Majors and Minors

Major / Minor Details

Earth and Planetary Sciences - Geological Sciences (Major, Minor) | BS

  • Geology
  • School: SAS
  • Program Code: 460
  • Degree Type: BS
  • Program Type: Minor, Major, Credit Intensive
  • Program Summary: Imagine conducting research on lunar and meteorite rock samples and being selected for a 10-week summer internship with NASA. Or what about traveling to Africa’s Turkana Basin to study the evolution of early humans? These are experiences of undergraduate students at Rutgers! Earth and planetary sciences majors investigate processes controlling the evolution of the Earth, its environment, and life through time. The major covers the core areas of geology and still allows ample opportunity for you to specialize through additional courses in math and allied sciences. You’ll enjoy employment opportunities in environmental and energy industries, as well as excellent placement in the top graduate programs in the country.

  • Department Approval with Departmental Meeting

  • None

  • Earth and Planetary Sciences (460) majors or minors may not minor in Astrobiology (101).

  • We recommend that students register for approximately 15 credits each semester and no more than 16 credits in their first semester. Your schedule should be well-balanced and include coursework from a variety of subjects. A diverse schedule will help you begin your studies in potential majors and minors; explore a breadth of new knowledge across departments at Rutgers to meet SAS Core Curriculum learning goals; and survey broader academic interests through elective courses as you work to attain the required 120 degree credits for graduation.

    Your schedule will look something like this:

    College Writing or English course per placement results (3 credits)

    Major Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Major or Minor Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

     Byrne or First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) (1 credit) 

     Total Credits: 15-16

     

  • Introductory courses recommended by faculty. Include at least one of these in your schedule: 

    Students with a Calculus placement

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    		 Subject on University Schedule of Classes

    Introductory Geology

    01:460:101

    4

    		 Geological Sciences (460)
    Building Blocks of the Solar System 01:460:116 3 Geological Sciences (460)
    Environmental Geology 1:460:202 3 Geological Sciences (460)
    General Chemistry  01:160:161 4 Chemistry (160)
    Calculus I 01:640:157  4 Mathematics (640)

    Students with an Algebra or Precalculus placement

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    		 Subject on University Schedule of Classes

    Introductory Geology

    01:460:101

    4

    		 Geological Sciences (460)
    Building Blocks of the Solar System 1:460:116 3 Geological Sciences (460)
    Environmental Geology 01:460:202 3 Geological Sciences (460)
    Calculus-Based Math   3 or 4 Mathematics (640)

     

  • Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page.

    Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester.

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    Subject on University Schedule of Classes
    Introduction to Human Evolution 01:070:102 4 Anthropology (070)
    Introduction to Environmental Science 11:375:101 3 Environmental Sciences (375)
    Environment, Society, and Justice 01:450:211 3 Geography (450)
    Intro to Oceanography 01:628:120 3 Marine Sciences (198)

     

  • The Schedule of Classes provides information about the courses being offered in a particular semester. There are literally thousands of courses offered each semester at Rutgers, and you may find it helpful to narrow down your options by looking for courses in subjects related to your potential major or minor. Use the recommendations below to find possible introductory courses in other subjects.

    To find potential courses in other subjects related to this one:

    1. On the Schedule of Classes, select the current term, location "New Brunswick" and level "undergraduate". Click continue.
    2. In the Search By box, click the "search multiple subjects" link. Select the following departments:
      • Anthropology (070)
      • Environmental Studies (381)
      • Computer Science (198)
      • Geography (450)
    3. In Section Status, deselect Closed
    4. In Level of Study, deselect 300 and 400. In general, 100 and 200 are appropriate for first-year students, 300 and 400 are often more appropriate for students with more familiarity with the subject. If you are interested in registering for a 300 or 400 level course, consult with an advisor before registering.

    Review these courses for possible inclusion in your first-semester schedule, or to consider for future semesters.
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