The Earth Science minor offered through the Department of Geography/Geology is designed to offer a concentration of studies in earth and atmospheric science. The Earth Science provides a broad-based program and satisfies the basic framework required by the Department of Public Instruction, which has certified the minor for education majors. Courses for the 22-credit minor are taught by the Department of Geography/Geology and the Department of Physics/Astronomy. The program offers students a cutting-edge learning environment in which teaching excellence is of prime importance. Faculty members work closely with students enrolled in the minor, helping design a course of study oriented to the students’ interests, special abilities and career objectives. Small upper-level class size, active academic advising and superb laboratory facilities promote academic success. Students are also encouraged to participate in field trip courses to gain a better understanding of our natural environment throughout the world.

In addition to K-12 education, the Earth Science minor prepares students for employment in government agencies such as the United States Geological Survey, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, and state natural resource and geological agencies as well as private consulting companies.

Earth Science Minor Requirements (22 crs.)

Required Courses	At least one course from each of the following groups:
	A	B
Geography 101The Physical Environment Introduction to modern physical geography: survey spatial distribution of the earth’s physical characteristics, including weather and climate, water, soils, vegetation, and landforms; discuss environmental processes and interactions creating these physical geographic patterns; discuss importance to humans of the physical environment; use geographic tools including maps, air photos, and investigative techniques. Geology 104Physical Geology Introduction to study of minerals and rocks and processes which act upon and within the earth. Geology 106Earth History Development of the earth through time.	Geography/Geology 352Earth History Development of the earth through time. Geography 353Earth History Development of the earth through time. Geology/Geography 354Earth History Development of the earth through time.	Geology 200Earth History Development of the earth through time. Geology 320Earth History Development of the earth through time. Geology 330Earth History Development of the earth through time. Geology 370Earth History Development of the earth through time. Geology 383Earth History Development of the earth through time.

Additional credits selected from either groups (A) or (B) above or from the following to total 22 crs.
Geography 393*Earth History Development of the earth through time. Geology 395Earth History Development of the earth through time. Geology 393*Earth History Development of the earth through time. Geology 395Earth History Development of the earth through time.	Astronomy 205Earth History Development of the earth through time. Astronomy 206Earth History Development of the earth through time. Astronomy 311Earth History Development of the earth through time.

* Max of 3 crs.