The Department of Geosciences offers a number of distinct undergraduate degree programs designed to address the different interests and objectives of our students. Here we briefly describe each degree, and link each to the official program description and requirements provided in the online version of the University’s “Undergraduate Course Catalog”. If necessary, details of programs and their requirements can also be obtained from the Department Office (233 Morrill Science Center).

 

Geology           NEW! Geology Majors Checklists
Please note that most of the links below are now to the UMass Guide to Undergraduate Programs page, and you may have to scroll down on that page to see your area of interest.

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology (Geology track)
For those interested in studying geology with a strong scientific foundation, leading to a professional career in geological sciences.

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology (Earth Sciences track)
For those interested in teaching earth sciences; the earth sciences track fulfills Standard I (field of knowledge) requirements of the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP) leading to Earth Science Teacher Certification in Massachusetts.

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geology
For those with an interest in geology in the context of a more broadly based liberal arts education.  Recommended for students interested in a double major.

NEW! Geology Majors Checklists. Download the PDF:
BS Geology
BS Earth Science
BS Earth Systems
BA Geology
Geology Minor

Geography    NEW! Geography Majors Checklists

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Geography
For those with an interest in physical geography and the interactions of human society with the natural environment.

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geography
For those interested in human geography and the organization of human systems on the earth.

NEW! Geography Majors Checklists. Download the PDF:

BS Geography
BA Geography

Earth Systems

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Earth Systems
For those with an interest in the interactions of large-scale systems on the Earth--the geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, ocean, and snow and ice realms--this degree provides a holistic perspective on the Earth.

BS Earth Systems