Curriculum in Geology

The undergraduate curricula in geology emphasize the development of sound scientific skills, including the ability to think, observe, analyze, classify, describe, and interpret data, and the application of these skills to the study of rocks, minerals, fossils, structures, landforms and other geologic phenomena. The curricula also emphasize the practical aspects of geology, including its applications to petroleum and mineral exploration, environmental management, siting of man-made structures and other related commercial activities.

The Department of Geology and Geophysics offers two undergraduate programs in geology, the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science, in addition to the graduate degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy (see the Texas A&M University Graduate Catalog). Both curricula are suitable for pursuit as terminal degree programs as well as preparation for more advanced study. However, the B.S. program is more rigorous with respect to required mathematics and physics and is designed for students seeking careers as geologists. The B.A. program is more appropriate for those wishing to combine geology with other disciplines. Details of the two programs are given below along with some specialty "tracks" available in both.

Some courses in geology require field trips. Students are required to pay expenses incurred on such trips.