Introduction
The Earth Science minor administered by the Geography/Geology Department is designed to offer a concentration of studies in earth and near earth (atmospheric) science. With emphasis on the earth’s environment, it is an offering needed in today's world. The program contains sufficient optional latitude for the student, while at the same time meeting the basic framework desired by the Department of Public Instruction, which has certified the minor.

Why Study Earth Science at UW-Stevens Point?
Courses for the minor are taught by the Geography/Geology Department and the Physics/Astronomy Department. The program offers students a cutting edge learning environment in which excellence in teaching is of prime importance. Faculty members work closely with students enrolled in the minor to design a course of study oriented to the students’ interests, special abilities, and career objectives. Small upper-level class sizes, active academic advising, and superb laboratory facilities promote academic success.

High School Preparation
To prepare for a minor in earth science, high school students should focus on courses in the physical and natural sciences like biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics and computers, in addition to earth science.

Department Features
All faculty in the Geography/Geology and Physics/Astronomy Departments hold doctorates in Geography or Geology. Faculty have training and interests in climatology, geomorphology, environmental studies, glacial geology, hydrogeology, astronomy, and physics. Several members have been recognized by the university for their excellence in teaching. Several well-equipped computer-based laboratories allow students practical experience with the latest computer applications in earth science.

Employment Opportunity
This course of study may be significant to science-oriented students, especially those who plan to teach in junior high schools where earth science studies are an important part of the curriculum.

Sample Program of Study for the Earth Science Minor

A minor in Earth Science consists of 22 credits, to include the following:*

• The Physical Environment - Geog 101 - 5 credits
• Physical Geology - Geol 104 - 4 credits
• Earth History - Geol 106 - 1 credit
• At least one course from each of the following groups:
  
  
  1. Geomorphology - Geog/Geol 352 - 3 credits
     Physical Climatology & Meteorology - Geog 353 - 3 credits
  2. Mineralogy and Petrology - Geol 200 - 4 credits
     Structural Geology - Geol 320 - 3 credits
     Environmental Geology - Geol 330 - 3 credits
     Glacial Geology - Geol 370 - 3 credits
     Hydrogeology - Geol 383 - 3 credits
  
  
• Six additional credits from either group above, or from the following:
  
  
  1. Field Trip in Geography/Geology - Geog/Geol 393 - 1-3 credits
  2. Directed Study - Geog/Geol 395 - 1-3 credits (for topics appropriate to earth science)
  3. Introduction to Astronomy - Ast 311 - 3 credits

Note: No more than three total field experience credits (Geology 393 or Geography 393) can be used to satisfy the earth science minor requirements.

* For teacher certification in Earth Science, you must include Astronomy 311 and at least two field experience credits in Geography 393 and/or Geology 393 as part of your program.