Academic Programs

As a student in Geology you will be an important part of a tight knit department that prides itself on small class sizes with personalized instruction. The program has a strong focus on field geology, and students in Geology will take many multi-day field trips to locations all over the western US. These trips often include hiking, camping, and exploring our beautiful surroundings. Finally, there is ample opportunity for individual collaborative research with a faculty member.

Geology majors have proven to be successful in both pursuing careers in professional fields as well as acceptance into prestigious graduate programs around the country. Head over to the Alumni Community to check out what our past graduates are up to.

There are two Majors and two Minors available from the Geology Department. The Majors include: BS in Geology and BA in Earth Science. The Minors include: Minor in Geology and Minor in Paleontology. Additionally, we offer a Teacher Credential program. Please explore the following links for more details on each program.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the Bachelor of Science in Geology degree are required to demonstrate:

  1. The understanding of geologic terms, concepts, and theories, 
  2. The ability to collect geologic data through laboratory and field studies, and to formulate logical interpretations and conclusions from those data, 
  3. The ability to compare, contrast and demonstrate appreciation of competing views within geology, involving both historical and current controversies,
  4.  A solid understanding of geologic conditions specific to California and the unique global geological context of California, and
  5.  The ability to identify common rocks and minerals found in any country located anywhere on Earth. 

Additionally, students are also expected to acquire the following general skills:

  1. Competence in scientific inquiry, 
  2. Critical thinking abilities,
  3. Written and oral communication proficiency, and 
  4. Quantitative reasoning skills.  
 

Students who complete the Bachelor of Arts in Earth Science degree are required to demonstrate:

  1. The understanding of geologic terms, concepts, and theories, 
  2. The ability to collect geologic data through laboratory and field studies, and to formulate logical interpretations and conclusions from those data, 
  3. The ability to compare, contrast and demonstrate appreciation of competing views within geology, involving both historical and current controversies,
  4.  A solid understanding of geologic conditions specific to California and the unique global geological context of California, and
  5.  The ability to identify common rocks and minerals found in any country located anywhere on Earth. 

Additionally, students are also expected to acquire the following general skills:

  1. Competence in scientific inquiry, 
  2. Critical thinking abilities,
  3. Written and oral communication proficiency, and 
  4. Quantitative reasoning skills.