conservation.

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

Double counting of courses 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.

Advising

Students with 0-59 earned credits:

Contact the Center for Advisement and Student Excellence (CASE) to schedule an appointment with your advisor. Visit the CASE website www.etsu.edu/cas/case/ and call (423) 439-5602.

Students with 60 or more earned credits:

Dr. Arpita Nandi
nandi@etsu.edu
(423) 439-6086

Transfer Students

Transfer students majoring in geosciences should contact the Center for Advisement and Student Excellence (CASE) for advising as soon as possible. This will ensure that the student’s previous work will be coordinated efficiently with ETSU requirements.

For general information about the department or courses, contact the main office at (423) 439-7516.

Degree Requirements: 120 credits


Compass Core Curriculum

40-43 credits
Major Total Requirement 49 credits
     Major Core    (15 credits)
     Concentration    (34 credits)
Free Electives 28-31 credits
TOTAL 120 credits

Suggested Four-Year Program of Study: GEOS-BS (PALE)  


Compass Core Curriculum  

These requirements include earning 40-43 credits in Strengthening Foundations, Understanding Natural and Social Worlds, Exploring Connections, Cultivate Artistic Awareness, and Growing as an Individual and Global Citizen categories.

Major Specific courses listed in Compass Core Curriculum Requirements:

Total Requirements for Geosciences Major: 49 credits


Paleontology Concentration: 34 credits


No Minor Required


Free Electives: 28-31 credits


Additional Information


Click here to view Degree and Graduation Requirements  for all ETSU students.

CSCI 1100  or Proficiency exam: Must be completed to meet Bachelor’s Degree Requirements. CSCI 1100  has arequired lab course, CSCI 1150 .

Most minors range from 18-24 credits. Those few minors with more than 24 credits may affect the number of free electives allowed.