Do you want to be a Geology major?

Sometimes I have students that are considering studying geology more after they leave Kirkwood.  In the past I have come across students that have successfully gone from a 2 year college to a 4 year college or university to finish a geology major.  There can be some advantages and some disadvantages at starting a geology major at a two year college. 

NEW!!!  University Iowa has a 2+2 plan with community colleges in Geology.  My suggestions below are a different than the Iowa's 2+2 plan, but have some similarities.  Please take a look at the requirements for the Geology major here: 

http://www.uiowa.edu/2plus2/majors/kirkwood/geoscience.html

Let me give you some advice about becoming a geology major.

1) It is important to get many of your general education requirements finished early.  That will give you more time later to concentrate on courses required for the geology major in your junior or senior year of college.

2) Take Introductory Geology with lab, Evolution of the Earth with lab, as well as Environmental Geology or Environmental Science.

3) It might also be helpful to take some chemistry, physics, and calculus before leaving Kirkwood.  Most places require a semester or two in each of these topics.  You don't necessarily have to take all these classes while at Kirkwood, but it can help you get your bachelors in 4 years.

4) Review the requirements for the geology major at the college or university that you plan to transfer to.  If you can select your classes wisely at Kirkwood, then that will cause less problems later when transferring.  This can be particular important for chemistry, physics, and calculus.  There should be good people in the admissions or advising departments at your perspective transfer institutions that will be willing to help you understand what transfers for geology majors.

5) Talk with your geology professors about your interest.  Your professors know what the general requirements are for a geology major and they can help you understand what you need to do. 

For questions or comments email: john.dawson@kirkwood.edu