Minimum Requirements for Degrees: B.S.: 130 credits; M.S.: 30 credits; Ph.D.: 18 thesis credits
Graduates in geology have broad backgrounds in the earth sciences and firm foundations in mathematics, physics and chemistry. There are many concentrations available in the geological sciences, and the suggested curricula are intended to be flexible enough to allow sudents to pursue their own emphases in the junior and senior years.
The bachelor's degree prepares students for positions with industry or government or for graduate studies. The M.S. program is tailored to the special research and study interest of the student.
There are about 40 professional geoscientists in residence on campus and graduate students normally participate in the ongoing research of these professionals. Teaching and research assistantships are available to graduate students in many of these areas.
Undergraduate Program
Major
Geology -- B.S. Degree
Concentrations: General Geology, Economic Geology and Petroleum Geology
1. Complete the general university requirements.
2. Complete the B.S. degree requirements.
3. Complete the following program (major) requirements:*
** Satisfies core curriculum or B.S. degree requirements but not both.
*** GEOS 351 is offered at UAF when there is sufficient demand. In years when GEOS 351 is not offered (decision made early in fall semester), students are required to take a 6-credit field geology class at another institution. The Department of Geology and Geophysics will offer financial assistance to geology majors when GEOS 351 is not offered to attend an approved field camp at another institution. Amount of the assistance depends on the number of students involved, but will typically be about $500. The geology and geophysics undergraduate advisor will assist students in placement in a field geology class and will inform the department head about students requiring financial aid.
Studies in geophysics: Students interested in pursuing a program in geophysics are encouraged to pursue a major in geology which includes GEOS 418 and 416 with a minor in physics. Students should consult with the geology department regarding constructing a plan of study.
Minor
1. Complete the following:
Concentrations: General Geology; Economic Geology; Petroleum Geology; Quaternary Geology; Remote Sensing and Volcanology
1. Complete the following admission requirements:
a. Submit GRE scores.
b. Complete a background at least to the level of that listed for the relevant B.S. concentration in geology and geophysics.
c. Complete any background deficiencies concurrently with M.S. degree.
2. Complete the general university requirements.
3. Complete the master's degree requirements.
a. Complete at least 15 credits at the 600-level that are not thesis or research.
b. Complete and pass a written or oral comprehensive examination.
4. Complete the following thesis requirements:
a. Complete and submit a written thesis proposal for approval.
b. Complete a thesis and pass an oral defense of thesis.
5. Complete 1 of the following concentrations:
General Geology
a. Complete a background equivalent to the B.S. degree with a general geology concentration.
b. Complete the following:
1. Complete the following admission requirement:
a. Submit GRE scores.
2. Complete the general university requirements.
3. Complete the coursework requirements for the appropriate M.S. concentration.
4. Complete the Ph.D. degree requirements.
5. As part of the Ph.D. degree requirements, complete the following:
a. Complete and pass a written and oral comprehensive examination.
b. Complete and submit a written thesis proposal for approval.
c. Complete a research program as arranged with the graduate advisory committee.
d. Complete 18 credits of thesis, write a thesis and pass an oral defense of thesis.
6. Minimum credits required open
Note: In addition to courses listed under the geology and geophysics program, students should check the course listings under the School of Mineral Engineering and the marine science program.
Note: In addition to the facilities available directly through the instructional program, UAF has active research laboratories in the fields of seismology, volcanology, paleomagnetism, isotope geochronology, glaciology and ice physics in the Geophysical Institute (see Geophysical Institute under Research). These laboratories can frequently provide topics for M.S. and Ph.D. theses. Other laboratories are also available in other divisions on campus, as listed under Research.
Send comments or questions to the UAF Admissions Office.
Last modified March 22, 2001 by University Relations Web Developer.
