Complete requirements for the majors, minors, and licenses listed below can be found in the JMU Undergraduate Catalog.
Majors
Bachelor of Science in Geology
Prepares students for professional geoscience employment and graduate school. Through courses and mentored research, this major focuses on developing field, laboratory and computational skills to meet societal resource needs (e.g., critical minerals, soil, water) and to mitigate geologic hazards (e.g., earthquakes, landslides, floods, volcanic eruptions, climate change).
Includes study abroad opportunity for capstone field course.
Choose a concentration that fits with your interests:
- Environmental and Engineering Geology
- Life, Ocean and Climate
- Solid Earth and Tectonics
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Earth Science
Prepares students to understand and describe complex environmental concerns so they can advocate for science-backed solutions in government and private sectors, or teach Earth science. Through courses and mentored research this major encourages scientific problem-solving and interdisciplinary approaches toward environmental challenges.
Includes study abroad opportunities for field-based experiential learning.
Choose a minor that fits with your interests:
- Climate Science
- Environmental Science
- Pre-Professional Secondary Education
- Or choose a custom set of biology, chemistry, geology, and/or environmental courses in consultation with your advisor.
Provides students with a broad foundation for understanding the structure of the Earth, Earth materials and how the physical environment is formed and altered.
Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Earth Science
Provides students with a broad foundation for understanding Earth’s environments (e.g., geosphere, biosphere, cryosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere).
Minors
Students who wish to pursue a general geology minor should consult the JMU Catalogue and their geology advisor.
The minor in geophysics is an interdisciplinary minor, with required coursework coming from Math and either Geology or Physics, and electives coming from a selection of Astronomy, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Math, or Physics courses. Please contact a geology advisor for more details.
The minor in climate science is a new interdisciplinary minor, with required coursework coming from Geography and/or Geology, and electives coming from a selection of Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Math, ISAT, or Computer Science courses.
Courses offered in the department also contribute to the Environmental Management, Environmental Science, and Environmental Studies minors. More details on the environmental minors are available at the JMU Environment website.
Teaching Licensure
Licensure in secondary earth science teaching also requires courses in astronomy, meteorology, and oceanography, to total no less than 32 hours in the earth sciences (including geology) and a minimum of 16 hours total in physics, chemistry, and biology, in fulfillment of the requirements of the Virginia Department of Education requirements. It is necessary to be admitted to the JMU Teacher Education program (Education minor plus Master of Arts in Teaching) prior to enrolling in professional education courses at the College of Education. For a full description of professional education requirements and a listing of specific certificate requirements in earth sciences, refer to the JMU College of Education website.