This degree is ideal for students with interests in climate science, environmental and engineering geology, and solid Earth processes like volcanoes, earthquakes, and plate tectonics. The Geology degree includes specialized upper-level courses involving modern analytical equipment, data analysis and visualization, and field experiences. Each student in this degree program completes a research project on a topic of their interest, mentored by one or more faculty members, with opportunities for collaborations outside the university. Research opportunities include paid summer research programs outside JMU and potential internships at government agencies and private companies. The Geology degree has a 3-6 credit hour summer field capstone course requirement that is generally taken between the 3rd and 4th year, or in the summer after the 4th year. Any approved field course can be used to fulfill the requirement. Students of varied abilities are welcome to participate in field courses.

We recommend completing courses equivalent to JMU’s GEOL 110 plus GEOL 110L, OR GEOL 115 plus GEOL 115L. If you have the opportunity and are interested before matriculation at JMU, it is useful to complete some of the following math, chemistry, and/or physics courses required for the major. These include courses equivalent to JMU’s MATH 235, CHEM 131 plus CHEM 131L, CHEM 132 plus CHEM 132L, PHYS 140 plus PHYS 140L, and PHYS 150 plus PHYS 150L.

• Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
• Connect with an advisor at your community college and James Madison University within your first year via College Connect

Students choose one of three concentration options for upper-level electives to focus their interests. These are: 1) Life, Ocean, and Climate Science, 2) Environmental and Engineering Geology, and 3) Solid Earth and Tectonics. Students may also choose to minor in related disciplines including astronomy, data analytics, mathematics, environmental science, and anthropology. Undergraduate students have opportunities to serve as paid course assistants and to participate in spring break and summer field programs. As part of the required research experience, students may choose to present their findings at regional or national meetings, gaining further experience and connections that place them at an advantage for admission into graduate programs and employment.

The Department of Geology and Environmental Science has an excellent collection of modern analytical equipment for laboratory and field work and is known as a premier undergraduate geosciences program with nationally-recognized faculty in a range of research subdisciplines. JMU Geology students are highly sought after for field and analytical skills, as well as research and teaching experience provided through our program. Students graduating from JMU with a B.S. in Geology either enter graduate school or immediately find employment in environmental and engineering consulting firms, the energy industry, or public outreach and teaching positions. Students admitted to graduate programs in the geosciences typically have tuition fully waived and are also provided a stipend for being a research or teaching assistant.

• Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
• Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: James Madison University