The Planetary Geology Specialization is designed for students planning a career as a professional geologist with government agencies (e.g. NASA) or the remote sensing industry. In addition, students will be prepared for graduate-level studies in geology or related fields.
Outcomes
Scientific literacy: Students will be able to identify, analyze, and apply earth science concepts, principles, laws, and theories.
Ability to do science: Students will be able to interpret, analyze, and apply the Scientific Method and other related inquiry related skills, as well as quantitative methods, in the earth science lab.
Communications: Students will be able to use oral and written communication to accurately and effectively convey earth science concepts.
Technology literacy: Students will be able to select and accurately use appropriate tools, equipment, and technologies in the earth science lab.
Research: Students will be able to locate, interpret, analyze, and/or conduct and present earth science research.
Major Requirements
44 credits in Astronomy/Earth Science courses and 24 credits of related requirements.
Earth & Space Sciences Core Curriculum (19 credits)
Planetary Geology Specialization (25 credits)
Required Courses (11 credits)
Additional Electives (11 credits)
| AST 278 | The Night Sky | 3 |
| AST 418 | Stellar Astrophysics | 3 |
| AST 460 | Independent Research in Astronomy | 1-3 |
| AST 470 | Exoplanets and Astrobiology | 3 |
| AST 490 | Topics in Astronomy | 1-3 |
| AST 495 | Seminar in Astronomy | 1 |
| ESCI 321 | Structural Geology | 4 |
| ESCI 322 | Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology | 4 |
| ESCI 350 | Computer Methods in the Earth and Space Sciences | 3 |
| ESCI 478 | Image Analysis in the Earth and Space Sciences | 3 |
| ESCI 490 | Topics in Earth Sciences | 3-4 |
Additional courses may be approved as electives after consultation with your faculty advisor and the department chair. Students completing both AST 208 and AST 209 can count one as an elective.
Capstone (3 credits)
2-4 credits of AST or ESCI 460 (Senior Project) or an approved external geology field camp
| ESCI 360 | Research Methods in the Earth and Space Sciences | 1 |
| ESCI 460 | Senior Project | 1-3 |
Additional credits of ESCI 460 beyond the 2 required for the capstone may be counted as Additional Electives.
Related Requirements (24 credits)