School of Earth Sciences and Physics
Director: Cynthia S. Galovich, Ph.D.
Earth Sciences
The Earth Sciences program includes the disciplines of geology, meteorology, oceanography and astronomy. Geology is the study of the earth, its structure, composition and history. Meteorology is the study of the atmosphere and the weather phenomena that affect our daily lives. Oceanography is the study of the physical, chemical and biologic characteristics of the world's oceans. Astronomy (administered by Physics) is the study of the planets, stars and galaxies that make up our universe.
The undergraduate program in the earth sciences provides preparation for professional careers in geology, meteorology, secondary-level earth science teaching and the environmental industry. The graduate program is designed to meet the needs and interests of individuals who wish to expand their knowledge of the earth sciences as science teachers or in other careers that require a knowledge of the earth sciences.
The Earth Sciences program emphasizes the integration of field and laboratory study and students are encouraged to undertake independent research projects and internships.
Environmental Earth Sciences Emphasis
The multidisciplinary Environmental Earth Sciences emphasis is intended for individuals who wish to pursue careers with responsibilities that include environmental monitoring, regulation or management. Students may prepare for entry-level positions in the environmental industry or governmental agencies, or for graduate education in such fields as resource management, environmental public policy and environmental law. The program also is well suited for anyone with a serious interest in the scientific aspect of environmental issues.
Geology Emphasis
The science of geology explores the physical makeup of the earth, the processes that shape it and the history of its development. This program provides a broad background in geology and emphasizes the study of geology in the field and in the laboratory.
Graduates of the geology program will be prepared for entry-level positions as geologists in the petroleum mining, and environmental industries, in local, state and federal governmental agencies and in a variety of engineering and geological consulting firms. The program also provides the background necessary for admission to graduate programs in geology and related fields.
Meteorology Emphasis
The UNC meteorology program has two goals: a strong foundation in the sciences preparing students for graduate school and providing the experience necessary to be ready to take a job in weather forecasting.
The science of meteorology seeks to understand the atmosphere and its phenomena by considering the forces that act on it, the processes that determine its behavior and the interaction between it and the earth beneath. This program provides a broad background in meteorology and stresses practical interpretation of weather data and the importance of meteorology to many aspects of human endeavor.
Graduates of the meteorology program will be prepared for entry-level positions as meteorologists with government agencies and private companies, as weather forecasters with the United States Air Force and as team members with firms concerned with environmental monitoring. Meteorology is also an excellent major for individuals planning careers in either civilian or military aviation. The program provides the background necessary for admission to graduate programs in the atmospheric sciences.
The course requirements assure that our graduates meet all of the requirements for certification with the American Meteorology Society (AMS) and the National Weather Association (NWA).
Secondary Teaching Emphasis
The coursework and experiences in this major are designed to provide the student with a broad background in the four earth science disciplines (astronomy, geology, meteorology and oceanography) and supporting sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics.
Graduates of this program are prepared to teach earth science in grades 7-12. Graduates will have satisfied all the requirements to receive Secondary Science Licensure from the Colorado Department of Education and the Colorado Commission on Higher Education.
Earth Sciences B.S. — PTEP
As part of their Professional Teacher Education Program students must take SCED 441 Methods of Teaching Secondary School Science (3).
A grade point average of 2.5 in the major courses is required to receive approval for admission to the Professional Teacher Education Program, for eligibility to student teach, and for graduation.
For degree and program requirements, see: