Bachelor of Science in Geology or Bachelor of Arts in Earth Science

Catalog Year 2024-2027

Based on Associate Transfer Degree Plan in Environmental Science

Transfer Guidance

Admission into the Geology or Earth Science majors at James Madison University

• Students who meet the requirements for guaranteed admission to JMU are guaranteed admission into the Geology or Earth Science major. You do not necessarily need to have taken all courses on the transfer guide to be able to complete the major within two years of transferring to JMU with your associate degree.

• Students must complete an approved transferable associate degree from their Virginia community college with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for guaranteed admission to JMU. Students who do not qualify for guaranteed admission are encouraged to apply to JMU through the regular admission process. For additional details about requirements for guaranteed admission, please see the JMU letter of intent for your community college: www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/transfer-gaa.shtml.

• Have you discovered a love of geology or environmental science later in your VCCS studies and don't have time to finish the course recommendations listed above? That's ok! Try to complete GOL 105 or 110 and some science cognates (chemistry and/or physics) and calculus 1 or statistics before transfer, if possible.

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: https://www.jmu.edu/transfer/

• Register Intent to Transfer: Students can notify JMU of their interest in transferring through College Connect at www.TransferVirginia.org. Transfer applicants from a VCCS institution intending to apply through the Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA) must submit a Letter of Intent prior to applying. Requirements and forms are available at: https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/transfer-GAA.shtml.

• Admission Application: By March 1 for Fall or October 15 for Spring at https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/apply-online.shtml

• Financial Aid: https://www.jmu.edu/financialaid

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: Deadline is March 1. Learn more at studentaid.gov.

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• GOL 106 is not recommended, as students should take the more advanced historical geology at JMU. GOL 135, Field Studies, is a great experience at VCCS but will not satisfy the upper-level field requirement in Geology at JMU.

• 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. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center at www.TransferVirginia.org.

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and James Madison University within your first year. College Connect available in your account at www.TransferVirginia.org.

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• Geology: 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.

• Earth Science: This B.A. degree is designed for students who want a broad science foundation with connections to humanities, social sciences, and the environment. It is well-suited for students interested in science communication, education, or interdisciplinary work.

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: An approved transferable associate degree from a Virginia Community College will waive general education requirements at JMU. The list of approved transferable associate degrees can be found at www.jmu.edu/transfer/vccs-transfer/asdegrees.shtml.

• Dual Enrollment – Completion of Associate Degree in HS: Students who complete a transferable associate degree from a Virginia Community College through Dual Enrollment will not be eligible for guaranteed admission but will receive the general education waiver at JMU. DE associate degree earners who want to make progress toward their intended major should follow the curriculum in this guide.

• Credit for Prior Learning: Credit for prior learning may be awarded differently at JMU than at your previous institution. JMU accepts and reviews AP, IB CIE, and CLEP examinations for all students with eligible scores. JMU will complete an independent review of the test score to apply credit to your JMU student record. Other credit for prior learning is awarded on a per case basis for the ADP and RN-BSN programs in consultation with the department of expertise. Credit for learning acquired in military service is awarded by the registrar's office using the ACE guide credit recommendation for study/experience listed on the military transcript and in consultation with the department of expertise.

• Catalog Year: Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance at JMU

Is This College Right For Me?

• JMU is a mid to large size institution that behaves more like a smaller institution. Faculty and staff hold students as the top priority. JMU has a 96% satisfaction rate. 88% of classes have fewer than 50 students. JMU is the #1 most recommended public University in the US by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education; JMU is the #1 Best College for Employment in Virginia according to U.S. Department of Education statistics compiled by Zippia. JMU has the highest post-graduation job levels of all Virginia colleges. Learn more about our college at www.jmu.edu and www.TransferVirginia.org.

Did You Know That…

• There is no limit to the number of credits you can transfer to JMU, but 50% of the credits required for graduation in your major must be taken at a 4-year college or university, and 25% must be taken at JMU. (Most JMU majors require 120 credits, so 60 must come from a 4-year and 30 must be taken at JMU.)

• 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 JMU.

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at www.TransferVirginia.org.

Program Successes & Highlights

• JMU Geology and Earth Science students have access to state-of-the-art analytical equipment, field-based courses, and research opportunities with faculty engaged in active research programs.

• Graduates have pursued careers in environmental consulting, government agencies such as the USGS and EPA, K-12 education, and graduate programs at universities across the country.

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• Generally, two-thirds of transfer applicants are admitted to JMU. Competitive applicants will have mostly As & Bs and have completed at least one class in each of our four core areas (English, mathematics, lab science, and social science).

• JMU defines a transfer student as a student that has graduated from high school (or holds a GED equivalency) AND has taken courses in college after high school graduation.

• Learn more about applying at https://www.jmu.edu/transfer/ or www.TransferVirginia.org.

Do More With Your Degree!

• Students can pursue minors in Environmental Studies, Sustainability, Mathematics, or other disciplines to complement their geoscience coursework. JMU also provides opportunities for undergraduate research and field experiences that strengthen career and graduate school applications.