Geological Sciences

The Geology concentration is the most rigorous degree path in the Geological Sciences and is designed primarily for students wishing to pursue MS and Ph.D. degrees in Geosciences after graduation. The comprehensive geology curriculum, combined with support courses in allied STEM fields, ensures the required coursework for graduate programs while also preparing graduates for any career in geosciences.

This program allows students who have completed three years in geology to enter a program allowing them to complete both a BS and GIS MS within five years. 

Starting in the senior year, the students enrolled in this program begin taking GIS-focused graduate courses so that after five years, they will have completed all of the requirements for both programs.

This degree path is appropriate for students whose career goal is to work in the environmental sustainability field. The curriculum provides a rigorous applied education appropriate for students who wish to move directly into the sustainability and environmental fields after graduation. Concentration courses highlight timely skills and experiences sought after by employers within these fields. 

The earth science concentration is appropriate for students interested in education and wish to work as teachers in K-12 schools. In addition to a broad earth science education, the curriculum provides the necessary background in allied STEM fields that fully train future science teachers.

The Earth Studies concentration is designed for students who are interested in how Earth works but do not necessarily wish to pursue a career as a professional scientist. The major is designed to be conducive to a double major with another field of interest, such as English, art, or communications, and provides exciting opportunities for inter-and multi-disciplinary programs of study.  

This degree path is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in the forensic sciences. The concentration provides a rigorous applied education appropriate for students who wish to move directly into the forensic sciences and analytical fields after graduation. Concentration courses highlight timely skills and experiences sought after by employers within these fields. 

This minor option is designed for students who wish to pursue a multi- or inter-disciplinary course of study centered around Earth. Students will work with the department chair to design a custom set of natural science courses that fit their interests. 

The forensic science minor provides an applied background for students who are interested in the scientific aspects of forensic analysis. This is an excellent option for criminal justice majors who want to broaden their analytical and scientific training. 

The geological sciences minor provides inquiry-based training for any student who has an interest in how Earth works. This minor is very relevant for students pursuing careers in the sustainability, environmental, and conservation fields and for those interested in acquiring an expertise in the geological sciences.

The oceanography minor provides a background on the scientific study of Earth's oceans and takes advantage of Salem State's coastal location. The training provided is especially important for students who are interested in the oceans or plan to have a career that incorporates marine resources. 

The sustainability of Earth resources minor provides an opportunity for students to engage in the science of natural resource sustainability through multi-disciplinary course work.