Program Details
BA in Geology
Bachelor of ArtsRadford University
The Geology Department offers training for students interested in the Earth - its processes, materials, history, environment, and human interactions. The Bachelor of Arts degree is designed for students who wish to gain a solid foundation of skills and knowledge in the earth sciences but wish to pursue a “hybrid” career that includes diverse fields such as science writing, business, marketing, and media. The Bachelor of Arts reflects the modern changes in the geology workforce that emphasize multiple skills in customer relations, communication, finance, GIS, international culture and language.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes This program has a foreign language requirement. In addition to taking a core set of geology courses, students must choose a non-geology minor that reflects their career path. Advising will be coordinated between the student, the Geology Department, and an advisor in the minor. To graduate with a major in geology, students must maintain an overall grade point average of 2.0 in all courses in geology and in the required courses in chemistry, geospatial science, mathematics, statistics, and unmanned aerial systems. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | |
Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Radford University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of the transfer-oriented associate degree program will guarantee completion of the University Core general education component of the RU undergraduate curriculum but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequesisites needed for the major. You enter as a junior with general education requirements met as indicated in the pathway map. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | You enter as a junior with general education requirements met as indicated in the pathway map. |
Credit for Prior Learning | We accept AP, IB, and CLEP results for college credit if the score earned meets college expectations. Enter your test into the portal to see if your scores will earn credit. If you have industry or military experience, please use College Connect to reach out to us to discuss these prior learning experiences. |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | Radford University is a medium-sized residential college campus of just over 7,500 students. Located the city of Radford in southwest Virginia, we offer 76 academic majors in six academic colleges. Incoming freshmen are required to live on campus their first two years; incoming transfer students do not have an on-campus requirement but are able to live on campus should they so choose. Opportunities to get involved on campus are numerous and include more than 200 student organizations, Division I athletic teams, and plenty of outdoor adventure trip planned by the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Science, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Earth Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Geology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Richard Bland College | Associate of Science-Physical Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Arts in Earth and Environmental Sciences | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Science in Earth and Environmental Sciences (Online Program) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
George Mason University | Geology, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
George Mason University | Geology, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
William & Mary | Geology (Environmental) - Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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25-1051.00 | Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
11-9121.01 | Clinical Research Coordinators | Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data. | Management Occupations |
19-4043.00 | Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians | Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-2042.00 | Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers | Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-2043.00 | Hydrologists | Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
11-9121.00 | Natural Sciences Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields. | Management Occupations |
11-9121.02 | Water Resource Specialists | Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues. | Management Occupations |
Cost To Complete
