Bachelor of Science in Geology

The Bachelor of Science in Geology prepares undergraduates for graduate study in geology and geophysics and related fields and for a wide range of professional careers, including teaching, research, resource exploration and development, and environmental management and remediation.

Geology students in the geology and environmental concentrations follow the same basic curriculum during the first five semesters of study. Students during this time receive a firm foundation in mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, and sedimentology, as well as basic courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. The geophysics concentration has additional emphasis on mathematics and physics. Emphasis for all concentrations is on fundamental geologic processes operating on and within Earth. Laboratory and field studies are integrated into the curriculum at all levels and include a six-week field geology course at the department's permanent field camp in the Colorado Front Range.

Concentration Areas

The curriculum is designed to leave much of the final three semesters of study relatively unstructured so that students, with the guidance and approval of the department, can develop a program of advanced coursework most appropriate to their area of concentration and career objectives. All three areas of concentration are designed to provide students with a sound foundation in basic geology and to prepare them for entry into a graduate program or for direct entry into a professional career.

The 8-semester plans and pre-requisite flowcharts are provided below. All flowcharts are in Adobe PDF format. Please call 225-578-3353 or e-mail geology@lsu.edu if you require additional assistance.

Geology

A broad study of Earth’s materials, processes, and history, preparing students for careers in natural resources, environmental work, and geoscience research.

Geology Concentration

curriculum flowchart

 

Environmental Geology

Focuses on how geological processes impact the environment, emphasizing water resources, environmental hazards, and sustainable land management.

Environmental Geology Concentration

curriculum Flowchart

 

Geophysics

Applies physics and mathematics to study Earth’s interior using seismic, magnetic, and gravitational methods, preparing students for exploration and geotechnical careers.

geophysics concentration

curriculum flowchart

Geology With Secondary Discipline

Combines core geology training with a complementary field (such as biology, chemistry, geography, or engineering) to support interdisciplinary careers or specialized graduate study.

geology with A secondary discipline

 

Geology Minor

An undergraduate minor in geology is available (20 hours). Required courses are: GEOL 1201 (or GEOL 1001 and GEOL 1601, or GEOL 1002 and 1601), GEOL 1202 (or GEOL 1003 and 1602, or GEOL 1004 and 1602), and 12 additional hours, of which at least six of the additional hours must be taken at the 3000 or 4000 level (excluding GEOL 3909 and GEOL 3999).

Geology Minor - LSU Catalog

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Field Service Fee

Graduate and undergraduate majors in geology must pay a $35 field service fee each semester. Students not majoring in geology who schedule courses requiring field trip fees will be assessed a pro rata part of the amount above, as determined by the department chair. Part-time students enrolled in seminar courses only and students registered for thesis or dissertation only are exempt from the fee. Additional information concerning fees for field geology courses is available from the Geology Field Camp Director, Department of Geology & Geophysics.