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Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University
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About the Major

The Geology Department offers two degrees, the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Arts. 

In addition, students majoring in geology have opportunities to conduct undergraduate research, study abroad and attend professional meetings.

Bachelor of Science

BS Degree Checklist 2008-2009 catalog
BS Degree Checklist 2009-2010 catalog
BS Degree Checklist 2010-2011 catalog
BS Degree Checklist 2011-2012 catalog
BS Degree Checklist 2012-2013 catalog

A major in geology leading to a Bachelor of Science degree is recommended for students pursuing graduate school or employment in geology and consists of at least 57 credits. A four year schedule would ideally be as follows:

  • Freshman Year - Geology 100 (Fall) or Geology 101 (Winter); other 100-level Geology (Winter); Geology 105 (Spring); Math 101 (Fall); Chemistry 110 (Fall).
  • Sophomore Year - Geology 100- and 200-level courses (Fall and Winter); Physics 111 and 113 (Fall) and Physics 112 and 114 (Winter); Geology 230 or 231 (Spring); and completion of any courses not taken from the Freshman year listed above.
  • Junior Year - Geology courses at the 200 and 300 level and completion of any required supporting science courses, including Chemistry 211 (Winter) or Chemistry 165 (Spring).
  • Senior Year - Geology courses at 200 and 300 level.

Bachelor of Arts

BA Degree Checklist 2008-2009 catalog
BA Degree Checklist 2009-2010 catalog
BA Degree Checklist 2010-2011 catalog
BA Degree Checklist 2011-2012 catalog
BA Degree Checklist 2012-2013 catalog

A major in geology leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree is recommended for students interested in careers outside of science, including business, law, or policy and requires 36 credits. The same sort of rationale to developing a schedule underlies the B. A. Geology Major program as does the B. S. Geology Major, but more Chemistry and Physics are not required.