Preparing students for successful careers in the geological sciences is one of the primary goals of the Geology Department. Therefore we ask our students to acquire adequate preparation in mathematics, chemistry, and physics along with geology. And we strongly encourage our students to continue their education by attending graduate school. More than 50 percent of our graduates apply to graduate school, and many are accepted with financial support. The list of graduate schools includes such prestigious institutions as Brown University, the University of Arizona, the University of Colorado, Michigan State University, Ohio State University, Southern Illinois University, Wright State University, Princeton, and Rutgers.

The Geology Department is housed in the Seymour K. & Esther R. Padnos Hall of Science and is well equipped with mineral, rock, fossil, and map collections. The Mary Idema Pew Library holds one of the finest collections of geological publications in west Michigan. Equipment for preparation and analysis of geological materials (saws, laps, petrographic microscopes, X-ray diffractometer, spectroscope, etc.), geophysical investigations (ground penetrating radar, seismographs, electrical resistivity meter), a complete paleomagnetism and rock magnetic laboratory, field sampling equipment including a vibracoring system, and mapping equipment (including a laser topographic scanner and total stations) are housed in the Geology Department or are shared with other science departments (e.g., the atomic absorption spectrophotometer).

Students may choose one of the following geology degree programs: B.S. in geology; B.S. in geology with environmental emphasis, B.S. in geology-chemistry; B.S. in earth science. Two minor programs are also available, one in geology and one in earth science.

The B.S. programs in geology and dual geology-chemistry are intended primarily to prepare students for graduate study in the geological sciences. As terminal degrees, they are also useful in a variety of careers, including environmental technology, mineral and energy resource exploration, science writing, and business.

The B.S. in geology requires, in addition to general university degree requirements: 35-40 semester hours of geology courses, an approved summer field camp, and one year each of chemistry, physics, and mathematics (see the sample curriculum, below). The B.S. in dual geology-chemistry requires, in addition to general university degree requirements, 61 hours of core courses from both the geology and chemistry bachelor's degrees (see catalog).

The B.S. in earth science prepares students to teach in the secondary grades. Michigan teacher certification requires completion of the School of Education professional program and a minor area of study. A minimum GPA of 2.5 in the major is necessary for recommendation for teacher certification. The B.S. in earth science requires, in addition to general university degree requirements: 17-19 semester credit hours of geology, including GEO 111, 112, 214, 220, 320, 430, 495, and one 300-400 geology elective; and 32-33 semester credit hours of science cognate courses, including CHM 111, PHY 105, 220, 221, MTH 122, NRM 140 or 281, and one biology or life science course.

The minor program in geology is designed to provide a supportive second discipline for students in such majors as anthropology, other science areas, and business. A minor in geology requires GEO 111, 112, 214, 220, 311, and one geology course at the 300 or 400 level.

For more information about geology programs at Grand Valley write or call:

Dr. Merritt DeLano-Taylor
Interim Unit Head, Department of Geology
Grand Valley State University
The Seymour K & Esther R. Padnos Hall of Science
One Campus Drive
Allendale, Michigan 49401-9403
Telephone: (616)-331-3728 
Electronic Mail: [email protected]

or

The Admissions Office
Grand Valley State University
Student Services Building # 300
One Campus Drive
Allendale, Michigan 49401-9403
Telephone: (800)-748-0246 or (616)-331-2025
Fax: (616)-331-2000
Electronic Mail: [email protected]