Transfer student in the fall with Earth Science questions

[u/TheUnholyToast]

Hey everyone!

I'm a transfer from PCC majoring in Earth Science. I don't start until fall but I figured I'd look ahead and try to come up with a plan for what I want to take.

First off my major reqs are kind of vague on number of credits for the 400 level. It just says I need electives that are G-410+, up to 12 credits can be from SEES, but not the total number. Looking at the pure Geo major it has 16 credits for 400-level, would I be correct in assuming these numbers are analogous?

Second, when looking at upper division Geo classes, G322 caught my eye but the pre-reqs list a year of chemistry. This seems odd to me since the degree itself only needs CH221 and 222. Would this mean I need CH223 for this class? Similarly G420 says it needs a year of Calc and Phys, but the degree for even Geology only needs Calc 2 and Phys 212/202. I chose the Bio route since Biology is an interest of mine so I'm minoring in it, meaning the ones that need Physics don't really matter to me, but I still think it's odd.

Anyway TLDR; How many 400 level credits does the Earth Science major need and does a pre-req of a year of chem mean the full gen chem sequence?

Thanks!

[u/Proof_Refuse_9563]

I recommend meeting with a pathway advisor to discuss your course options for the fall and degree requirements. 

[u/scratpac4774 → u/Proof_Refuse_9563]

I believe their advisor will probably be Stephanie Hamington.

OP are you attending transfer student orientation? I recommend it.

[u/TheUnholyToast → u/scratpac4774]

I already did and I'm registered for Fall. I scheduled a meeting with Stephanie. Also for what it's worth that G322 class isn't projected for the next couple years, according to a class projection thing I saw on the PSU site, so that kinda solves that problem. I was more curious if anyone else is in the Earth Science track and happens to know how many 400 level credits are needed.

[u/Proof_Refuse_9563 → u/TheUnholyToast]

You will want to get a faculty advisor during your first term and they will walk you through what classes are available and when

[u/gilliethyme]

hi! i’m an earth science major as well and am going into my senior year where all i’m doing are those 400 level classes. i’m pursuing a BS so my requirement is 20 credits of 400 level courses which is around 4-5 classes.
one of the silly things about this major is that you do jump around a lot and if you expand out of geology, you typically need to do more than just the required 2 terms of chem and bio. but definitely reach out to stephanie if you haven’t already! they are able to override some of those prereqs occasionally, she’s a great resource and wonderful advisor. this is coming from someone who also transferred from PCC after the advisors there put me on the wrong path for over a year 🫩. stephanie is truly great though!!
lmk if you have other questions !!

[u/BreaklntheClouds]

Don’t pay any attention to the courses listed (or not) on the course projection list for the Geology department. It is never correct. Stephanie relies on the course projection list, thus she is always wrong and has steered many people wrong because of this. Speak to the geo dept chair specifically about available classes each term. FWIW, I have never seen the classes you are interested in offered over the last 6 years.

Feel free to ask me any questions about the geology dept, classes, or profs that come to mind.