Bachelor of Science [B.S] [Ocean and Earth Science] From Old Dominion University

Students in the Ocean and Earth science program focus on global systems that control environmental conditions on the planet. They also learn to develop solutions to complex environmental problems by working in interdisciplinary teams. All majors in the department complete courses in the basic sciences and mathematics, core courses in Earth systems science, and a capstone field research experience. In addition, students complete a suite of specialty courses according to one of the following concentrations. A minimum grade of C or higher in all major and prerequisite courses is required for graduation.

Oceanography Concentration

The oceanography concentration is designed for students considering graduate work or employment in the pure and applied fields of oceanography. Students select specialty courses in biological oceanography, chemical oceanography, or physical oceanography. If students select the biological subdiscipline, they are strongly encouraged to minor in biology and select 12 credits from 300/400 level biology courses. If students select the chemical subdiscipline, they are strongly encouraged to minor in chemistry and select the following courses: CHEM 211-213, 212-214, 321 and 322. If students select the physical subdiscipline, they are strongly encouraged to minor in applied mathematics and select the following courses: MATH 312, 316, 317 and 401.

Geology Concentration

The geology concentration is designed for students with a wide range of professional goals in the sciences, engineering, business, and the arts. Students considering graduate work or employment in pure and applied fields of geology, including environmental geology, geological oceanography, hydrogeology, geophysics, and geochemistry, should build their backgrounds to support certification as a professional geologist (see later information). Students with a strong interest in geological applications of geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing tools should consider the geology concentration with a minor in geography; the certificate program in spatial analysis of coastal environments (see later description) also emphasizes this area of study.

Earth Science Education Concentration

The Earth science education endorsement concentration is designed for students preparing to teach Earth science in secondary schools. This program meets the requirements for teacher licensure in Virginia as established by the Virginia Board of Education licensure regulations.