Geological Sciences, Minor
Discover more about Earth's present, past and future and add genuine Earth-science depth to your own major. Apply novel analysis techniques to Earth materials and learn directly from faculty members who lead NASA- and NSF-funded research.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Minor description
Geological Sciences minor description
If you are interested in developing a basic understanding of earth science and analyzing issues from a scientific viewpoint, the geological sciences minor program is for you.
You gain an understanding of Earth's interior and surface processes and structures and be able to think critically about scientific problems using theoretical and observational methods from geology.
Why earn a geological sciences minor at ASU?
Offered by the School of Earth and Space Exploration, where geoscientists collaborate with planetary scientists, astrophysicists and engineers, this minor brings authentic Earth science to students across many majors. You'll explore it in the geologically spectacular Southwest, at the most innovative university in the U.S.
Additional details
As a School of Earth and Space Exploration undergraduate, you'll be based largely in ISTB4 on ASU's Tempe campus, home to research labs, a meteorite collection and the Marston Exploration Theater, a state-of-the-art 3D theater and planetarium.
Beyond coursework, you can join clubs and student chapters, work in faculty research labs, attend the SESE colloquium and public astronomy nights and head out on field trips across the Southwest.
Courses
This undergraduate minor includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
2026-2027 Catalog Year
The minor requires 21 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the minor, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
| Requirement | Minimum grade | Credit hours |
|---|---|---|
|
The minor in geological sciences consists of 21 credit hours, of which at least 13 credit hours must be upper division. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be taken from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. When selecting courses, the college offering the course can be identified by viewing the course details in Class Search. Only courses completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a scale of 4.00) or better can be used to satisfy minor requirements. |
||
|
GLG 101 Introduction to Geology I (Physical)
(SCIT)
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
GLG 103 Introduction to Geology I: Laboratory
(SCIT)
1 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 1 |
|
GLG 102 Introduction to Geology II (Historical)
(SCIT)
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
GLG 104 Introduction to Geology II: Laboratory
(SCIT)
1 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 1 |
|
GLG 310 Structural Geology
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
GLG 321 Mineralogy
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
SES 401 Earth and Space Exploration Colloquium
1 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 1 |
|
Upper Division
GLG Elective
GLG upper division elective courses should be 3 credits each.
6 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 6 |
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.
|
Enrollment requirements
GPA Requirement: None
Incompatible Majors: BA in earth and environmental sciences; BS in earth and environmental sciences; BS in Earth and space exploration (astrobiology and biogeosciences); BS in Earth and space exploration (geological and planetary sciences)
Other Enrollment Requirements: None
Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and minor.
Here are the admission and application details
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this geological sciences minor prepares you for
Graduates have a solid background in earth materials and processes that are fundamental to careers in environmental engineering and planning, science education, hydrogeology, water resources and scientific publishing, and in many government and nongovernmental agencies.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
School of Earth and Space Exploration
|
ISTB4 795
sese-advising@asu.edu
480-965-5081
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
