The Department of Geology & Geophysics offers several different degree programs, including the B.S. in Geoscience (with concentrations in the Geology, Geophysics or Environmental Geoscience Emphasis Areas), B.S. in Geological Engineering with a curriculum that is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (www.abet.org) and B.S. in Earth Science Composite Teaching.

Learn more about major requirements: 

• Geoscience Major with these emphases:
  
  • Environmental Geoscience
  • Geology
  • Geophysics
• Geological Engineering
• Earth Science- Teaching BS to MS
• Earth Science- Minor
• General Education Requirements

All of the department’s majors are open, in the sense that a student does not need to pre-qualify to declare a major in the department.  You should come to the department academic office in Room 383 FASB to officially declare your major, and then it is important to meet regularly with the academic advisor for your degree program in order to guide you along an exciting and productive path toward completion of your B.S. degree.  If you wish to declare a major in our department and/or if you have specific questions about our programs, please contact the academic advisor in the department office 801-581-6553 or visit the academic advising webpage.

Shortly after declaring a major in our department, you should meet with the academic advisor who is designated as an undergraduate advisor for your major, so that you can take an informed approach to completing the required and elective curriculum to earn your B.S. degree.  The first majors-oriented course required of all degree programs in the department is GEO 1100 (Evolving Earth), so that course should be taken as soon as possible.  Also, it is advisable to begin taking your math, Chemistry, and General Education courses in Fine Arts (FF), Humanities (HF) and Social/Behavioral Science (BF), as early as you are able to fit them into your schedule.

The University of Utah adheres to a mandatory advising program for undergraduate students.

First-year students:  Any student admitted as a new freshman and who is in his/her first semester of enrollment at the U of U must meet with an academic advisor.  This can be done in the University College before declaring a major, or it may accomplished in the department at the time the student formally declares a major.

Second-year students:  Students with two or three prior semesters of enrollment and 60 hours or less of completed coursework are required to meet at least once with their academic advisor in their major department.  

Transfer students:  All new transfer students are required to meet with an academic advisor and attend an orientation session before they can register for their first semester at the University.  

Academically challenged students:  Students are required to maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA in order to remain in “good standing” at the University of Utah.  Students whose cumulative GPA drops below 2.0 should meet with their academic advisor right away in order to implement a productive strategy for improving their academic performance.

Graduating seniors:  Students applying for graduation must meet with their academic advisor.

All students:  For answers to questions related to academic advising in the Department of Geology & Geophysics, please contact the academic advisor in the department.