Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS) Undergraduate Programs

41 ROBERT H. WICK SCIENCE BUILDING/(320) 308-3260
www.stcloudstate.edu/eas

Also see College of Science and Engineering description and requirements.

Chairperson: Tony Hansen
Faculty: J. Fedele, A. Hansen, Hoff, Kubesh, Nastrom, Pekarek, Pound, Weisman

The earth and atmospheric sciences encompass a broad range of interdisciplinary fields built on a foundation of physical sciences and mathematics. The EAS department's major programs in geology, hydrology, meteorology, and earth and space science teaching are designed to effectively prepare students for productive careers in these professions or for continued study at the graduate level. The department is dedicated to providing an excellent learning environment for its students through the use and assessment of a variety of learning experiences including formal class work, laboratory and field work, learning through peer interaction, undergraduate research, and internships, while always being open to new and improved forms of learning.

Students considering EAS majors are encouraged to discuss their plans with EAS faculty during their freshman and sophomore years. Students should have made a solid beginning in the math, physics and chemistry coursework that form the foundation of their major prior to admission to the major. Students applying for admission to an EAS major should have completed the introductory 200 level course in their major (EAS 220 for geology majors, EAS 230 for hydrology majors, EAS 260 for meteorology majors and EAS 205 for earth and space science teaching majors). Application for admission to a major in EAS is typically done in the sophomore year.

Extensive coursework in the sciences and mathematics is required in EAS major programs. Thus, students majoring in these programs are considered to have satisfied the 9 credit general education requirement in the natural sciences (Distribution Area B) and the Core 3 Mathematics requirement. The Math Competency requirement (Core 3) is satisfied by the required math courses in the major programs in the department.

Bachelor of Arts — Earth Science

This is designed for students interested in a liberal arts Earth Science major, particularly for those students wishing to take an additional major or one or more minors. The student has an opportunity to focus in one or more areas of earth science through the choice of electives with adviser approval.

Major (48-49)
EAS 220, 230, 260, 451, 452; CHEM 210; MATH 115 or 112 and 113; PHYS 231 or 234; EAS electives (20) numbered 300 or above with adviser approval.

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science - Earth Science

The earth science minor will be of particular interest to students majoring in biology, environmental studies, and geography as well as other technical or science majors.

Minor (30-31)
EAS 220, 230, 260, CHEM 210; PHYS 231 or 234; EAS electives (10) numbered 300 or above with adviser approval.

Bachelor of Science — Geology

The geology major focuses on the theoretical and practical (field) study of the dynamic processes that shape and control the development of both the interior and the surface of our planet, and which control the disposition of natural resources and our evolving landscape. Particular emphasis is placed on practical, field aspects of geology. The major will prepare students for application to graduate school or for a variety of employment opportunities in entry-level positiions in the minerals and petroleum industries, environmental geology consulting, and government. Students considering this major are encouraged to meet with a faculty adviser at the earliest opportunity in order to plan their program of study.

Major (65)
EAS 220, 230, 260, 305, 307, 322, 325, 423, 424, 425, 451, 452; MATH 211 and 212, or 221 and 222; PHYS 231 and 232, or 234 and 235; CHEM 210, 211. Electives (0-7) with approval of advisor.

Because of extensive coursework in the sciences and mathematics, students graduating with a major in geology are considered as having satisfied the 9 credit general education requirement in natural sciences and mathematics.

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science — Geology

Minor (20-23)
EAS 220 or 205, 305, 307, 325;
Electives—two courses (5-7 Cr.) from the following: EAS 322, 401, 407, 423, 424, 425, 435, 429, 451, 452; only one of 401, 407, 451, 452 may count toward minor.

Bachelor of Science — Hydrology

The hydrology major focuses on the quantitative study of surface and ground water and provides the background for a variety of entry level job opportunities in industry and government and for those intending to pursue graduate work in the field. Students are strongly urged to consider a minor in a related field such as geography - geographic information science, environmental studies or geology.

Major (65)
EAS 220, 230, 260, 332, 334, 336 and 432 or 338 and 434, 451, 452; CHEM 210, 211; GEOG 316; MATH 211, 212 (or 221, 222); PHYS 231, 232 (or 234, 235); Electives (5-11) numbered 300 or above with advisor approval.

Because of extensive coursework in the sciences and mathematics, students graduating with a major in hydrology are considered as having satisfied the 9 credit general education requirement in natural sciences and mathematics.

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science — Hydrology

The hydrology minor will be of particular interest to students majoring in meteorology, environmental studies, and biology as well as other technical or science majors.

Hydrology Minor (23-24)
EAS 220, 230, 260, 332, 334, 336 or 338.

Bachelor of Science — Meteorology

The Meteorology program focuses on the physical and dynamical processes that govern the evolution of the earth's atmospheric circulation and weather. The meteorology major prepares students for professional employment in meteorology in the public and private sectors and for continued study in graduate school. The meteorology major meets the guidelines for bachelor's degree programs set forth by the American Meteorological Society. It also fulfills the requirements for Federal meteorologist positions specified by the National Weather Service. Students should note that Meteorology requires prerequisites in mathematics and physics and should plan to begin this supporting course work as soon as possible. Students should plan to take the meteorology program's orientation course (EAS 160) at the earliest opportunity.

Major (78)
EAS 160, 230, 260, 364 or 468, 365, 375, 380, 385, 451, 452, 465, 475, 478, 486; MATH 221, 222, 321, 325; PHYS 234, 235; CHEM 210; STAT 229 or 353; ECE 102 (CSCI 200 also accepted); Electives (3) chosen with the approval of the student's adviser. A minimum GPA of 2.00 over the courses listed above for the meteorology major is required for graduation.

Because of the extensive coursework in the sciences and mathematics, students graduating with a major in meteorology are considered as having satisfied the 9 credit general education requirement in natural sciences and mathematics.

Minor (29)
EAS 260, 365, 380; MATH 221, 222; PHYS 234; Electives (6) chosen from EAS 364, 375, 385, 420, 465, 468, 475 with the approval of the student's minor adviser.

Bachelor of Science

Science Teaching, Earth and Space Science Emphasis (66)
This program provides the background required by State of Minnesota science-content and science education licensure standards for science teachers in grades 5-8 and earth and space science teachers grades 9-12. All students interested in science teaching must complete both the 5-8 science teaching core and a 9-12 science content emphasis. Students considering this major are encouraged to contact a science education advisor in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the earliest opportunity.

5-8 Science Teaching Core (43)
ASTR 106; BIOL 151, 152; CHEM 210, 211; EAS 205; PHYS 231, 232; SCI 420, 430, 440.

9-12 Earth and Space Science Teaching Emphasis (23)
ASTR 205; EAS 230, 260, 305, 307, 381; Electives (3) chosen from BIOL 415; EAS 300, 405, 407; other courses by prior adviser approval.