2023-24 Academic Catalog

Students who discover in themselves a sense of excitement about the environment, mountains, climate change, volcanoes, fossils, rivers and earthquakes, will find a good home in the Carleton Geology Department. Founded by Dr. Laurence M. Gould, former President of the College and one of the first geologists to explore Antarctica, the geology department retains a spirit of exploration and adventure. Fieldwork in the out of doors is central to our curriculum. The interests and goals of geology students are diverse; more than three-fourths go to graduate school as preparation for careers in academia, environmental sciences, science journalism, industry, and the public sector at the local through federal levels. A degree in Geology has also proved to be a good foundation for graduate study and work in conservation, architecture, engineering, resource economics, environmental education, and resource management. Typical of Carleton, our graduates can also be found in almost any profession.

The geology curriculum is flexible, rigorous, and rooted in the traditions of a liberal arts education. Junior and senior majors in other natural sciences and Environmental Studies are welcome to enroll in geology courses numbered 200 and above without the introductory geology prerequisite with permission of the instructor. Students may receive credit for only one 100-level geology course.

Requirements for the Geology Major

• Any introductory geology (100 level) course that includes a laboratory section (the requirement for introductory geology may be waived for juniors who come to geology from another science major).
• 36 credits from the 200- and 300-level Geology course offerings. (42 credits if the introductory geology requirement was not completed).  Six credits toward the major can be counted from any single off-campus program where appropriate, with a maximum of twelve credits toward the major from all off-campus programs. Geology students should take three or four 200-level courses before taking 300-level courses.
• Six credits of Geology 400, Integrative Exercise and attend seminars associated with comps fall, winter and spring terms senior year (students planning to spend a term off-campus during senior year should attend the appropriate seminars during junior year).
• Six credits of Physics from courses numbered 131 and above;
• Six credits of Chemistry from courses numbered 123 and above;
• Twelve credits of Mathematics from courses numbered 111 (101) and above; Computer Science courses numbered 111 and above may count for six credits of the mathematics requirement.

Geology majors are encouraged to participate in a recognized field camp and take part in summer research opportunities.

These requirements for the geology major are considered to be minimal; students planning a career in geosciences should take several additional courses in mathematics and other sciences as well as geology.

Students interested in earth science education should discuss their plans with the Educational Studies department because a number of specific courses must be taken for teacher certification.

Note: Students may receive credit for only one 100-level geology course.

Geology Courses