Description of Geosciences Major

Geoscience majors are varied in background and interests. However, most students in this discipline share a common concern of people-environment relationships and foster a desire to better understand the interrelationships of these phenomena. In order to succeed well in the discipline, prospective majors should have the potential to achieve cartographic and/or statistical skills; possession of these skills will enable them to better synthesize and interpret geographic data. Having the ability to express their findings in a clear straightforward manner will also contribute to their success in the field.

B.A. in Geoscience may be completed in one of two tracks:
 
Geography – students may select one of the following concentrations:
• Human Geography
• Geographic Information Science (GIS)
• Environmental Geoscience
• Physical Geography

Geology

RELATED SKILLS:

Investigation

Communication

Computation and technical

Define research problems

Develop research proposals and models

Measure distances

Review scientific literature

Measure relationships

Design equipment

Establish hypothesis

Summarize research

Perform calculations

Identify materials/specimens

Mathematical modeling

Observe data and things

Gather/analyze data

Inform, explain, and instruct

Maintain records

Establish/control designs

Evaluate ideas

Prepare technical reports

Utilize math formulas

Design simulations

See relationships in factors

Use technical instruments

Draw meaningful conclusions

Field sampling