Preparation for Transfer as an Earth Sciences Major
The following sequences are suggested courses to take in your semesters prior to transferring to SMU as an Earth sciences major. For students attending a Texas public community college or university, Texas Common Course Numbers (TCCNS) are listed. If you are transferring from a college or university outside of Texas, click on the SMU course for a course description which may be used to select/compare courses at your current institution.
CC listings refer to SMU’s Common Curriculum, which all undergraduates are required to complete. Refer to the Common Curriculum Transfer Guide for a list of courses satisfying CC components. Interactive equivalency guides organized by transfer institution are available on the Transfer and Transition Services’ website.
Save all of your course syllabi!
Please note: These plans assume students are ready to take calculus. If you are not “calculus ready,” take math courses to prepare you for calculus so that you advance to calculus as soon as possible. Also, if you are planning a minor, typically only one or two transfer courses will be applied.
Preparing for a Smooth Transition
A seamless transfer to SMU and the Earth Sciences program requires planning. This guide is designed to assist you in planning your transition. Taking the time to prepare for your move lays the best foundation for success. The following are a few important points to remember:
- The second language requirement of the Common Curriculum may be satisfied by 1) transferring two terms of college courses in the same world language, 2) placing out of four terms of world language by taking an SMU placement test or through AP or IB credit, or 3) being literate in a native language other than English.
- SMU accepts AP scores of 4 or 5.
- Work on the Common Curriculum prior to transfer is highly encouraged.
- Compare Course Descriptions found in SMU’s University Catalog to course descriptions at your current institution to maximize your awarded transfer credits.
- For additional information on Earth Sciences majors, visit the department homepage or call 214-768-2750
- For more information about transferring to SMU, click here or call 214-768-3417.
B.S. in Earth Sciences
SCHs = Semester Credit Hours
|
First Year
|
| Fall |
TCCN |
SCHs |
| WRTR 10XX - First Year Writing I |
ENGL 1301 |
3 |
| CHEM 1303 - General Chemistry / CHEM 1113 - General Chemistry Laboratory |
CHEM 1411 |
4 |
| GEOL 1301 - Earth Systems |
GEOL 1401 or GEOL 1403 |
4 |
| MATH 1337 - Calculus I (or pre-calc, if needed) |
MATH 2413 |
3 |
| CC Breadth Course - Creativity and Aesthetics |
Choose One: ARTS 1301, ARTS 1316, ARTS 2316, ARTS 2326, ARTS 2333, ARTS 2346, ARTS 2356, DRAM 1351, HUMA 1315, MUSI 1306 |
3 |
| |
SCHs |
17 |
| Spring |
TCCN |
SCHs |
| WRTR 10YY - First Year Writing II |
ENGL 1302 |
3 |
| CHEM 1304 - General Chemistry / CHEM 1114 - General Chemistry Laboratory |
CHEM 1412 |
4 |
| GEOL 1305 - Oceanography |
GEOL 1445 |
4 |
| CC Breadth Course - Historical Contexts |
Choose One: ARTS 1303, ARTS 1304, HIST 1301, HIST 1302, HIST 2321, HIST 2322 |
3 |
| CC Breadth Course -Social and Behavioral Sciences |
Choose One: ANTH 2351, GOVT 2305, GOVT 2371, PSYC 2301, PSYC 2314, PSYC 2319, SOCI 1301 |
3 |
| |
SCHs |
16 |
|
Second Year
|
| Fall |
TCCN |
SCHs |
| PHYS 1303 - Introductory Mechanics / PHYS 1105 - Mechanics Laboratory |
PHYS 2425 |
4 |
| GEOL 1307 - The Solar System |
PHYS 1404 |
4 |
| CC Breadth Course - Literary Analysis and Interpretation |
Choose One: ENGL 2321, ENGL 2322, ENGL 2323, ENGL 2326, ENGL 2327, ENGL 2328, ENGL 2331, ENGL 2332, ENGL 2333 |
3 |
| CC Breadth Course - Philosophical, Religious and Ethical Inquiry |
Choose One: PHIL 1301, PHIL 1304, PHIL 2303, PHIL 2306 |
3 |
| World Language* |
|
4 |
| |
SCHs |
18 |
| Spring |
TCCN |
SCHs |
| GEOL 1313 - Earthquakes and Volcanoes if available |
|
3 |
| GEOL 1315 - Introduction to Environmental Science |
GEOL 1405 |
4 |
| SPCH 10XX |
SPCH 1315 |
3 |
| CC Breadth Course - Technological Advances in Society |
Choose One: COSC 1301/1401, BCIS 1305, COSC 1309 |
3 |
| World Language* |
|
4 |
| |
SCHs |
17 |
B.A. in Earth Sciences
SCHs = Semester Credit Hours
|
First Year
|
| Fall |
TCCN |
SCHs |
| WRTR 10XX - First Year Writing I |
ENGL 1301 |
3 |
| CHEM 1303 - General Chemistry / CHEM 1113 - General Chemistry Laboratory |
CHEM 1411 |
4 |
| GEOL 1301 - Earth Systems |
GEOL 1401 or GEOL 1404 |
4 |
| MATH 1337 - Calculus I (or pre-calc, if needed) |
MATH 2413 |
3 |
| CC Breadth Course - Creativity and Aesthetics |
Choose One: ARTS 1301, ARTS 1316, ARTS 2316, ARTS 2326, ARTS 2333, ARTS 2346, ARTS 2356, DRAM 1351, HUMA 1315, MUSI 1306 |
3 |
| |
SCHs |
17 |
| Spring |
TCCN |
SCHs |
| WRTR 10YY - First Year Writing II |
ENGL 1302 |
3 |
| GEOL 1305 - Oceanography |
GEOL 1445 |
4 |
| PHYS 1301 - The Ideas of Modern Physics if available |
|
3 |
| CC Breadth Course - Historical Contexts |
Choose One: ARTS 1303, ARTS 1304, HIST 1301, HIST 1302, HIST 2321, HIST 2322 |
3 |
| CC Breadth Course - Philosophical, Religious & Ethical Inquiry |
Choose One: PHIL 1301, PHIL 1304, PHIL 2303, PHIL 2306 |
3 |
| |
SCHs |
16 |
|
Second Year
|
| Fall |
TCCN |
SCHs |
| GEOL 1307 - The Solar System |
PHYS 1404 |
3 |
| PHYS 1303 - Introductory Mechanics / PHYS 1105 - Mechanics Laboratory |
PHYS 2425 |
4 |
| CC Breadth Course - Literary Analysis and Interpretation |
Choose One: ENGL 2321, ENGL 2322, ENGL 2323, ENGL 2326, ENGL 2327, ENGL 2328, ENGL 2331, ENGL 2332, ENGL 2333 |
3 |
| World Language* |
|
4 |
| SPCH 10XX |
SPCH 1315 |
3 |
| |
SCHs |
17 |
| Spring |
TCCN |
SCHs |
| GEOL 1315 - Introduction to Environmental Science |
GEOL 1405 |
4 |
| CC Breadth Course - Social and Behavioral Sciences |
Choose One: ANTH 2351, GOVT 2305, GOVT 2371, PSYC 2301, PSYC 2314, PSYC 2319, SOCI 1301 |
3 |
| CC Breadth Course - Technological Advances in Society |
Choose One: COSC 1301/1401, BCIS 1305, COSC 1309 |
3 |
| World Language* |
|
4 |
| |
SCHs |
16 |
Note
*The second language requirement may be satisfied by (1) transferring two terms of college courses in the same world language, (2) placing out of four terms of a world language by taking an SMU placement test or through AP or IB credit, or (3) being literate in a native language other than English.
Roy M. Huffington Department of Earth Sciences
The Earth Sciences major helps students ponder some of the most pressing issues of our day, including climate change, natural resources and hazards. The study of the Earth places the consequences of our activities, such as pollution, land use, resource exploitation and population growth, into the greater framework of Earth history and planetary evolution.
With funding from organizations such as the U.S. Departments of Defense and Energy and the National Science Foundation, SMU’s Earth Sciences program has achieved international recognition in the research areas of seismology, geothermal studies and paleoclimatology.
The Hamilton Visiting Scholar in Geophysics Endowment
The visiting scholar program, made possible through the generosity of Geotech CEO Jack Hamilton, brings cutting edge scientists to SMU each semester to discuss the latest developments in Earth sciences research. Speakers include geophysicists, professors and other professionals representing institutions such as the Smithsonian, the U.S. Geological Survey and leading colleges and universities worldwide. Hamilton’s gift also gives SMU students access to and use of some of the most high-tech seismic equipment currently available.
Earth Sciences Resources
The depth of Earth Sciences’ commitment to research is evident in the breadth of its resources. Those include the Shuler Museum of Paleontology, which houses fossil collections of vertebrates, invertebrates and plants for teaching and research, as well as the SMU Geothermal Laboratory and Geophysics Research Archives.
Degrees Offered in Earth Sciences
Two majors and two minors are offered by the department:
Earth Sciences, B.S . (60-64 hrs)
Earth Sciences, B.A. (41-42 hrs)
Minor in Geology (17-18 hrs)
Minor in Environmental Earth Sciences (17-18 hrs)
The B.S. in Earth Sciences can be completed with transcripted specializations in Geology, Geophysics or Environmental and Resource Science. A self-designed program equivalent to 60-61 credit hours is possible, with approval by the Director of Undergraduate Studies or Chair of Earth Sciences.
The B.A. in Earth Science can be completed with transcripted specializations in Geology or Environmental Studies. A self-designed program equivalent to 41-42 credit hours is possible, with approval by the Director of Undergraduate Studies or Chair of Earth Sciences.
Participation in a recognized geology summer field camp is strongly recommended for all majors. Most Earth sciences graduate programs in the United States require a field course.
Experience with a modern scientific computing language is essential. This experience can be gained in a course such as GEOL 3359 - Computer Methods in Earth Sciences .
The requirements for the major are considered minimal. Students planning careers in the Earth sciences should take additional course work according to the emphasis that best fits their goals.
SMU Degree
A degree from SMU is typically comprised of a minimum of 120 hours, 60 of which must be completed through SMU, 42 of which must be in courses at the 3000 and higher levels. Components of the degree include:
- Courses in your major
- Courses required for the Common Curriculum (CC)
- Elective courses. These electives may also be used to add a second major or minor. Common minors for Earth sciences majors include anthropology, business, mathematics, political science and any foreign language.
The Common Curriculum (CC)
The Common Curriculum is required of all undergraduate students and consists of three main components:
- Foundations - 6 hours of Discernment and Discourse courses, 3 hours of Quantitative Foundation courses, 3 hours of Critical Reasoning courses, proficiency in a second language.
- Breadth - 7 Breadth courses which may double count with majors and minors.
- Proficiencies and Experiences - 6 Proficiencies and Experiences requirements, met through Breadth coursework or approved, noncredit activities.
Apply Now!
Click here for more information about transferring to SMU.
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