Undergraduate Programs in Geosciences
The Department of Geosciences offers two Bachelor degrees: a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Geosciences with an emphasis in either Geology or Geography and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Environmental Geosciences. You can complete the B.S. with a Geography emphasis (including GIS) and the B.A. entirely online via the FHSU Virtual College.
For more details regarding course requirements, download a PDF of our undergraduate curriculum. Students completing our B.S. or B.A. Students completing our B.S. online (with a focus on Geography) or B.A. can simultaneously complete three separate certificates in addition to a Bachelor degree.
Geology (B.S.) is largely a field-oriented science that examines the Earth's history, processes and materials, and how these areas of examination impact our lives.
Geography (B.S) is the study of where things are, and why things are where they are. Physical Geography is about patterns in the natural world, including the atmosphere, oceans, and solid land. Human Geography is about patterns of human cultural, political, and economic activity.
Environmental Geosciences (B.A.) is a combination of the geology and geography curriculums with an emphasis on human-environmental interactions. Language, policy, and leadership classes can be substituted for field- and lab-intensive courses.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a computer tool for manipulating and displaying spatial data (information about places and what can be found at those places). GIS can be used for making maps, but it can do much more, including asking questions about relationships between places and how places have changed.
Program Requirements
For either a Geology- or Geography-focused B.S. in Geosciences, you'll need to complete Geoscience courses, General/Liberal Education courses, and elective courses (courses that may be inside or outside of Geosciences).
For the B.A. in Environmental Geosciences, you’ll need to complete Geosciences courses, General/Liberal Education courses, elective courses (that maybe inside or outside of Geosciences) and a foreign language requirement.
Wondering what course listings in your area of interest might look like?
Below, you will find curriculum guides for popular student interests. These guidelines are only suggestions. Once you select an area of emphasis, you will have some freedom to work with your adviser to tailor your curriculum to fit your interests.
B.S. GEOSCIENCES - GEOGRAPHY suggested curriculum list
Human or Physical Geography
ONLINE Geography
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)B.S. GEOSCIENCES - GEOLOGY suggested curriculum list
Traditional Geology
Environmental Geology
Paleontology
Petroleum GeologyB.A. GEOSCIENCES - ENVIRONMENTAL GEOSCIENCES suggested curriculum list
On-campus/Online
How to Reach Us
Department of Geosciences
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street
Tomanek Hall 233
Phone: 785-628-5389
geosciences@fhsu.edu
Dr. Laura Wilson, Interim Chair
(785) 628-5389
lewilson6@fhsu.edu
Dr. Keith Bremer, Undergraduate Advisor
(785) 628-4644
kabremer@fhsu.edu
