» Enviromental Geoscience
Our department offers degrees in Geology with concentrations in General Geology and Environmental Geoscience. A separate degree program in Environmental Geochemical Science is offered as an interdisciplinary major that emphasizes Geology and Chemistry. Through formal courses, field work, and research projects, students develop an awareness of the geological processes that shape our planet, and their impact on society and the environment. The Geology major is interdisiplinary and requires courses in geology and cognate areas. The General Geology program is recommended for those contemplating graduate or professional work in geology. The Environmental Geoscience option offers a strong geology background with an environmental emphasis, suitable for consulting and environment related work.
Physical Geology (GLG220) provides an introduction to the geological sciences and is recommended for entering freshmen. Historical Geology (GLG301) should be taken in the following semester. General Chemistry (CHM201) and Calculus I (MAT251) should also be taken in the freshman year if possible. A Math Placement Level of 5 (MPL5) is a prerequiste for the major. This can be met by passing Pre-Calculus (MAT181) with a C- or better. Students accepted into the program with a lower MPL must meet this requirement prior to graduation.
Only one grade below C- will be allowed to count toward the major requirements, all other grades must be C- or better. This exception is made so a D grade in the final semester will not prevent graduation. If D grade is received before the final semester it is recommended that the course be repeated. It is recommended that students who plan to do graduate or professional work in geology take a 6 week field geology camp in the summer following their final semester at SUNY New Paltz.
Transfer students should complete as many of the cognate courses as possible before entering SUNY New Paltz. Ideally one year each of college level chemistry, physics, and calculus should be completed in addition to a one year laboratory sequence in geology (equivalent to Physical Geology and Historical Geology).
This information is provided as a resource for students to aid in selecting a major or degree track. Students should, however, obtain a current plan of study form and consult with the department chair or advisor before selecting a program or enrolling in coursework.
Track 1 - General Geology (59-61 credits)
Geology Core (27 credits)GLG220 Physical Geology (4)
GLG301 Historical Geology (4)
GLG311 Mineralogy-Crystallography (4)
GLG313 Optical Mineralogy (3)
GLG314 Petrology (4)
GLG331 Stratigraphy-Sedimentation (4)
GLG338 Structural Geology (4)
Geological Science Courses (9-10 credits)
GLG305 Paleontology (4)
GLG492 Geological Field Methods (2)
One 500 level geology course by advisement
Cognate Courses (23-24 credits)
CHM201 General Chemistry I (4)
CHM202 General Chemistry II (4)
MTH251 Calculus I (4)
PHY201 General Physics I (4)
One of the following by advisement:
MTH241 Introduction to Statistics (3)
MTH252 Calculus II (4)
One of the following by advisement:
PHY202 General Physics II (4)
PHY222 Fundamental Physics II (4)
Recommended Courses
BIO210 Introductory Biology (4)
BIO508 Scanning Electron Microscopy (4)
CPS210 Computer Science I (4)
GLG383 Introduction to GIS (3)
Track 2 - Environmental Geoscience (56-58 credits)
Geology Core (27 credits)GLG220 Physical Geology (4)
GLG301 Historical Geology (4)
GLG311 Mineralogy-Crystallography (4)
GLG313 Optical Mineralogy (3)
GLG314 Petrology (4)
GLG331 Stratigraphy-Sedimentation (4)
GLG338 Structural Geology (4)
Geological Science Courses (6-7 credits)
One of the following by advisement:
GLG339 Natural Resources and Energy (3)
GLG346 Conservation & Env. Impact (3)
GLG434 Environmental Surveying (3)
One 500-level geology course by advisement
Cognate Courses (23-24 credits)
GLG201 General Chemistry I (4)
GLG202 General Chemistry II (4)
MTH251 Calculus I (4)
PHY201 General Physics I (4)
One of the following by advisement:
MTH241 Introduction to Statistics (3)
MTH252 Calculus II (4)
One of the following by advisement:
PHY202 General Physics II (4)
PHY222 Fundamental Physics II (4)
Recommended Courses
BIO210 Introductory Biology (4)
BIO508 Scanning Electron Microscopy (4)
CPS210 Computer Science I (4)
GLG383 Introduction to GIS (3)
