(a) Minimum qualifications of applicants seeking licensure as professional geologists are the following:

(1) Graduation from a course of study in geology, or from a program which is of four or more years’ duration and which includes at least 30 semester or 45 quarter hours of credit with a major in geology or a geology specialty, that is adequate in its preparation of students for the practice of geology;

(2) proof of at least four years of experience in geology of a character satisfactory to the board, as defined by rules and regulations of the board; and

(3) the satisfactory passage of such examinations in the fundamentals of geology and in geologic practice as utilized by the board.

(b) The board may issue an intern geologist certificate to a person who meets the education and examination qualifications prescribed by the board.