Survey the characteristics, occurrences, and origins of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. The laboratory work consists of identification and recognition of rocks in hand specimen and thin section.

Instruction on the mechanics of rock deformation and analysis of geologic structures, including faults and folds. Includes required field trip.

Study the principles of sedimentary rock deposition and structure as well as the principles of stratigraphy and rock correlation. Includes required field trip.

Most students will complete a minor in Biblical Studies by default by completing the 24 units in their GE classes and upper-division requirements across 4 years at TMU. In addition to their major, students can also complete a minor in any of these programs by completing the required 15-27 units, depending on the minor: Accounting, Biblical Studies, Biology, Business Administration, Communication, Computer Science, Education, English, History, Global Studies, Kinesiology & Physical Education, Mathematics, Music, and/or Political Studies.

B.S. in Geoscience degrees are accredited, 4-year undergraduate degree programs offered on campus in Santa Clarita. Students are required to complete 49 Geoscience Core units, 19 Geology Emphasis units, 33 General Education (GE) units, and 21 Bible units. A minimum total of 121 units are required to graduate. Some GE and Bible units may be taken through TMU Online. Students may also fulfill the necessary classes in the TMU IBEX Israel Semester or the TMU Italy Summer program.

Geoscience Core Courses
CH151 General Chemistry I* ……………………………………………….. 3, 1
CH152 General Chemistry II* ………………………………………………. 3, 1
GS150 Essentials of Geology* ……………………………………………… 3, 1
GS252 Historical Geology* ………………………………………………….. 3, 1
GS321 Mineralogy* ………………………………………………………………. 3, 1
GS351 GIS & Geomorphology* ………………………………………….. 3, 1
GS420 Senior Seminar in Geoscience ……………………………………… 1
GS422 Senior Capstone in Geoscience ……………………………………. 1
GS452 Environmental Geoscience* …………………………………….. 3, 1
LS151 Organismic Biology* ………………………………………………… 3, 1
LS220 Research Methods Lab …………………………………………………. 1
LS372 Origins………………………………………………………………………….. 3
MA260 Elementary Statistics …………………………………………………….. 3
Total units required for core ………………………………………………………………… 41
*With corresponding lab.

• Demonstrate an ability to identify and classify major rocks and minerals.
• Compare and contrast differing viewpoints of earth history from various theocentric and naturalistic worldviews and how these worldviews shape geological interpretation.
• Demonstrate the ability to read and interpret geologic maps, including the use of geographic information systems (GIS).
• Effectively prepare written and oral presentations from primary research literature in the geological sciences.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of geological processes including plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, erosion, and weathering.
• Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the principles of stratigraphy and dating as they are used in correlation and interpreting earth history.

Requirements are subject to change; please refer to the current academic catalog for the most up-to-date information.

Earth systems are studied as natural processes, often ignoring moral or theological significance.

The Earth is God’s creation for us to steward and understand, exploring it with ethical responsibility.

Graduates study the Earth as God’s handiwork. They develop scientific skills to explore, explain, and care for creation as faithful stewards who glorify Christ through their work.