College of Social and Natural Sciences

Geosciences

Program Web Site

Contact Information
Dr. Mike Michlovic
(218) 477-2035
michlovc@mnstate.edu

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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.
Career Opportunities

Degree Requirements
B.S. Degree in Geosciences (requires core and one emphasis from list below)
Emphasis in Geology
Emphasis in Geoarchaeology
Emphasis in Geographical Science
B.S. Degree in Earth Science - Teaching
Minor in Geosciences

Course Descriptions

Program Benefits

  • Faculty in MSUM's anthropology and earth science department make a special effort to get to know you personally and help you find the courses you need.
  • Upper-level classes are normally small and often have fewer than 20 students. This allows you to get to know your professor and receive personal attention. It is also easier for you to make contacts with students who share your interests.
  • Courses are taught by professors. Tests are administered and graded by professors. There are no teaching assistants.
  • The major program is compact and allows students to complete the major, all of their liberal studies requirements, and still have the opportunity to acquire a minor, or even a second major in another field.
  • The program is set up to encourage and facilitate interdisciplinary work in anthropolgy, which is linked to geosciences on a departmental level.