B.S. in Geology

The bachelor of science degree in geology is a rigorous program that prepares students for the graduate study of work as a professional geologist. The bachelor of arts degree is similar but is intended for students interested in careers in science education or natural resource management. Minors in geology and earth-space science are available for students who wish to major in marine science, astronomy, geography, or natural science.

photo of CSAV student with lava The Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes (CSAV) is a training and outreach program established by the Hawaiʻi State Legislature in 1989. Located in the UH Hilo Geology Building, CSAV's mission is to provide training and information on volcanic and natural hazards that occur in Hawaiʻi and worldwide. This is done through a variety of programs: public outreach, including visits to schools and the presentation of public lectures and symposia; a summer program training scientists from developing nations in techniques in volcanic hazards monitoring and response; several research projects; and the production of public informational programs on natural hazards preparedness and response for Hawaiʻi residents.

Geology is the study of the earth: its form and composition, the changes it has undergone and the dynamic forces shaping it today. Geologists are interested in what makes volcanoes erupt, what forces produce mountain ranges, where earthquakes occur and how they can be predicted, how glaciers carve out the landscape, and where petroleum and minerals can be located.

The mission of the UH Hilo Geology Department is to provide students with a rigorous, high-quality foundation in geological science. The primary goal is to prepare students for graduate studies, work as professional geologists, or careers in secondary education, planning, or natural resource management. The Geology Department also supports the liberal arts mission of the University by providing general education students with a broader knowledge of their natural environment. Although delivery of quality undergraduate education is the focus of the Department’s efforts, the Department also supports and contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge, application of geologic knowledge, and community education and service.

The Geology program exposes students to the theory and application of a wide range of disciplines within the geosciences. The curriculum focuses on the composition, structure, history and dynamics of the Earth. Students will acquire a strong background in the basic sciences as they address geological problems using the tools of chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Hilo’s unique natural setting on the slope of an active volcano makes it an ideal place to experience firsthand the more dynamic aspects of geology.

Both laboratory and field activities are important components of the program, and students can expect to develop their descriptive, analytical and interpretive skills. Students are advised that field trips are sometimes conducted outside of class hours.

The study of geology prepares students for careers in environmental science, natural resources, and scientific research on diverse topics including volcanism and hydrology. Many of the students graduating from the B.S. program go on to pursue graduate degrees.

Goals for Student Learning in the Major

Content

Both the B.S. and B.A. programs in Geology are designed to lead to student mastery of basic concepts and vocabulary in the following areas:

• Plate tectonics
• Origin and classification of rocks and minerals
• Geological time scale and how this relates to major events in the history of Earth and its life
• Geophysical properties of the Earth and crustal deformation
• Processes that shape the surface of the Earth
• Environmental hazards and issues

Skills

Graduates are also expected to:

• Develop skills in observing and recording geologic features and processes.
• Develop competency in the interpretation of earth science data, including both qualitative and quantitative analyses.
• Express earth science concepts in writing.
• Become proficient at:
  • Locating and interpreting scientific literature
  • Giving oral presentations
  • Using computers at a level consistent with current professional practice.

Special Aspects of the Program

The Department’s laboratories, classrooms, and support facilities have been designed to house a complete and state-of-the-art geology program. Laboratory facilities include those for rock preparation, mineralogy and petrology, wet chemistry, seismic monitoring, and a geographic information system (GIS) computer laboratory.

Students also have access to instruments and computers used for volcano monitoring through the Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes (CSAV), which is a training and outreach program associated with the Geology Department. CSAV’s mission is to provide training and information on volcanic and natural hazards that occur in Hawaiʻi and worldwide. Instruments available to the Geology program through CSAV include Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, total field station and EDM instruments, precise leveling instruments, portable seismometers, and gas geochemical instruments.

The Geology Club is an active student organization that provides field experiences and interaction with other individuals with an interest in geology.

B.S. in Geology Requirements

Group 1. General Education Basic, Area, and Integrative Requirements in effect Fall 2011

Students may choose to graduate under the General Education Basic, Area, and Integrative requirements and graduation requirements in force at the time they entered the UH System, when they entered UH Hilo, or when they graduate, provided there is no break in enrollment.

Students should meet with their academic advisor to ensure that they enroll in courses that will enable them to meet these requirements as well as requirements for the major and for graduation. Some courses may meet both General Education requirements and major requirements.

Group 2. Major Requirements and Assigned Credits (73 credits)

All required Courses in GEOL in Group 2, Major Requirements, must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

Required Courses from Geology

 - GEOL 111-111L Understanding the Earth (3), Understanding the Earth Lab (1)
 - GEOL 112-112L Hist of the Earth & Its Life (3), History of the Earth Lab (1)
 - GEOL 212 Earth Materials I: Minerals (4)
 - GEOL 320 Erth Mat II: Igneous/Meta Rock (4)
 - GEOL 330 Deformation of the Earth (4)
 - GEOL 340 Sedimentary Processes (4)
 - GEOL 342 Earth Surface Processes (3)
 - GEOL 370 Field Methods (3)
 - GEOL 445 GIS for Geology (3) or GEOL 450 Geological Remote Sensing (3)
 - GEOL 495A-495B Seminar (1), Seminar (1)
 - And nine additional semester hours in GEOL courses at the 300- or 400-level. (9)
 

**Required Courses from Related Fields**

• CHEM 161-161L General Chemistry I (3), General Chemistry I Lab (1)
• CHEM 162-162L General Chemistry II (3), General Chemistry II Lab (1)
• ENG 225 Writing for Sci & Technology (3)
• MATH 241 Calculus I (4)
• MATH 242 Calculus II (4)
• PHYS 170-170L Gen Phys I: Mechanics (4), Gen Phys I Lab (1)
• PHYS 272-272L Gen Phys II: Elec & Magnetism (4), Gen Phys II Lab (1)

otal Semester Hours Required for the B.S. in Geology

120 credits required.

Notes

Students must earn at least a 2.0 GPA in courses required for the major. At least 32 credits must be earned in courses at the 300- or 400-level. Courses in Group 2 supply 32 of these credits. Students preparing for graduate school should consider taking a summer field course in Geology and possibly MATH 300 Ordinary Diff Equations (3) (Ordinary Differential Equations), CS 150 Intro To Computer Science I (3) (Introduction to Computer Science), or PHYS 260 Computational Physics & Astron (3) (Computational Physics and Astronomy). To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology, students must fulfill the requirements for the major and meet all of the University’s other baccalaureate degree requirements. Students wishing to make timely progress toward graduation are urged to pay careful attention to all degree requirements. In addition, when planning a schedule of courses, it is imperative to be aware of course prerequisites and the frequency with which courses are offered. This information is available in the course listings in this Catalog. To ensure progress toward degree completion, students are urged to meet with an advisor each semester before registering.

UH Hilo at a Glance

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is a state university with a private college atmosphere. We offer small class sizes, a low faculty-to-student ratio, and opportunities for research and hands-on learning. As a public university, the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo has a unique position in the State—and country—by offering a rigorous and engaging curriculum at an affordable tuition rate. The admission requirements are moderately selective, allowing above-average students the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a small school experience. UH, Hilo is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Established:

• 1947 when UH Mānoa begins the Hilo program
• 1970 as the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo

Role: Public Liberal Arts and Science University of Hawaiʻi

Calendar:

• 2 semesters of 16-17 weeks each and
• a four-week intensive summer session and
• a six-week regular summer session

Enrollment: 4,043 Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:14 Average Class Size: 20

Campus Size:

• 115 acres - Main Campus
• 33 acres - University Village Phase I (under development)
• 10 acres - Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resource Center
• 110 acres - Panaʻewa Farm
• 163 acres - UH Hilo Science and Technology Park (Makai)
• 324 acres - UH Hilo Science and Technology Park (Mauka)

Degrees:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Science (BS)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Education (MEd)
• Master of Science (MS)
• Doctorate (Ph.D.)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)

Majors:

• 37 Undergraduate
• 8 Graduate
• 4 Doctorates

Tuition: See the Tuition & Fees page

The Most Diverse Students

In 2014, UH Hilo was named as the most diverse four-year public institution in the country by the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Why Students Choose UH Hilo

On Hawai‘i Island, inspiration is everywhere; it’s in the land, sky, and sea, in the people, we meet on forest trails, local markets, and in our classrooms. Built on the coastal slopes of the world’s largest mountain and centered in the Pacific Ocean, the University of Hawai‘i Hilo challenges empowers and inspires our students. As a university community, we draw our inspiration from the people we call ‘ohana, and the island we call home.

Inspired by the ‘Āina

In Hawai‘i we know the land, the ‘āina, sustains us. The earth is more than a resource; it is our source of life. Surrounded by an incredible combination of high mountains and deep ocean, lush rainforest and arid fields of lava, we are inspired to understand our world through bold scholarship and care for our environment through a responsible relationship with our living earth and the community of life it sustains.

Inspired by Discovery

Our island home was discovered by courageous voyagers and their legacy inspires us to follow in the wake of their double-hulled canoes. A UH Hilo education is designed for discovery; from sea stars to supernovae, our focus on hands-on learning allows our students and expert faculty to discover the world together. Research in the field, internships with local businesses and organizations, small class sizes that encourage the honest exchange of ideas, and our university supported exchange programs all come together to inspire our students to discover their talents and passions by exploring the world.

Inspired by Innovation

By cultivating creativity, critical thinking, and cultural understanding, we prepare graduates that are ready to tackle 21st-century challenges and move the world forward. Whether our students are restoring native forests, improving the health of our local community, composing powerful stories, or designing safe landing for the first manned mission to Mars, they take inspiration from centuries of innovation to formulate creative solutions rooted in the hard-earned wisdom of those that came before.

Inspired by Each Other

The unique heritage of Hawai‘i weaves together a lei of cultures that honor our shared humanity and challenges us to learn from each other and see the world through a different lens. Our dynamic programs and vibrant location draw students from across Hawai‘i, the Pacific, and the world, creating academic and social opportunities at UH Hilo that can be found nowhere else on earth.

Inspired by You

When it comes down to it, we exist to prepare our students to empower their lives and transform the world, and you are our greatest inspiration. Deeply committed to creating that opportunity, UH Hilo is leading higher education into the future by providing a rigorous, residential college experience within reach. With the most affordable resident tuition rate in the state and $45 million awarded annually in financial aid and scholarships, we strive to break down barriers to higher education and open the doors of opportunity. At the University of Hawai‘i Hilo, we find our inspiration in the unique community and amazing environment that surrounds us every day. If there was ever a place to be inspired, this is it. Join us, and find what inspires you.