Program Overview:
The Geology major prepares a student who is interested in Earth’s systems for a position in industry, government, or education (positions not requiring NYS certification), and for graduate studies requiring a background in earth sciences. The world is increasingly dependent upon scientists and policy-makers who understand the complexities of earth resources (e.g., energy sources, water, building materials), the global climate, natural hazards, and the environment. This program provides the essential theoretical and practical aspects of earth processes (rock and mineral origins, earth surface and subsurface processes, aqueous systems) for a graduate to qualify for entry-level positions with oil and mining companies, environmental consulting firms, state and national parks, state and federal geological surveys, and private educational institutions. Practical hands-on field and laboratory work is emphasized, and the curriculum is focused on real-world issues and needs. The required geology courses are supplemented with essential math, chemistry, and physics courses needed for a basic understanding of the quantitative nature of the principles of geological processes. This program is for full-time day students. A minor in geology can be useful for students majoring in disciplines that deal with earth processes in a scientific sense (e.g., chemistry, biology) or from a policy standpoint (e.g., business, economics, and political science).
Program Contacts:
To email Department Co-Chairs,
Dr. Jacqueline Smith or Dr. Stephanie Maes
Program Webpage:
Geology, BS
Program Requirements:
Major in Geology (90-98 credits)
Plus 12 credits from the following ESC courses:
All 4-credit science courses have a required laboratory component.
The Department of Physical and Biological Sciences highly recommends that all students majoring in the sciences take CSC 202 in fulfillment of their L08 Liberal Education requirement.
For those interested in honors-level undergraduate research, please refer to the School of Mathematics and Sciences in the School Information Section of this catalog.
Professional Accreditation:
The College of Saint Rose, sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet, Albany Province, is chartered by the Board of Regents of New York State. All of its degrees and programs are registered and its professional programs fully approved by the Board of Regents through the New York State Education Department.
The College of Saint Rose is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. (267-284-5000) The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. http://www.msche.org
Career Opportunities and Graduate Study:
The program in geology provides graduates the ability to qualify for entry-level positions with oil and mining companies, environmental consulting firms, state and national parks, state and federal geological surveys, and private educational institutions. Graduates will be prepared for private industry jobs and government positions that focus on energy resources (oil/gas/coal), mining, groundwater investigation and cleanup, water resources, slope stability hazards, coastal resource management, assessment and monitoring of earthquake and volcanic hazards, climate change evaluation and adaptation.
Minor(s):
Complete minors listing
Admissions and Financial Aid Information:
The Undergraduate Admissions Office begins review of Freshman applications each fall in late September for the following Fall. Students are encouraged to submit a complete an application as early as November. The Admissions Team will return a decision on complete applications within just three weeks. The College awards academic scholarships at the same time.
What Makes an Application Complete
- Online or Paper application (fee waived for online applicants!)
- Official High School Transcripts
- Official Transcripts for any College Level Courses
- SAT or ACT scores (See Test Optional FAQ's)
- Letter of Recommendation from a Counselor or Teacher
- Essay or Graded Paper
- Applicants may also apply via the Common Application Online.
- Art applicants are required to complete a portfolio review.
Admissions contact information (telephone number, admissions web pages)
Scholarships and Financial Aid
See Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid section for more information.
The Bottom Line
The total cost of The College of Saint Rose (including tuition, fees, room and board) is one of the lowest of any private college in the Northeast, and we still award more than $25 million in Saint Rose scholarships, grants and financial aid.
Take a look at our bottom line, and view a cost comparison with a four-year public institution.
More about Financial Aid
Financial Aid is defined as any grant, scholarship, loan, or employment opportunity given with the express purpose of assisting you with education-related expenses to make you education affordable. Financial Aid is awarded on the basis of student need and the availability of funds.
The Admission and Financial Aid teams have designed a Guide to Scholarships and Financial Aid to help prospective students and families get to the bottom line and find that The College of Saint Rose is one of the lowest of any private college in the Northeast--while maintaining powerful academic opportunities.
Find Out More: