Geology BA Not Enough – 1979

Picture of a woman with graduation attire on

Beginning in the late '70s, students in geology learned they may need more than a BA to get the job they desired.

Geology BA Not Enough – 1979

According to Raymond L. Ethington, the director of undergraduate studies in 1979, the geology department offered a BA in Science and Art degrees, with the Science degree designed to prepare students for grad studies or possible employment.  

He went on to state, in the 1980 MU Bulletin, that the best option for students was to get the grad degree, as employment opportunities were limited for those without one. He stated: “Students taking the A.B. degree (same as BA) may find employment as park naturalists, science teachers in elementary schools (with additional credits in professional education courses to fulfill certification requirements), or other positions not requiring comprehensive knowledge of the field.”

The geology department, along with civil engineering, offered a five-year dual degree program that prepared students for a career as a consulting engineer/geologist, mainly in the petroleum and mining industries, according to Ethington’s writing in the Bulletin.