The Major

Geology is an interdisciplinary science. Geologists employ principles of physics, chemistry, and biology to understand Earth history and Earth processes. Geologists should be broadly educated in the natural sciences and have diverse field and laboratory experience with rocks and fossils, which is the primary goal of the geology major at Wooster.

The geology major consists of a minimum of 12 courses including one 100-level course, Processes and Concepts of Geology, Mineralogy, Invertebrate Paleontology, Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, Geomorphology, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Structural Geology, Junior Independent Study, Senior Independent Study, and Chemistry 101.

Geology majors who intend to make a career in geology are strongly urged to supplement their curriculum with at least one additional course in chemistry, two courses in physics, and two courses in calculus (or a combination of calculus and computer science). Other relevant courses, such as in biology or the social sciences, will depend upon the student’s particular interest.