B.A. in Geography

The Geology Program at Georgia Southern University, with its long tradition of setting high expectations for both faculty and students, supports the University Mission of learner-centered engagement by preparing students to be scholars, leaders, and in particular sustainability-minded individuals by providing them with an understanding of the variety and complexity of the Earth’s geologic and environmental systems as well as humans’ interactions with these systems. The Program’s purpose is to provide specialized undergraduate curricula leading to BS and BA degrees. Coursework, laboratory experimentation, and research-based field work is expected of all students in the program. The BS degree is designed to train students who will pursue advanced studies or careers in field-based geology by developing critical thinking through a capstone thesis project or additional course work. The BA degree is designed to train students who desire a career in science education, natural resource management, public policy, and professional consulting by pairing a foundational geology curriculum with a liberal arts course of study customized to each learner’s unique goals. These curricula train students in the geoscience skills that have been identified by the American Geosciences Institute as critical, and they cover content knowledge that is consistent with the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) licensure exam. The Geology program embraces the University’s mission to develop a fertile learning environment exemplified by a free exchange of ideas, high academic expectations, and individual responsibility for academic achievement and to enable a culture of engagement that bridges theory with practice, extends the learning environment beyond the classroom, and promotes student growth and life success.

SLO 1 – Apply fundamental principles of natural sciences and mathematics to identify common Earth materials and interpret their composition, origin, and use.

SLO 2 – Evaluate Earth surface and subsurface processes, the role humans play in those processes, and the role those processes play in shaping Earth’s landscape using a variety of spatial and geologic data sets.

SLO 3 – Apply knowledge of the physical and biological history of the planet, as well the evidence for that history, to solve geologic problems, particularly those with implications for the southeastern United States.

SLO 4 – Critically analyze geologic information and communicate analysis clearly using discipline-specific language, style, and formatting.

SLO 5 – (BS only) Formulate a program and proposal of independent research and defend the proposal using professional geoscience standards.

SLO 6 – (BA only) Critically analyze geologic information and communicate analysis clearly to a general audience