Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

Bachelor of Arts, Major in Earth Science

Bachelor of Arts
The University of Virginia's College at Wise

UVA Wise's earth science major includes courses in geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy, which are supplemented with offerings in biology and chemistry. A broad program, this major prepares students for a variety of scientific careers and makes use of the College's location, which is ideal for studying Appalachian geology, species identification, and natural resources.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
Click here for details
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Transfer Degree
Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree The earth science degree requires prepartory course work in the math and sciences. Students who pursue this degree will study introductory and advanced coursework in geology, geographic information systems, biology, chemistry, biocheistry, math and physics. Students can choose a biology, chemistry or earth sciences track.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

Pre-calculus I and II are recommended to prepare you for biology and chemistry.

  • 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 The University of Virginia's College at Wise within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses Students interested in the sciences are encouraged to pursue the pre-calculus/calculus track to prepare for courses biology and chemistry.
Doing More With Your Degree Students have the option of partipating in undergraduate research or taking classes with experiential learning in the field. Additionally department minors include biology, chemistry, public health, and physics.
Program Successes & Highlights Undergraduate research and publication. Greater opportunities for graduate study and pre-professional prepartion for dentistry, forestry, medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy and veterinary medicine. Community-based learning in appalachian environment. Our flagship Fellowship In Natural Sciences (FINS) program provides students with a stipend and fiscal support for summer research projects that may be presented or published.
Program Credit Requirements
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Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Bachelor of Arts, Major in Earth Science
120
Bachelor of Arts in Natural Science, Major in Earth Science
120
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 62 credits may be applied to this program.
Bachelor of Arts in Natural Science, Major in Earth Science
120
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
Liberal Arts Core
48
Freshman Seminar
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
LAC Written Communication
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
LAC Global Communications
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
LAC Quantitative Reasoning
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
LAC Scientific Reasoning
8
Earn 8 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
LAC Contextual
21
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Students must take at least 3 credit hours from each subarea (Self, Community, Nation, and World) and a total of 21 hours.
LAC Contextual Self
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
LAC Contextual Community
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
LAC Contextual Nation
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
LAC Contextual World
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Earth Science Major Core
60
Required
60
Earn 60 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Earth.Science Major Elect (GLG)
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Earth Science Group Choice - Choose A Group
7
Earth Science Group 1
7
Earn 7 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Earth Science Group 2
7
Earn 7 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Earth Science Group 3
7
Earn 7 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Applicable Admissions Agreements
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The table below lists admissions agreements between The University of Virginia's College at Wise 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.

Institution Name Type Title
Richard Bland College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Richard Bland College and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Blue Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Central Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Danville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Mountain Gateway Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Eastern Shore Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Germanna Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Brightpoint Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Laurel Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Mountain Empire Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
New River Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Northern Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Paul D. Camp Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Patrick & Henry Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Piedmont Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Rappahannock Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Southside Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Southwest Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Tidewater Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Virginia Peninsula Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Virginia Highlands Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Virginia Western Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Wytheville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise

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?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Completion of an Associates of Arts or Associate if Science degree will fullfill all general education requirements at Wise with the exception of foreign language and four cultural activity credits. Depending on the major of choice, some general education courses may fulfil major requirements.

As long as program prerequisite courses are met in math, you can begin working on your major as soon as you are admitted to Wise!
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School As long as program prerequisite courses are met in math, you can begin working on your major as soon as you are admitted to Wise!
Credit for Prior Learning UVA Wise accepts CLEP, AP, IB and Cambridge credits for students who meet specified scores.
Did You Know That...
  • 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: The University of Virginia's College at Wise
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
Visit our transfer site for more information
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
150
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
92% of Transfer students who applied were accepted. The average GPA of transfer studenst accepted was 2.98
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Yes! We have a place for you at Wise! https://college-life.uvawise.edu/
Transfer Student Catalog Year You can choose your first year of attendance at Wise or two years earlier.
First Year Student Catalog Year Your catalog year would be your first year at Wise or when you officially declare your major.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions Interested students submit an online request form found here: https://www.uvawise.edu/registrar/transferring-courses
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate in Science Degree in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in Science - Major in BiologyAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Degree - Chemistry MajorAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in Science - Major in MathematicsAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in Science - Major in Medical Lab ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in Natural ResourcesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Blue Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Computer ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Blue Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Science in EngineeringAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Blue Ridge Community CollegeAssociate in Science in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Mountain Gateway Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Eastern Shore Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in ScienceAssociateAssociate in Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Science in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Science - Mathematics MajorAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Science - Biotechnology Laboratory TechnicianAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearNot Specified
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in Computer ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in Health SciencesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearHybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in Science: Computational & Data Science MajorAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in Science: Mathematics MajorAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
New River Community CollegeAssociate of Science in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeScience, A.S.AssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Northern Virginia Community CollegeScience: Mathematics Specialization, A.S.AssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Piedmont Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Science in BiotechnologyAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Piedmont Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Physical and Natural ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Science in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Science/EducationAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Science/Math EducationAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Science - ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Science: Science (Chemistry Major)AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Science: Science (Biology Major)AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Science Degree Mathematics MajorAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityScience with concentration in Biology, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityScience with concentration in Chemistry, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityScience with concentration in Physics, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityScience with concentration in Professional Science, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Regent UniversityB.S. in Biophysical SciencesBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
11-9121.01Clinical Research CoordinatorsPlan, 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
11-9121.00Natural Sciences ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.Management Occupations
25-1199.00Postsecondary Teachers, All OtherAll postsecondary teachers not listed separately.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
25-2031.00Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical EducationTeach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
11-9121.02Water Resource SpecialistsDesign or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.Management Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 120 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Bachelor of Arts, Major in Earth Science at The University of Virginia's College at Wise
These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $5,890 Per Semester $47,120 $0 $47,120 Per semester tuition for a full time status of 12 - 18 credit hours
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Tuition & Fee Notes:
  • New Student Fees
    • New Student Fees of $2750 apply to every student and includes Student Information System, Student Activity, and Technology fees.
  • Part Time Students
    • Students that take less than 12 credits hour per semester are charged $250 per credit hour as well student fees.
    • Students that take more than 18 hour per semester are charged $250 per credit hour but no additional fees apply.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.