BS in Geological Sciences
Geologists and geophysicists explore for oil, natural gas and mineral resources. Geoscientists work in the environmental industry to protect wetlands and groundwater. The US government employs geoscientists to determine landslide risk, to analyze satellite imagery, and to working on Mars exploration. College and universities employ geologists and geophysicists as faculty and Many geologists teach in high school or community college.
Marketable Skills
-
Communication: The ability to present complex information and ideas to others in settings from one-on-one to large audiences in a way that they can understand and be convinced of your conclusions.
-
Critical thinking: The ability to deal with incomplete and ambiguous data to create plausible scenarios of varying probability.
-
Entrepreneurship: Develop, organize, and manage ideas and opportunities turning them into new products, services, firms, or industries
-
Problem-solving: Find solutions to difficult or complex issues
-
Teamwork: Participate as an effective, efficient member of a group in order to meet a common goal
-
Writing: Communicate using text in a clear and concise manner
Other marketable skills include GIS data analysis; 3-D computer modeling and visualization. Students with a concentration in education will also be able to gain presentation skills in front of groups.
Fast Track
The Fast-Track Program enables outstanding undergraduate UTEP students to receive both undergraduate and graduate credit for up to 15 hours of UTEP course work as determined by participating Master's and Doctoral programs. Not all undergraduate programs have elected to participate in the Fast Track option, so students should see their departmental graduate advisor for information about requirements and guidelines. A list of courses that have been approved for possible use at the graduate level is found here.
M.B.A. - Master of Business Administration / B.S. in Geological Sciences
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 5304 | Accounting Analysis | 3 |
| BLAW 5306 | Business Law and Ethics | 3 |
| ECON 5311 | Managerial Economics | 3 |
| FIN 5311 | Financial Management | 3 |
| MGMT 5311 | Organizational Mgmt Seminar | 3 |
| MKT 5311 | Marketing Management | 3 |
| QMB 5311 | Quantitative Methods-Business | 3 |
| OSCM 5308 | Concepts of Production Mgmt | 3 |
M.S. in Geological Sciences / B.S. in Geological Sciences
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| GEOL 5101 | Graduate Seminar | 1 |
| GEOL 5102 | 1 | |
| GEOL 5115 | Selected Topics in Geol Scien | 1 |
| GEOL 5162 | Directed Study in Geology | 1 |
| GEOL 5215 | Selected Topics in Geol Scienc | 2 |
| GEOL 5262 | Directed Study in Geology | 2 |
| GEOL 5289 | Graduate Research in Geol Sci | 2 |
| GEOL 5303 | Computer Appl in Earth Sci | 3 |
| GEOL 5307 | 3 | |
| GEOL 5308 | Planetary Geology | 3 |
| GEOL 5309 | Mineral Resrcs, Econ & Environ | 3 |
| GEOL 5310 | Intro Entrepreneurial Geosci | 3 |
| GEOL 5311 | 3 | |
| GEOL 5315 | Selected Topics-Geological Sci | 3 |
| GEOL 5317 | Hydrogeology | 3 |
| GEOL 5318 | Petroleum Geology | 3 |
| GEOL 5320 | Environmental Tracers in Water | 3 |
| GEOL 5321 | Introduction to GIST | 3 |
| GEOL 5322 | Advanced GIST | 3 |
| GEOL 5323 | Spat Analysis Earth/Env Sci | 3 |
| GEOL 5324 | Geocomputation | 3 |
| GEOL 5343 | Isotope Geology | 3 |
| GEOL 5344 | Advanced Petrology | 3 |
| GEOL 5345 | 3 | |
| GEOL 5348 | 3 | |
| GEOL 5362 | Directed Study in Geology | 3 |
| GEOL 5363 | Sandstone Petrography | 3 |
| GEOL 5364 | Sedimentary Depositional Envir | 3 |
| GEOL 5365 | Basin Analysis | 3 |
| GEOL 5375 | Quantit Techniq Geological Sci | 3 |
| GEOL 5376 | Low Temperature Geochemistry | 3 |
| GEOL 5378 | Global Biochemical Cycles | 3 |
| GEOL 5379 | 3 | |
| GEOL 5381 | Paleoclimatology | 3 |
| GEOL 5384 | 3 | |
| GEOL 5387 | 3 | |
| GEOL 5389 | Graduate Research in Geol Sci | 3 |
| GEOL 5392 | 3 | |
| GEOL 5397 | Geol/Mineral Resources Mexico | 3 |
| GEOL 5401 | Fundamentals of Earth Science | 4 |
| GEOL 5402 | Fundmtls/Fld Meth in Earth Sci | 4 |
| GEOP 5163 | Directed Study in Geophysics | 1 |
| GEOP 5263 | Directed Study in Geophysics | 2 |
| GEOP 5306 | Atmospheric Processes | 3 |
| GEOP 5335 | Intro to Remote Sensing | 3 |
| GEOP 5336 | Digital Image Processing | 3 |
| GEOP 5352 | Geophysical Inverse Theory | 3 |
| GEOP 5353 | Reflection Seismic Data Proces | 3 |
| GEOP 5354 | Seismology | 3 |
| GEOP 5356 | Topics in Geophysics | 3 |
| GEOP 5357 | Well Logging | 3 |
| GEOP 5361 | Plate Tectonics | 3 |
| GEOP 5362 | 3 | |
| GEOP 5363 | Directed Study in Geophysics | 3 |
| GEOP 5364 | 3 | |
| GEOP 5460 | Geop App-Digital Signal Proces | 4 |
Degree Plan
BS in Geological Sciences
Required Credits: 120
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Geology Major Requirements | ||
| Supporting Math/Sci - Geol Sci (All courses require a grade of C or better.) | ||
| Required Courses: 1 | ||
| CHEM 1105 | Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | 1 |
| CHEM 1106 | Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | 1 |
| CHEM 1305 | General Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 1306 | General Chemistry | 3 |
| PHYS 2420 | Introductory Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 2421 | Introductory Electromagnetism | 4 |
| PHYS 2230 | Thermal and Fluid Physics | 2 |
| MATH 1411 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 1312 | Calculus II | 3 |
| University Core Curriculum | ||
| Complete the University Core Curriculum requirements. | 42 | |
| Geological Sciences Major | ||
| Required Courses: | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Intro to Physical Geology and Lab for GEOL 1313 2 | ||
| Principles of Earth Science and Laboratory for Geology 1212 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Intro to Historical Geol and Lab for GEOL 1314 2 | ||
| Principles of Earth Science and Laboratory for Geology 1212 | ||
| Required: | 3 | |
| GEOL 2309 & GEOL 2109 | Mineralogy & Petrology and Mineralogy & Petrology Lab | 4 |
| GEOL 3215 & GEOL 3115 | Igneous/Metamorphic Petrology and Igneous/Metamorphic Petr. Lab | 3 |
| GEOL 3312 & GEOL 3112 | Geoscience Processes and Geoscience Processes Lab | 4 |
| GEOL 3323 & GEOL 3123 | Structural Geology and Structural Geology Lab | 4 |
| GEOL 3326 & GEOL 3126 | Sedimentology & Stratigraphy and Lab for Sedim & Stratigraphy | 4 |
| GEOL 4375 & GEOL 4376 | Field Geology I and Field Geology II | 6 |
| Six upper-division hour in geology or geophysics 3 | 6 | |
| Geological Sciences Major Reqs | ||
| Select an additional 23 hours in any subject, 10 of which must be upper-division | 23 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
| 1 | Although the UTEP choice in the University Core Curriculum is larger, these Math and Science choices satisfy the requirements of both the core and the major and are prerequisites for many upper division courses. |
| 2 | This course is preferred. |
| 3 | The Department may offer additional choices not reflected in this list. |
| 4 | A total of thirty-seven hours of upper division coursework is required for all Bachelor of Science degrees. |
The requirement to obtain the BS in Geological Sciences consists of the general College of Science requirements plus the following specific requirements:
BS in Geological Sciences w/ Concentration in 7-12 Science
A UTEP overall and content area GPA must be at least 2.75 for admission to the Educator Preparation Program.
Required Credits: 120
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Background Check Required | ||
| A complete background check is required of all students who wish to receive teacher certification in the State of Texas. Students will be required to pass a background check before certification will be conferred by the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC). | ||
| Supporting Math/Sci - Geol Sci (All courses require a grade of C or better.) | ||
| Required Courses: 1 | ||
| CHEM 1105 | Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | 1 |
| CHEM 1106 | Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | 1 |
| CHEM 1305 | General Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 1306 | General Chemistry | 3 |
| PHYS 2420 | Introductory Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 2421 | Introductory Electromagnetism | 4 |
| PHYS 2230 | Thermal and Fluid Physics | 2 |
| MATH 1312 & MATH 1411 | Calculus II and Calculus I | 7 |
| University Core Curriculum | ||
| Complete the University Core Curriculum requirements. | 42 | |
| Geological Sciences Major | ||
| Select one of the following: | 1-3 | |
| Intro to Physical Geology and Lab for GEOL 1313 2 | ||
| Principles of Earth Science and Principles of Earth Sci - Lab | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Intro to Historical Geol and Lab for GEOL 1314 2 | ||
| Principles of Earth Science and Laboratory for Geology 1212 | ||
| Required: | 3 | |
| Mineralogy & Petrology and Mineralogy & Petrology Lab | ||
| Required: | 2 | |
| Igneous/Metamorphic Petrology and Igneous/Metamorphic Petr. Lab | ||
| Required: | 3 | |
| Geoscience Processes and Geoscience Processes Lab | ||
| Required: | 3 | |
| Structural Geology and Structural Geology Lab | ||
| Required: | 3 | |
| Sedimentology & Stratigraphy and Lab for Sedim & Stratigraphy | ||
| Required Courses: | ||
| GEOL 4376 | Field Geology II | 3 |
| GEOL 4375 | Field Geology I | 3 |
| Secondary Education Minor | ||
| Required Courses: | ||
| EDPC 3300 | Developmental Variations | 3 |
| RED 3342 | Content Area Literacy | 3 |
| SCED 3311 | Curriculum Plan-Secondary Schl | 3 |
| SCED 3317 | Multicultural Ed in Sec School | 3 |
| SCED 4368 | Teaching Science in Sec School | 3 |
| SCED 4691 | Student Teaching in Sec School | 6 |
| Upper Division Requirement | ||
| Select a total of 37 hours of upper division course work. 3 | 37 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
| 1 | Although the UTEP choice in the University Core Curriculum is larger, these Math and Science choices satisfy the requirements of both the core and the major and are prerequisites for many upper division courses. |
| 2 | This course is preferred. |
| 3 | A total of thirty-seven hours of upper division coursework is required for all Bachelor of Science degrees. |
University Core Curriculum
NOTE: The department may make specific suggestions for courses which are most applicable towards your major.
Psychology and Criminal Justice majors and minors are required to take MATH 1320 Math for Social Sciences I or a higher level Calculus course.
Business majors are required to take MATH 1320 Math for Social Sciences I or a higher level Calculus course.
NOTE: All courses require a C or better
Communication (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The objective of the communication component is to enable the student to communicate effectively in clear and correct prose or orally in a style appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience. | ||
| Select six hours of the following: | 6 | |
| For students whose secondary education was in English: | ||
| Written and Oral Communication | ||
| Writing About Literature | ||
| Rhetoric & Composition I | ||
| Rhetoric & Composition 2 | ||
| Rhetoric, Composition & Comm | ||
| For students whose secondary education was not in English: | ||
| ESOL 1311 | Expos Engl Compos-Spkr Esl | 3 |
| ESOL 1312 | Res & Crit Writng Spkr Esl | 3 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
American History (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The objectives of the history component are to expand students’ knowledge of the origin and history of the U.S., their comprehension of the past and current role of the U.S. in the world, and their ability to critically evaluate and analyze historical evidence. U.S. history courses (three hours must be Texas history) include: | ||
| HIST 1301 | History of U.S. to 1865 | 3 |
| HIST 1302 | History of U.S. Since 1865 | 3 |
| Total Hours | 6 | |
Language, Philosophy & Culture (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The objective of the humanities component is to expand students' knowledge of the human condition and human cultures, especially in relation to behaviors, ideas, and values expressed in works of human imagination and thought. Through study in disciplines such as literature and philosophy, students engage in critical analysis and develop an appreciation of the humanities as fundamental to the health and survival of any society. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Latina/o Presence in the U.S. | ||
| English Literature | ||
| English Literature | ||
| Intro to American Fiction | ||
| Intro to American Drama | ||
| Intro to American Poetry | ||
| Making of the "Other" Americas | ||
| World History to 1500 | ||
| World History Since 1500 | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy | ||
| Ethics | ||
| Introduct to Religious Studies | ||
| Seeing & Naming: Conversations | ||
| Introduction to Womens Studies | ||
| Global Feminisms | ||
| Total Hours | 3 | |
Mathematics (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The objective of the mathematics component is to develop a quantitatively literate college graduate. Every college graduate should be able to apply basic mathematical tools in the solution of real-world problems. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| College Algebra | ||
| Trigonometry and Conics | ||
| Math in the Modern World | ||
| Math for Social Sciences I | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Precalculus 1,2 | ||
| Math for Social Sciences II | ||
| Statistical Literacy | ||
| Elementary Statistical Methods | ||
| 1 A higher-level course in the calculus sequence can be substituted. | ||
| 2 TCCN MATH 1314 will also satisfy this requirement. | ||
| Total Hours | 3 | |
Life & Physical Sciences (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The objective of the study of the natural sciences is to enable the student to understand, construct, and evaluate relationships in the natural sciences, and to enable the student to understand the bases for building and testing theories. The courses listed are for non-majors; the major courses in the discipline can be substituted for the non-major sequence. A minimum of two semesters of lecture and one semester of laboratory associated with one of the courses, or two semesters of combined (3 credit) lecture-laboratory courses (Only six hours apply toward the required 42.): | ||
| Select one of the following: | 1-4 | |
| Astronomy Lab I | ||
| Elem Astronomy-Solar System | ||
| Elem Astr Stars & Galaxies | ||
| Introductory Biology Lab | ||
| Human Biology Laboratory | ||
| Topics in Study of Life I | ||
| Organismal Biology Laboratory | ||
| Introductory Biology | ||
| Human Biology | ||
| General Biology | ||
| Organismal Biology | ||
| Human Anat/Physio Lab I | ||
| Human Anat/Physio Lab II | ||
| Human Anat/Physiology I | ||
| Human Anat/Physiology II | ||
| Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | ||
| Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | ||
| Intro General Chemistry Lab | ||
| Intro Organic & Biochem Lab | ||
| General Chemistry | ||
| General Chemistry | ||
| Intro to General Chemistry | ||
| Intro Organic & Biochemistry | ||
| Environmental Sci. Lab | ||
| Non-major Lab for ESCI 1301 | ||
| Intro to Environment Science 2 | ||
| Intro to Environmental Sci | ||
| Laboratory for GEOG 1306 | ||
| Physical Geography | ||
| Lab for GEOL 1313 | ||
| Lab for GEOL 1314 | ||
| Principles of Earth Sci - Lab | ||
| Laboratory for Geology 1212 | ||
| Principles of Earth Sciences | ||
| Principles of Earth Science | ||
| The Blue Planet | ||
| Natural Hazards | ||
| Intro to Physical Geology | ||
| Intro to Historical Geol | ||
| Fundamentals of Nutrition | ||
| Wellness Dynamics | ||
| Microorganisms and Disease | ||
| General Physics I | ||
| General Physics II | ||
| Introductory Mechanics | ||
| Introductory Electromagnetism | ||
| Total Hours | 1-4 | |
Political Science (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The objectives of the political science component are to expand students’ knowledge of the origin and evolution of the U.S. and Texas political systems, focusing on the growth of political institutions, and on the constitutions of Texas and the United States; and to enhance their understanding of federalism, states rights, and individual civil liberties, rights, and responsibilities. | ||
| Required Courses: | ||
| POLS 2310 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
| POLS 2311 | American Gover & Politics | 3 |
| Total Hours | 6 | |
Social and Behavioral Sciences (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The objective of the social and behavioral science component is to increase students' knowledge of how social and behavioral scientists discover, describe, and explain the behaviors and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, events, and ideas. Such knowledge will better equip students to understand themselves and the roles they play in addressing the issues facing humanity. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Intro-Phys Anth/Archeolog | ||
| Intro-Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Intro to Linguistics | ||
| Econ for Engrs & Scientists | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Mass Media and Society | ||
| Principles of Economics | ||
| Principles of Economics | ||
| Introduction to Ed Psychology | ||
| Action Research in Classrooms | ||
| Introduction to Linguistics | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| An Intro. to Linguistics | ||
| Lang. Inside & Out: Sel Topics | ||
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Total Hours | 3 | |
Creative Arts (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The objective of the visual and performing arts component is to expand students' knowledge and appreciation of the human imagination as expressed through works of visual art, dance, music, theatre and film. Through study in these disciplines, students will form aesthetic judgments and develop an appreciation of the arts as fundamental to the health and survival of any society. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| History of Art I | ||
| History of Art II | ||
| Dance Appreciation | ||
| Intro-Art of Motion Pict. | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Jazz to Rock | ||
| Music, Culture, and Society | ||
| Introduction to Theatre | ||
| Total Hours | 3 | |
Component Area Option (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The objective of the institutionally designated option component is to develop the critical thinking skills and academic tools required to be an effective learner. Special emphasis is placed on the use of technology in problem-solving, communications, and knowledge acquisition. | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Intro to Global Business | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Business/Profession Comm | ||
| Intro-Computational Thinking | ||
| Computer Programming Sci/Engr | ||
| Eng Innovation and Leadership | ||
| Inquiry in Math & Science | ||
| Seminar/Critical Inquiry | ||
| Total Hours | 6 | |