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Geology Major

This is a traditional geology degree intended for students who wish to pursue a career in the geological sciences, which could include mining, resource exploration and recovery, environmental assessment and remediation, water resource management, construction planning, or other related fields. This program includes a variety of GEOS courses that cover the disciplines of "classical" geology, and is strong foundation for a professional career or for further study at the graduate level.

Geophysics Major

This is a specialized degree that focuses on geophysical theory and methods as applied in the Earth sciences, including such topics as solid earth geophysics, seismology, paleomagnetics, and heat flow. This program is intended for students interested in a career as a professional geophysicist. Many aspects of resource exploration, surveying, site assessment and monitoring require expertise in geophysical science.

Geochemistry Major

This is a specialized degree that focuses on applying chemical principles and knowledge of chemical reactions to geologic problems, including issues related to environmental contamination and pollution, site assessment and remediation, water quality, air pollution monitoring, climate change, soils, resource exploration and recovery, and the health effects of minerals. A geochemistry degree provides a strong foundation for professional life in any field where detailed knowledge of the composition and chemical behavior of rocks, soils and pollutants is required.

Hydrogeology Major

This undergraduate degree focuses on applied knowledge of how water moves through and interacts with geologic materials, including the flow of ground and surface water, landform development, flood management, water resource, supply and quality issues, and construction planning. This program emphasizes applied knowledge and practical expertise in instrumental and field methods used in monitoring water flow in natural and engineered systems.

Earth Science Teaching Major

The Earth Science Education major and minor at Western Michigan University are designed to provide a basic understanding of those subjects normally included in a secondary earth science course: geology, meteorology, astronomy, and oceanography. Earth Science is now a common course of study as well as other courses including geology, astronomy, and oceanography in many high schools. More than 350 schools in Michigan now offer or plan to offer earth science.

Earth Science (Non-Teaching) Major

The earth science major and minor program is a broad and flexible course of instruction for students who anticipate a career outside geology, but in a field that would benefit from expertise in the geologic sciences. Students interested in a career in conservation, parks and planning, science journalism, policy, communications, or business should consider Earth Sciences as a second major. This program is interdisciplinary in nature and offers students an opportunity to select earth science and related courses from the departments of Geosciences, Engineering, Biological Sciences, Geography, Chemistry, Physics and others.

Geology Minor

The geology minor is designed as a supporting minor for students preparing to do professional work in the fields of chemistry, physics, engineering, zoology, botany and geography. It cannot be combined with earth science as a major-minor or double minor relationship. A student may design a geology minor for their specific needs.

Department of Geosciences
1187 Rood Hall
1903 West Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Phone: (269) 387-5485
Fax: (269) 387-5513
mohamed.sultan@wmich.edu

Any questions concerning the website should be directed to: johnson.haas@wmich.edu
©2007 Department of Geosciences, WMU