Geology

A geology major provides you with the tools to understand how our planet works (Earth System Science) and to make a real impact in Earth, environmental, and sustainability fields. The degree prepares you for a wide range of careers—from environmental consulting to energy, water resources, geospatial science, and more—or for graduate study in the geosciences.

Required Units: 44 credits minimum

Required Courses from the following five areas:

1.     One Introductory course from the following:

• Geology 102 Physical Geology 4 
• Geology 110 Honors: Geology 4
• Geology 150 Environmental Geology 4 
• (Exception: Secondary Earth Science majors must take Geology 150)

2.     Followed by these three core courses:

• Geology 109 Evolution of the Earth 4
• Geology 205 Mineralogy 4
• Geology 206 Lithology 4

3.     One Experiental course (minimum of 2 credits) from the following list:

• Geology 342 Applied Field Methods 2
• Geology 344 Field Geology 6
• Geology 360 Field Course in Geology 2 or 3
• Geology 445 Internship in Geology 2 or 3

4.    Two Required Related Science Courses:

Chemistry/Physics: Either the introductory Chemistry OR Physics sequence (10 cr):

• Chemistry 105 and 106, OR
• Physics 171 and 172; or Physics 191 and 192

5.    Electives: Sufficient courses from the Department’s Geology offerings to meet the Minimum Requirement (44 credits)

Completion of a geology minor will give you a good basic scientific understanding of the Earth and complements many other degrees.

• Required Units: 22 credits (minimum) in Geology
• Required Courses
  • Geology: Geology 102 or 110 or 150; and 109
• Electives: Sufficient courses from the Department’s offerings to meet the Minimum Requirement (22 geology credits total).

Other Science and Math Requirements                                               Credits

1. Physics/Astronomy, 82-103 4
2. Geography, 50-121 4
3. Mathematics, 67-104 or 67-108 3 or 5
4. Two semesters of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics                        8-10

• Required Unit (cr.): 33 credits minimum
• Required Courses:
  • Geology: Geology 109, 150, 205, 206, 309, 320 or 335, 328
  • Physics: Physics 103
  • Geography: Geography 121

The GIS certificate prepares students for careers in this expanding technological field. The GIS certificate provides a solid technical background in GIS concepts and applications, including database design, global positioning systems (GPS), cartography, programming, visualization, spatial analysis, and interdisciplinary applications of the technology. GIS is one of the fastest growing employment sectors in the country. In fact, according to an Environmental System Research Institute (ESRI) survey, more than 80% of the data used for decision-making in government and industry has a spatial component. 

Core Courses:

• GEOG 241 – Introduction to GIS
• GEOG 340 – Mapping & Visualization
• GEOG 341 – Spatial Analysis (prerequisite: GEOG 241 or 340)

Choose 1 from the following:

• GEOG 240 – Mapping our World
• GEOL/GEOG 382 – Remote Sensing of the Environment 
• COMP SCI 142 – Introduction to Computer Science & Programming
• COMP SCI 221 – Object Oriented Design & Programming I