Buffalo State University 22 courses 120 total credits
The Earth Sciences program offers students the opportunity to develop a broad understanding of the earth as a dynamic, interacting system of land, sea, atmosphere, and solar system. Coursework in chemistry, calculus, and physics are required, but more courses in these areas are expected, particularly for students intent upon careers in the geosciences, or contemplating graduate study. Student majors are strongly encouraged to pursue independent research under faculty supervision and/or an internship experience. Students may find additional information about undergraduate research possibilities from faculty and by visiting the Office of Undergraduate Research. A departmental honors program also is available. Students should contact the department for additional information. NOTE: Students seeking New York State Teacher Certification are advised to review the M.S.Ed. in Science Education degree program in the graduate catalog; this program requires completion of an undergraduate degree in a core science prior to admission. The program is designed to enable students to quickly and efficiently develop the knowledge and skills required for teaching and leads to initial NYS certification for those candidates meeting the program admission requirements. Contact the department for advisement on the quick admission and 4+1 pathways available for Buffalo State students.
| General Education 23 Requirements | 33 credits |
| Earth Science Major Requirements | 58-63 credits |
| All College Electives | 19-29 credits |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 credits |
Required GES Courses Group I
Earn at least 6 credits from the following:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GES 101 | Introductory Geology | 3 |
| GES 102 | Historical Geology | 3 |
| GES 111 | Oceanography | 3 |
| GES 123 | Environmental Earth Science | 3 |
| GES 124 | Natural Hazards | 3 |
| GES 132 | The Solar System | 3 |
| Total Required GES Courses Group I | 45-46 credits | |
Required GES Courses Group II
Earn at least 7 credits from the following:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GES 200 | First Year Geology Experience | 3 |
| GES 201 | Physical Geology | 4 |
| GES 202 | Earth and Environments Through Time | 4 |
| Total Required GES Courses Group II | 45-46 credits | |
Required GES Courses Group III
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GES 131 | Introductory Astronomy | 3 |
| GES 241 | Meteorology | 3 |
| GES 303 | Mineralogy | 4 |
| GES 306 | Sedimentology and Stratigraphy | 4 |
| GES 307 | Geomorphology | 4 |
| GES 408 | Structural Geology | 4 |
| GES 418 | Structural Geology Field Experience | 1 |
| GES 428 | Geological Hazards | 3 |
| Total Required GES Courses Group III | 45-46 credits | |
credit hours) Required GES Courses Group IV
Earn at least 6 credits from the following:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GES 323 or GES 452 | Third- Year Research and Field Methods Experience or Hydrogeology | 3 |
| GES 431 or GES 472 | Planetarium Seminar or Geology Senior Seminar | 3 |
| Total credit hours) Required GES Courses Group IV | 45-46 credits | |
Total of 6 credit hours)
At least 3 credits must come from Upper Division Astronomy and 3 credits from Seminar. Complete ALL of the following Courses:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEG 325 | Maps and Mapmaking Using GIS | 3 |
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