All Geology students (B.S. and B.A.) are encouraged to engage in independent research under the direction of a Geology faculty member. Research may be completed for academic credit and can be used to fulfill requirements for both the B.S. and B.A. degrees. You do not need to wait until you are a senior to start a project - if there is a project you want to pursue, pursue it! Undergraduate research can lead to publication of results in a peer-reviewed journal, and is excellent preparation for any professional position (where developing projects, collecting data and presenting results will be essential) or graduate school.
There are two options available for completing an undergraduate thesis - honors and non-honors options. For either option, students are encouraged to approach the faculty and talk to them about potential projects.
Students with a GPA of 3.2 or greater may graduate with honors if they complete and honors research project (GEOL 98 and 99) under the direction of one of the Geology faculty. For more information on graduation with honors, please contact Dr. Drew Coleman or the honors program office Funding is available for honors research through the Department, the honors program, and the Office of Undergraduate Research.
All students may complete a senior thesis, independent of GPA. Students interested in this option should contact a Geology faculty member and enroll in GEOL 199. Funding is available for senior research through the Department, and the Office of Undergraduate Research.