Chair: Brian Cooper (936) 294-1593 bio_bjc@shsu.edu
Faculty:Don Albert, Chris Baldwin, John Degenhardt, Brian Cooper, Marcus Gillespie, Gang Gong, Joe Hill, Mark Leipnik, Velvet Nelson, Dennis Netoff, John Strait, Jim Tiller, and C. Allen Williams (Emeritus)
Website: www.shsu.edu/~gel_geo
The Department of Geography and Geology is an excellent blend of two disciplines that have a common thread. Both programs are concerned with the physical environment, with resources – including energy resources – and with ways that humans interact with and modify the natural environment. Students may major or minor in either program.
Mission
The primary mission of the Department of Geography and Geology is to provide students of the two complementary programs a comprehensive understanding of the range and depth of these scientific disciplines which encompass, respectively, the human and physical domains of geography, and the physical and historical domains of geology. This understanding is intended to enable our students to achieve their full potential as skilled professionals and well-qualified technical employees in a diverse range of companies and governmental organizations, and to become effective teachers and community leaders. Our programs enable students to become informed users of a range of technologies and prudent stewards of our natural resources. This understanding of the world will promote successful careers, active life-long learning, and an ability and desire to contribute positively to society.
Geography Program
Coordinator: John Strait (936) 294-4077 jstrait@shsu.edu
Faculty: Don Albert, Gang Gong, Marcus Gillespie, Mark Leipnik ,Velvet Nelson, Dennis Netoff, John Strait, Jim Tiller, C. Allen Williams (Emeritus)
Website: www.shsu.edu/~gel_geo/
Geography is the study of the world from a spatial perspective and entails the comprehensive study of the earth and its people. Contrary to popular belief, it is NOT about memorizing place-names and coloring maps. On the contrary, geography is an all-encompassing discipline that focuses foremost on fully understanding the Earth and all of its human and natural complexities – not merely where objects are, but how they have changed and come to be. This includes an understanding of both the physical environment and the cultural world of politics, economics, population, religion, and other human phenomena. A major thrust within the discipline includes the use of geospatial technologies as a means to facilitate geographic inquiry. This entails various methodologies that pertain to the use of spatial analysis, such as computer cartography, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and global positioning systems. Because of the breadth of its subject matter, geography integrates information from a wide variety of other disciplines and examines that information from a spatial perspective. For individuals that are curious about the world, there are few disciplines that will satisfy that curiosity as much as Geography. In the age of global markets, global transportation systems and global telecommunications, we are increasingly faced with the reality that our welfare is highly interdependent with the rest of the world. A geographic education represents an excellent way to understand how to deal with environmental, social and economic issues associated with this reality.
Academic Programs
- BA in Geography, with an emphasis in human geography or environmental geography
- BS in Geography, with an emphasis in human geography, environmental geography or geo-spatial information sciences
- Teacher Certification (BA or BS in Social Science Composite—Geography Emphasis)
The Geography program incorporates a three-track curriculum and is designed to fit the particular academic needs of our students and better prepare them for life beyond SHSU, particularly in terms of graduate study or employment opportunities. Student majors may choose to focus their program within one of three tracks, each providing a broad geographical background yet emphasizing different foci of study. The human geography track is designed for students primarily interested in the broad geographical study of human or cultural phenomena. The environmental geography track is designed for students interested in orienting their program of study around the spatial interactions between human society and the physical environment. The geo-spatial information sciences track is designed for students more interested in developing skills in the application of a variety of geo-spatial technologies.
Highlights
Located on the third floor of the Lee Drain Building, the department maintains both a Geographic Information System (GIS) lab and a combination GIS and remote sensing lab. These labs contain state-of-the-art computers, software and scanners. We also have a van for fieldtrips, a Zodiac watercraft used for field research, a coring device capable of taking up to 6m core samples, high-quality GPS receivers, a large-scale flume to demonstrate sedimentation processes, and a Ground Penetrating Radar System. In order to enhance learning, all of our rooms are outfitted with video-projection systems, and our lecture rooms have sound systems and dedicated computers with Internet access that are used by the instructors for teaching purposes. Many of our students obtain internships and work with faculty members on research projects.
Career Opportunities
Because of the breadth of geography, there are a wide variety of career opportunities for geography graduates. These opportunities include careers in the following:
- urban planning
- computer mapping and geospatial technologies
- environmental companies and state environmental agencies
- state transportation departments
- city, county, state, and federal government
- education
- historical preservation
- marketing agencies
- energy companies
- emergency management
- tourism
- military
Geography’s focus on spatial relationships, in conjunction with new advances in technology, have led to the development of new geographical tools—principally Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS)—that are now used by many geographers in a wide variety of fields. Because these technologies can be applied within virtually any field (government, business, military, etc.) it is one of the fastest growing job fields and the demand for people with experience using them exceeds the supply. Aside from offering a track with our program that emphasizes these technologies, we also offer students and an Interdisciplinary Minor in GSS that emphasizes GIS, remote sensing and computer cartography. The combination of geography major and a GSS minor is highly marketable. With their broad background, geography graduates have an ability to see connections where others do not, and this enables geographers to work in many different fields. Geography literally offers a world of opportunities.
Suggested Minors
- GSS (Geo-spatial Science)
- Geology, Biology, Environmental Science
- History
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Military Science
- Economics
- International Business
- Marketing
- Computer Science
- Journalism
- Foreign Language
- Social Science Composite
Student Organizations
- Geographers of Sam Houston (GOSH) - GOSH is intended to enhance appreciation for geography through club-sponsored field trips, guest lectures, and other activities, and to promote camaraderie among geography students.
- Gamma Theta Upsilon (GTU) - GTU is the National Geography Honor Society and was established to promote geographic awareness and the pursuit of geographic knowledge. To be eligible for membership in this honor society, students must have at least 12 hours of geography coursework, a minimum GPA of 3.25 in their geography coursework, and an overall GPA of at least 3.0.
Internships
Educational and research opportunities using GIS are available through a variety of internship opportunities that will increase students’ skills and employment opportunities.
Richardson Endowment Awards
- GERALD L. HOLDER AWARD FOR GEOGRAPHY STUDENTS: $500 -- $700 one semester.
Geography majors or minors, senior status, 3.0 GPA Geography overall. - JAMES ELLISON KIRKLEY AWARD: Two awards (amounts vary) to majors in history, political science, geography, or sociology.
Recipients are selected on basis of high academic achievement. - THE ELTON M. SCOTT AWARD FOR GEOGRAPHY STUDENTS: $500 -- $700 one semester.
Geography majors or minors, senior status. 3.0 GPA Geography overall. - JOHN H. BOUNDS AWARD FOR GEOGRAPHY STUDENTS: $500-$700 for one semester.
Geography majors or minors, senior status. - C. ALLEN WILLIAMS AWARD FOR GEOGRAPHY STUDENTS: $500-$700 one semester.
Geography majors or minors, senior status. - CODY BARRON AWARD FOR GEOGRAPHY STUDENTS: $500-$700 one semester.
Geography majors or minors, senior status.
Request information from: Christopher T. Baldwin, Chair, Department of Geography and Geology, Box 2148, Huntsville, TX 77341-2148. (936) 294-1233
Program Specific Requirements
Students must meet the academic standards established by the university.
Curriculum
Required Courses for Geography Major
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***
- Bachelor of Arts, human geography track: GEO 131/111 or GEO 132/112; (2 of the following 3 courses) GEO 161, GEO 265 and/or GEO 266; (3 of the following courses) GEO 330, GEO 331, GEO 332, GEO 436, GEO 437, and/or GEO 439; (2 of the following technique courses) GEO 362, GEO 363, GEO 364, GEO 435, GEO 433, GEO 444, and/or GEO 448; plus 8 credit-hours of advanced geography electives
- Bachelor of Science, human geography track: the above requirements, plus 3 additional credit-hours of general geography credit, and 1 additional credit-hour of advanced geography electives (12 total credit-hours of geography electives)
- Bachelor of Arts, environmental geography track: GEO 131/111 and 132/112; (1 of the following 3 courses) GEO 161, GEO 265 and/or GEO 266; (3 of the following courses) GEO 360, GEO 461, GEO 433, and/or GEO 442; (2 of the following technique courses) GEO 362, GEO 363, GEO 364, GEO 435, GEO 444, and/or GEO 448; plus 6-8 credit-hours of advanced geography electives
- Bachelor of Science, environmental geography track: the above requirements, plus 3 additional credit-hours of GEO 161, 265, or 266; plus 3 additional credit-hours of advanced geography electives (9-11 total credit-hours of advanced geography electives)
- Bachelor of Science, geo-spatial information science track: (1 of the following courses) GEO 131/111 or GEO 132/112; (2 of the following courses) GEO 161, 265 or 266; (the following 4 courses) GEO 363, GEO 364, GEO 435, GEO 444; (1 of the following courses) GEO 362, 433 or 448; plus 12 credit-hours of geography electives (9 credit-hours of these electives must be at the advanced level, and 6 of these advanced hours must come from non-technique courses)
Required Courses for BA or BS in Social Science Composite (Geography Emphasis)
All Social Science Composite majors must take the following courses: GEO 131/111, 265, 266, 330, 331, 362, 369. and 1 technical/applied course from GEO 363, 364, 433, 444, or 448 . In addition to these requirements, students must take the courses shown below for the respective degree.
Bachelors of Arts, Social Science Composite (Geography Emphasis):
GEO 161, 471, and 3 hours of GEO (Advanced) 9 hrs.
Bachelors of Sciences, Social Sciences Composite (Geography Emphasis):
GEO 161, 442, 471, and 3 hours of GEO (Advanced) 13 hrs.
Bachelor of Arts |
||
Major in Geography, Human Geography Track |
||
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Freshman |
Component Area IV |
|
|
(Visual & Performing Arts) |
3 |
Senior |
(Literature/Philosophy) |
3 |
Sophomore |
(Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Junior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
15 |
Freshman, Sophomore, Junior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
6 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
Foreign Language 141, 142 |
8 |
Sophomore |
POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS>1 |
6 |
Sophomore |
Foreign Language 263, 2642 |
6 |
Junior |
Major Core |
||
| GEO 131 <GEOG 1301> and GEO 111 <GEOG 1101> or GEL 132 <GEOL 1305> and GEL 112 <GEOL 1105> |
4 |
Freshman |
| GEO 161 <GEOG 1321>, GEO 265 <GEOG 2355>, or GEO 266 <GEOG 2356> | 6 |
Sophomore |
| GEO 330 <GEOG 3350>, GEO 331 <GEOG 3351>, GEO 332 <GEOG 3352>, GEO 436 <GEOG 4356> or GEO 437 <GEOG 4357> | 9 |
Sophomore/Junior |
| GEO 362 <GEOG 3362>, GEO 363 <GEOG 3363>, GEO 364 <GEOG 3364>, GEO 433 <GEOG 4333>, GEO 435 <GEOG 4365>, GEO 444 <GEOG 4464> or GEO 448 <GEOG 4468> | 6-8 |
Junior |
Major |
||
Advanced Geography Electives |
8 |
Senior |
Minor (required) |
18 |
|
Total Hours: 120-123 Hours |
||
Notes: 1HIS 163 & 164 and POL 261 & POL (200-level) satisfies the requirement for Component Area V and the degree specific requirement.
2Foreign Language 263 & 264 satisfies the requirement for Component Area IV and the degree specific requirement.
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***|
Bachelor of Science |
||
Major in Geography, Human Geography Track |
||
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Freshman |
Component Area IV |
|
|
(Visual & Performing Arts) |
3 |
Senior |
(Literature/Philosophy) |
3 |
Sophomore |
(Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Sophomore |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
15 |
Freshman, Sophomore, Junior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
| HIS 163 <HIST 1301>, HIS 164 <HIST 1302>1 | 6 |
Freshman |
| CTE 133 <CSTE 1330> or GBA 180 <BUAD 1305> | 3 |
Freshman |
| MTH <MATH> or PHL 262 <PHIL 2303> or PHL 362 <PHIL 3362> | 3 |
Sophomore |
| POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS>1 | 6 |
Sophomore |
| GEL 133 <GEOL 1303>/GEL 113 <GEOL 1103> and GEL 134 <GEOL 1304>/GEL 114 <GEOL 1104> |
8 |
Sophomore/Junior |
Major Core |
||
| GEO 131 <GEOG 1301> and GEO 111 <GEOG 1101> or GEL 132 <GEOL 1305> and GEL 112 <GEOL 1105> |
4 |
Freshman |
| GEO 161 <GEOG 1321>, GEO 265 <GEOG 2355>, or GEO 266 <GEOG 2356> | 6 |
Sophomore |
| GEO 330 <GEOG 3350>, GEO 331 <GEOG 3351>, GEO 332 <GEOG 3352>, GEO 436 <GEOG 4356> or GEO 437 <GEOG 4357> | 9 |
Sophomore/Junior |
| GEO 362 <GEOG 3362>, GEO 363 <GEOG 3363>, GEO 364 <GEOG 3364>, GEO 433 <GEOG 4333>, GEO 435 <GEOG 4365>, GEO 444 <GEOG 4464> or GEO 448 <GEOG 4468> | 6-8 |
Junior |
Major |
||
Geography Electives |
6 |
Senior |
Advanced Geography Electives |
6 |
Senior |
Minor (required) |
18 |
|
Total Hours: 120-123 Hours |
||
Notes: 1HIS 163 & 164 and POL 261 & POL (200-level) satisfies the requirement for Component Area V and the degree specific requirement.
2GEO 265 or 266 satisfies the requirement for Component Area IV and the degree specific requirement.
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***Bachelor of Arts |
||
Major in Geography, Environmental Geography Track |
||
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
| Core Curriculum | ||
| Component Area I (Communication) | 6 |
Freshman |
| Component Area II (Mathematics) | 3 |
Freshman |
| Component Area III (Natural Sciences) | 8 |
Freshman |
| Component Area IV (Visual & Performing Arts) | 3 |
Senior |
| Component Area IV Literature/Philosophy) | 3 |
Sophomore |
| Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) | 3 |
Junior |
| Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) | 15 |
Freshman, Sophomore, Junior |
| Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) | 1 |
Freshman |
| Degree Specific Requirements | ||
| HIS 163 <HIST 1301>, HIS 164 <HIST 1302>1 | 6 |
Freshman |
| CTE 133 <CSTE 1330> or GBA 180 <BUAD 1305> | 3 |
Freshman |
| Foreign Language 141, 142 | 8 |
Sophomore |
| POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS>1 | 6 |
Sophomore |
| Foreign Language 263, 2642 | 6 |
Junior |
| Major Core | ||
| GEO 131 <GEOG 1301> and GEO 111 <GEOG 1101> GEL 132 <GEOL 1305> and GEL 112 <GEOL 1105>3 |
8 |
Freshman |
| GEO 161 <GEOG 1321>, GEO 265 <GEOG 2355>, or GEO 266 <GEOG 2356> | 3 |
Sophomore |
| GEL 360 <GEOL 3326>, GEO 433 <GEOG 4333>, AND GEO 442 <GEOG 4432> | 10 |
Sophomore/Junior |
| GEO 362 <GEOG 3362>, GEO 363 <GEOG 3363>, GEO 364 <GEOG 3364>, GEO 435 <GEOG 4365>, GEO 444 <GEOG 4464> or GEO 448 <GEOG 4468> | 6-8 |
Junior |
| Major | ||
| Advanced Geography Electives | 6-8 |
Senior |
| Minor (required) | 18 |
|
| Total Hours: 120-122 Hours | ||
Notes: 1HIS 163 & 164 and POL 261 & POL (200-level) satisfies the requirement for Component Area V and the degree specific requirement.
2Foreign Language 263 & 264 satisfies the requirement for Component Area IV and the degree specific requirement.
3GEO 131/111 or GEL 132/112 satisfies the requirement for Component Area III and the degree specific requirement.
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***|
Bachelor of Science |
||
Major in Geography, Environmental Geography Track |
||
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Freshman |
Component Area IV (Visual & Performing Arts) |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area IV (Literature/Philosophy) |
3 |
Sophomore |
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Sophomore or Junior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
15 |
Freshman, Sophomore, Junior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
6 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
MTH <MATH> or PHL 262 <PHIL 2303> or PHL 362 <PHIL 3362> |
3 |
Sophomore |
POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS>1 |
6 |
Sophomore |
| GEL 133 <GEOL 1303>/GEL 113 <GEOL
1103> and GEL 134 <GEOL 1304>/GEL 114 <GEOL 1104> |
8 |
Sophomore |
| Major Core | ||
| GEO 131 <GEOG 1301> and GEO 111 <GEOG 1101> GEL 132 <GEOL 1305> and GEL 112 <GEOL 1105> |
8 |
Freshman |
GEO 161 <GEOG 1321>, GEO 265 <GEOG 2355>, or GEO 266 <GEOG 2356>2 |
6 |
Sophomore, Junior |
| GEL 360 <GEOG 3360>, GEO 433 <GEOG 4333>, AND GEO 442 <GEOG 4432> | 10 |
Sophomore/Junior |
| GEO 362 <GEOG 3362>, GEO 363 <GEOG 3363>, GEO 364 <GEOG 3364>, GEO 435 <GEOG 4365>, GEO 444 <GEOG 4464> or GEO 448 <GEOG 4468> | 6-8 |
Junior |
Major |
||
Advanced Geography Electives |
9-12 |
Senior |
Minor (required) |
18 |
|
Total Hours: 120-124 Hours |
||
Notes: 1HIS 163 & 164 and POL 261 & POL (200-level) satisfies the requirement for Component Area V and the degree specific requirement.
2GEO 265 or 266 satisfies the requirement for Component Area IV and the degree specific requirement.
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***Bachelor of Science |
||
Major in Geography, Geo-spatial Information Sciences Track |
||
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Freshman, Junior |
Component Area IV (Visual & Performing Arts) |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area IV (Literature/Philosophy) |
3 |
Sophomore |
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Freshman or Junior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
15 |
Freshman, Sophomore, Junior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
6 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
MTH <MATH> or PHL 262 <PHIL 2303> or PHL 362 <PHIL 3362> |
3 |
Sophomore |
POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS>1 |
6 |
Sophomore |
GEL 133 <GEOL 1303>/GEL 113 <GEOL
1103> |
8 |
Sophomore |
Major Core |
||
GEO 131 <GEOG 1301> and GEO 111 <GEOG 1101> |
4 |
Freshman |
GEO 161 <GEOG 1321>, GEO 265 <GEOG 2355>, or GEO 266 <GEOG 2356> |
6 |
Sophomore, Junior |
GEO 363 <GEOG 3363>, GEO 364 <GEOG 3364>, GEO 435 <GEOG 4365>, GEO 444 <GEOG 4464> |
13 |
Sophomore/Junior |
GEO 362 <GEOG 3362>, GEO 433 <GEOG 4333> or GEO 448 <GEOG 4468> |
3-4 |
Junior |
Major |
||
Geography Electives |
3 |
Junior |
Advanced Geography Electives |
9 |
Senior |
Minor (required) |
18 |
|
Total Hours: 120-122 Hours |
||
Notes: 1HIS 163 & 164 and POL 261 & POL (200-level) satisfies the requirement for Component Area V and the degree specific requirement.
2GEO 265 or 266 satisfies the requirement for Component Area IV and the degree specific requirement.
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***Bachelor of Arts |
||
Major in Social Science Composite (Geography Emphasis) |
||
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication)1 |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Freshman |
Component Area IV |
|
|
(Visual & Performing Arts) |
3 |
Junior |
(Literature/Philosophy) |
3 |
Sophomore |
(Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Junior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
15 |
Freshman, Sophomore, Junior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
6 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
POL 378 <POLS 3378>, PHL 366 <PHIL 3366>, HIS 298 <HIST xxxx> |
9 |
Senior |
HIS 369 <HIST 3369>, HIS 379 <HIST 3379>, ECO 234 <ECON 2301>, SOC 131 <SOCI 1301>1 |
12 |
Junior |
COM 384 <COMS 3384> (or COM 161 <COMS 1361> if transfer credit) |
3 |
Sophomore |
6 |
Sophomore |
|
POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS>1 |
6 |
Sophomore |
Foreign Language 263, 2642 |
6 |
Sophomore |
Major Core |
||
| GEO 131 <GEOG 1301> and GEO 111 <GEOG 1101> GEO 161 <GEOG 1321> |
7 |
Freshman |
6 |
Freshman |
|
GEO 330 <GEOG 3350>, GEO 461 <GEOG 4331>, GEO 369 <GEOG 3359>, GEO 471 <GEOG 4358> |
12 |
Junior, Senior |
| GEO 362 <GEOG 3362>, GEO 363 <GEOG 3363>, GEO 364 <GEOG 3364>, GEO 433 <GEOG 4333>, GEOG 435 <GEOG 4365>, GEO 444 <GEOG 4464> or GEO 448 <GEOG 4468> | 6 |
Senior |
Major |
||
Advanced Geography Electives |
6 |
Senior |
Minor (required) |
18 |
|
Total Hours: 122 Hours |
||
Notes: 1HIS 163 & 164 and POL 261 & POL (200-level) satisfies the requirement for Component Area V and the degree specific requirement.
2Foreign Language 263, 264 satisfies the requirement for Component Area IV and the degree specific requirement.
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***Bachelor of Science |
||
Major in Social Science Composite (Geography Emphasis) |
||
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication)1 |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Junior |
Component Area IV (Humanities/Visual/Performing Arts) |
9 |
Sophomore, Junior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
15 |
Freshman, Sophomore |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
6 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
GEL 133 <GEOL 1303>/GEL 113 <GEOL
1103> |
8 |
Freshman, Sophomore |
POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS>1 |
6 |
Sophomore |
HIS 398 <HIST 3398>, POL 378 <POLS 3378>, SOC 321 <SOCI xxxx> |
9 |
Senior |
6 |
Sophomore |
|
| COM 384 <COMS 3384> (or COM 161 <COMS 1361> if transfer credit) | 3 |
Junior |
| MTH <MATH> or PHL 262 <PHIL 2303> or PHL 362 <PHIL 3362> | 3 |
Freshman |
3 |
Freshman |
|
6 |
Sophomore |
|
Major Core |
||
| GEO 131 <GEOG 1301> and GEO 111 <GEOG 1101>, GEO 161 <GEOG 1321> | 7 |
Freshman |
GEO 265 <GEOG 2355>, GEO 266 <GEOG 2356>, GEO 330 <GEOG 3350> |
9 |
Sophomore |
GEO 331 <GEOG 3351>, GEO 369 <GEOG 3359>, GEO 471 <GEOG 4358> |
9 |
Junior |
GEO 362 <GEOG 3362>, GEO 363 <GEOG 3363>, GEO 364 <GEOG 3364>, GEO 433 <GEOG 4333>, GEO 435 <GEOG 4365>, GEO 444 <GEOG 4464> or GEO 448 <GEOG 4468> |
6 |
Senior |
4 |
Senior |
|
Minor (required) |
18 |
|
Total Hours: 120 Hours |
||
Notes: 1HIS 163 & 164 and POL 261 & POL (200-level) satisfies the requirement for Component Area V and the degree specific requirement.
HIS 265, 266 satisfies the requirement for Component Area IV and the degree specific requirement
Teacher Certification
Students seeking a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree with a major in Social Sciences Composite (Geography Emphasis) and teacher certification at the secondary level (grades 8-12) should use their elective hours and an additional 9 hours to satisfy the required certification requirements. Students seeking a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree with a major in Social Sciences Composite (Geography Emphasis) and teacher certification at the secondary level (grades 8-12) should use their 13 elective hours and an additional 11 hours to satisfy the required certification requirements. The required education courses are listed below and with teacher certification, the BA degree total is 137 hours and the BS degree total is 139 hours. Those students not seeking certification should use their electives to fulfill the University requirement for advanced elective hours—preferably in their major or minor field of study.
SED 383, 394, 464, 480, 496, 497, RDG 392, and SED 374 or PSY 374 (24 hours)
For teacher certification, no grade below C in social science courses is accepted.
Minor in Geography
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***
(1 of the following courses) GEO 131/111 or GEO 132/112
(1 of the following courses) GEO 161 or GEO 265 or GEO 266
(1 of the following technique courses) GEO 362, GEO 363, GEO 364, GEO 433, GEO 444
9 credit-hours of geography elective (6 credit-hours must include advanced courses – 300/400 level)
Minor in Geo-Spatial Science
(4 of the following courses) GEO 363, GEO 364, GEO 435, GEO 444
(2 of the following courses) GEO 362, GEO 433, GEO 448, GEO 475
Geology Program
Coordinator: Brian J. Cooper (936) 294-1566 bio_bjc@shsu.edu
Faculty: Chris Baldwin, Brian Cooper, John Degenhardt, Joe Hill, Mark Leipnik, Dennis Netoff
Website: www.shsu.edu/~gel_geo/
Geology is the ultimate integrated science because all of the principles and methods of the other sciences, as well as geologic principles and methods, are applied to an understanding of the Earth. Geologists study rocks, of course, but they study them from the context of providing information that may eventually be used to forecast earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other geologic hazards. The information obtained may also be applied to help geologists locate various natural resources. Therefore, geology serves to enhance human existence by attempting to reduce risk and by providing the materials necessary for the expansion of civilization.
Academic Programs
- BS in Geology
- BS in Geology with a plan in Geoscience
The Geology Degree is designed for the person seeking a position in industry or planning to attend graduate school. The Geoscience Plan is designed for the person with a general interest in geology. Each plan is designed to provide an education in the fundamentals of geology. The required geology courses will give the student an understanding of the Earth and will provide an opportunity to observe, investigate, analyze, and interpret geological materials, processes, and structures.
Highlights
Located on the third floor of the Lee Drain Building, the department places considerable emphasis on the integration of lab-based analytical science with similarly rigorous analysis conducted by means of field work. In support, the department maintains a range of field and laboratory equipment including a Mackereth coring system, a vibracorer, a research flume, a portable XRF, plus a variety of GPS and GIS-linked surveying equipment. Many of our students obtain internships and work with faculty members on research projects.
Career Opportunities
Geology majors generally pursue careers in three areas:
- the environmental industry
- the petroleum industry
- teaching
Geology students are provided with the knowledge and skills required to pursue an applied profession, a career in education, and/or continued education at the graduate level.
Suggested Minors
Geography, Geographic Information Systems, Science minor, Mathematics, or Computer Sciences
Student Organizations
Sam Houston Association of Geology Students (SHAGS) - SHAGS is a very active student organization that sponsors field trips to sites in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Alumni, professors, and other professional geologists are invited to speak at SHAGS meetings. Geology majors benefit greatly from the sense of camaraderie gained during the field trips, meetings, and other activities.
Internships
Educational and research opportunities are available through a variety of internship opportunities in the fields of GIS, hydrocarbons, and environmental geology that will increase students’ skills and employment opportunities.
Awards and Scholarships
- SHAGS Award: $500 per year, awarded to two students, junior or senior status, Geology majors, minimum GPA of 3.0, faculty recommendations required.
- CANNAN GEOLOGICAL SCHOLARSHIPS: $600 per year, junior or senior status, Geology majors, minimum GPA of 3.2 in Geology and overall 3.0, faculty recommendations required.
- HOUSTON GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARD: Awards and scholarships funded by the Houston Geological Society given to just seven universities in Texas.
- HOUSTON GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIP: Award recipients are determined by a faculty committee during the Spring semester.
Program Specific Requirements
Geology program specific requirements include 3 hours of CS; 8 hours in each of CHM and PHY; 4 hours of BIO, plus 7-8 hours of MTH.
Curriculum
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***
Required Courses for Geology Major
Bachelor of Science, Geology: GEL 132/112 or 133/113, plus 134/114, 334, 344, 345, 440, 442, 460, 461, and three Advanced GEL Electives.
Bachelor of Science, Geoscience: GEL 132/112 or 133/113, plus 134/114, 334, 344, 345, 440, 442, and five Advanced GEL Electives.
Bachelor of Science |
||
Major in Geology |
||
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics)1 |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences)2 |
8 |
Freshman, Sophomore |
Component Area IV (Humanities/Visual/Performing Arts) |
|
|
Humanities |
3 |
Sophomore |
Visual and Performing Arts |
3 |
Junior |
Cultural Studies |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
|
|
6 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
200-level POL <2000-level POLS>1 |
3 |
Senior |
Social/Behavioral Sciences elective |
3 |
Sophomore |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Sophomore |
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
3 |
Freshman |
|
| CHM 138 <CHEM 1311> and CHM 118 <CHEM 1111>, CHM 139 <CHEM 1312> and CHM 119 <CHEM 1112>2 | 8 |
Freshman |
BIO 162 <BIOL 1313> and BIO 112 <BIOL 1113> |
4 |
Sophomore |
PHY 138 <PHYS 1301> and PHY 118 <PHYS 1101> |
8 |
Junior |
MTH 142 <MATH 1420> plus MTH 143 <MATH 1430> or MTH 379 <MATH 3379>1 |
7-8 |
Freshman |
Major Core |
||
| GEL 132
<GEOL 1305> and GEL 112
<GEOL 1105> or GEL 133 <GEOL 1303> and GEL 113 <GEOL 1103> plus GEL 134 <GEOL 1304> and GEL 114 <GEOL 1104> |
8 |
Freshman |
GEL 334 <GEOL 3304>, GEL 344 <GEOL 3404>, GEL 345 <GEOL 3405> |
11 |
Sophomore |
8 |
Junior |
|
6 |
Senior |
|
Major |
||
Advanced Geology elective |
3-4 |
Junior |
2 Advanced Geology electives |
6-8 |
Senior |
Minor (if required) |
||
Courses in accepted minor |
6 |
Junior |
Courses in accepted minor |
12 |
Senior |
Total Hours: 121-125 Hours |
||
Notes: 1MTH courses satisfy the requirement for Component Area II and the degree specific requirement.
2CHM, BIO, PHY satisfy the requirement for Component Area III and the degree specific requirement.
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***
Bachelor of Science |
||
Major in Geology – Geoscience Plan |
||
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics)1 |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences)2 |
8 |
Freshman, Sophomore |
Component Area IV (Humanities/Visual/Performing Arts) |
|
|
Humanities |
3 |
Sophomore |
Visual and Performing Arts |
3 |
Junior |
Cultural Studies |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
|
|
6 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
200-level POL <2000-level POLS> |
3 |
Senior |
Social and Behavioral Sciences |
3 |
Sophomore |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
3 |
Freshman |
|
CHM 138 <CHEM 1311> and CHM 118 <CHEM 1111>, CHM 139 <CHEM 1312> and CHM 119 <CHEM 1112>2 |
8 |
Freshman |
MTH 163 <MATH 1316>, MTH 170 <MATH 1314>, MTH 142 <MATH 1420> or more advanced1 |
6-7 |
Freshman |
BIO 161/111 <BIOL 1311/1111> |
4 |
Sophomore |
PHY 138 <PHYS 1301> and PHY 118 <PHYS 1101> |
8 |
Junior |
Major Core |
||
GEL 132
<GEOL 1305> and GEL 112
<GEOL 1105> |
8 |
Freshman |
GEL 334 <GEOL 3304>, GEL 344 <GEOL 3404>, GEL 345 <GEOL 3405> |
12 |
Sophomore |
8 |
Junior |
|
Major |
||
Advanced Geology elective |
3-4 |
Junior |
4 Advanced Geology electives |
12-14 |
Senior |
Minor (if required) |
||
Courses accepted in minor |
6 |
Junior |
Courses accepted in minor |
12 |
Senior |
Total Hours: 121-125 Hours |
||
Notes: 1MTH courses satisfy the requirement for Component Area II and the degree specific requirement.
2CHM, BIO, PHY satisfy the requirement for Component III and the degree specific requirement.
A minor in geography, science, or mathematics is strongly recommended.
Minor in Geology
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***
GEL 132/112 or 133/113, plus 134/114 and 12 hours advanced geology.