Fact Sheets

Pre-Geology @ MSUM

The Geosciences Major provides students with an opportunity to understand the Earth, including processes that have shaped its past and those that will shape its future, and the relationships among place, landscape, climate, culture, economy, and people.  Students can choose one of three emphases:  Geology, Geoarchaeology, or Geographical Science.

Geology is for those students interested in understanding how the Earth works presently and what has happened in Earth's ancient past.    Students who choose this track will learn especially about our environment and its processes, stories of Earth's past, and the formation and extraction of natural resources of the Earth.

Geoarchaeology is for those students interested in understanding what geological evidence and reasoning reveal about past human cultures and activities on Earth.  Students who choose this track will learn especially about the geological, chemical, biological, and physical methods for interpreting artifacts, sediments, and environments important in understanding our human past.

Geographical Science is for those students interested in understanding the relationships among place, people, and environment.  Students who choose this track will learn especially about the distribution of climate, cultures, and landscapes on Earth, the reason for those distributions, and the way that these interact and effect humans and our economies.

The Earth Science Teaching major is for those students interested in teaching earth science in grades 9-12, and meets the requirements for licensure in Science (grades 5-8).  Our Earth Science teaching program is particularly strong in providing in-depth coverage of the wide range of Earth Science subjects needed for Minnesota licensure, including Physical Geology, Historical Geology, Meteorology, Astronomy and Planetary Science, Oceanography, and Interaction of People with the Land.

A minor in Geosciences is also offered.  Students should see an advisor concerning which geoscience courses fit their particular needs or interests.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will exhibit an:

  • understanding of the basic concepts and methods of Geosciences
  • ability to apply concepts and principles  of Geosciences in understanding Earth process or relationships of people to the Earth
  • competency in laboratory and field skills
  • ability to conduct a scientific investigation or interpret the results of a Geoscience investigation including either science or social science research
  • ability to reason scientifically and to organize ideas, evidence, information and arguments
  • ability to use library and/or research data to support points of view
  • ability to communicate orally and/or in writing concerning Geoscience problems or issues.

Upper Level Writing Requirement
Students who complete all requirements, as indicated for each degree, typically will have met the department's approved upper level writing requirement.  See the department or faculty advisor for specific details.