Earth Resources, Certificate
(Code 160-603)
Advisor: P. Ihinger (Geology).
The Department of Geology administers an Earth Resources certificate. This certificate provides non-Geology majors with core science, policy, and communication skills to better understand complex environmental issues involving mineral and water extraction and usage. The certificate would be ideal for Business, Communication, Economics, Geography, Journalism, Political Science, and Integrated Strategic Communication: Public Relations majors, who might need to communicate with scientists, engineers, politicians, and advocacy groups about environmental issues.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Sixteen credits required | 16 | |
| Required Core (10 crs): | ||
| BIOL 338 | Vegetation Ecology | 4 |
| GEOL 301 | Earth Resources and Sustainability | 3 |
| GEOL 308 | Water Resources | 3 |
| Communication Skills (choose one of the following): | 3 | |
| Fundamentals of Human Communication | ||
| Beginning Journalism | ||
| Introduction to Organizational Communication | ||
| Introduction to Integrated Strategic Communication | ||
| Policy and Ethics (choose one of the following): | 3 | |
| Environmental Economics | ||
| U.S. Environmental and Sustainability Policy | ||
| Environmental Ethics | ||
Note: Students cannot pursue the Geology major and the Earth Resources certificate to meet graduate requirements for completing a first and second degree program.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students completing this program will be expected to meet the following learning outcomes:
- Explain Earth processes.
- Use mathematics and computational methods to analyze scientific and geological data.
- Read, write, and critically evaluate geological papers.
- Construct an internally consistent geological map utilizing field data, topographic maps, geological maps, air photos, geographic information systems (GIS) data, and geological cross sections.
- Use analytical and quantitative methods to evaluate an environmental problem.