Geological Sciences  (Minor)


Are you interested in discovering more about Earth's present, past and future? Join students and faculty who are exploring the physics and chemistry of Earth's interior, mapping surface processes and structures, applying novel analysis techniques to earth materials, and investigating Earth-climate interactions.



Program Description

The geological sciences minor is designed for students interested in developing a basic understanding of earth science and analyzing issues through a scientific viewpoint.



Minor Map

Major/Certificate Map archive


At a Glance: program details

  • Location: Tempe campus
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No


Program Requirements

GPA Requirement: None

Incompatible Majors: BA in earth and environmental studies; BS in earth and space exploration (astrobiology and biogeosciences); BS in earth and space exploration (geological sciences)

Other Enrollment Requirements: None

Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and minor.

Enrollment Requirements

The minor in geological sciences consists of a minimum of 21 credit hours, at least thirteen credit hours of which must be completed at the upper-division level.

The following courses are required for the minor, adding up to 15 credit hours:

GLG 101 Introduction to Geology I (Physical), SQ (3)*
GLG 102 Introduction to Geology II (Historical), SG, H (3)**
GLG 103 Introduction to Geology I - Laboratory, SQ (1)*
GLG 104 Introduction to Geology II - Laboratory, SG (1)**
GLG 310 Structural Geology (3)
GLG 321 Mineralogy (3-4)
GLG 400 Earth and Space Exploration Colloquium (1)

*Both GLG 101 and 103 must be taken to secure SQ credit.
**Both GLG 102 and 104 must be taken to secure SG credit.

The remaining six credit hours of electives must be upper-division GLG courses, except GLG 300 and 400. In some cases, courses in other related subjects may be approved by an academic advisor in the School of Earth and Space Exploration. Students should receive approval for substitutions prior to registration.

Depending upon a student's undergraduate program of study, prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.







Program Contact Information

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