Geological Sciences
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
About the Major
Geological sciences is a great option if you are curious about the planet on which we live and interested in solving environmental problems facing humankind. You can choose between a B.A. program, which includes an interdisciplinary curriculum, or a B.S., which is more intensive in science classes. Graduates are in strong demand, as geoscientists address major societal issues including dwindling energy resources, climate change, environmental pollution, and natural disasters from earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and coastal subsidence.
Program Highlights
Our major is structured with a core suite of courses and the option to develop a specialization through a suite for formal emphases, including engineering geology, environmental geosciences, geophysics, hydrogeology, and paleontology.
Sample Courses
- Mineralogy
- Natural Disasters
- Petrology
- Geology of National Parks and Monuments
Career Options
Our graduates enter many different fields, including management, scientific, and geotechnical consulting services. Many government agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the California Department of Conservation, and regional planning offices hire geoscientists.
- Geosyntec Consultants
- Amazon
- State Water Resources Control Board
- Esri GIS Mapping Software
Transferable Skills
- Thinking critically on scientific data and research
- Developing innovative approaches to explore solutions
- Technical writing
- Leading and contributing to a team
- Public speaking, presentation, and didactic skills
- Analyzing statistical data, reports, and research
- Conducting research and laboratory tests
- Writing scientific reports and papers
Earth and Environmental Sciences Department
College of Sciences
