Degree Program
Students can choose among a variety of degree programs that support a wide range of high-demand career paths. Our rigorous academic program prepares students for success by integrating career-oriented professional development certifications, including leadership training and advanced certifications in wilderness first aid and defensive driving, into academic courses.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Science, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Science Concentration
Bachelor of Science, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Geology Concentration
Bachelor of Arts in Geological and Environmental Sciences
Minor in Environmental Studies
Minor in Geology
The BS Degree with Geology Concentration prepares the student for graduate study or professional employment in geology. Students earning a BS in geology can obtain competitive jobs in a number of geoscience areas, including geotechnical consulting, where they assess geologic hazards and environmental impacts. Other career paths include working as a geologist involved with the exploration and production of fossil fuels and other important mineral resources. An increasing emphasis on environmental issues and growing demand for natural resources, in addition to recent retirement patterns in the geosciences, are creating a considerable demand for well-trained geoscientists. According to the American Geological Institute, Masters and PhD-level geoscientists have experienced effectively zero unemployment during the past 20 years.
The BS Degree with Environmental Sciences Concentration major is designed to impart students with the practical skills and knowledge required to critically evaluate environmental problems and issues and provide applied solutions. The major is decidedly interdisciplinary in nature, focusing on the underlying natural processes relating to the environment and understanding and employing the scientific method. The need for broadly trained scientists in the area of environmental science is critical and the understanding of the importance of this field provides many employment opportunities. A BS in Environmental Science can lead to numerous employment opportunities with many different agencies and areas. Typical employment could involve working for consulting firms performing environmental restoration, producing environmental impact studies for both governmental agencies and private firms, and additional vital biological services. Other types of employment can be found with regulatory agencies seeking to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and laws, with environmental law firms, or public health agencies.
The Bachelor of Arts in Geological and Environmental Sciences is for liberal arts students with an interest in environmental issues and geology. It provides a multidisciplinary approach to environmental issues and concerns. The breadth of a BA in Geological and Environmental Science is ideal for preparing students for professional degrees and successful careers in law, business, administration or international relations.
Students seeking a Minor in Geology or Environmental Sciences must complete a minimum of 20 units of coursework in the Geological and Environmental Sciences including an introductory laboratory course (GESC 51, GESC 53, GESC 55, GESC 57, GESC 61, or GESC 43) and at least three courses numbered GESC 100 or higher.
| Major | BS in Geological & Environmental Science (GESC) | BA in GESC | |
| Concentration | Geology | Environmental Science | None |
| Math | Calculus 1 (MATH 51) | MATH 35 or 57 | |
| Statistics (MATH 37) | |||
| Chemistry | Fundamentals of Chemistry (CHEM 24) | CHEM 23 or 24 | |
| Geochemistry (GESC 142) | Water Quality (CIVL 60) | ||
| Physics or Biology | PHYS 23 or 53 | BIOL 61 | |
| PHYS 25 or 55 | BIOL 51 | ||
| Core Classes | Physical Geology (GESC 51, 53, or 61) | ||
| Environmental Science & Sustainability (GESC 43 or 45 or BIOL 35) | |||
| Earth Materials (GESC 100) | |||
| Earth Surface Processes & GIS (GESC 102) | |||
| Global Change (GESC 103) | |||
| Critical Zone (GESC 148) | |||
| Breadth | Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology (GESC 110) | Ecology (BIOL 175/176) | Select 2 GESC or BIOL (consult with advisor) |
| Sedimentology & Stratigraphy (GESC 112) | Species Biology (BIOL 72,74,76,77, or 79) | ||
| Structural Geology (GESC 114) | Environmental Humanities (consult with advisor) | ||
| Environmental Policy (consult with advisor) | |||
| Field Methods | Geologic Field Methods (GESC 161) | Biological Field Methods (BIOL 171) | |
| Experiential Learning | GESC 187, 197, and/or approved Geologic Field Camp | GESC 187, 197, and/or BIOL 197 | |
| Capstone | GESC Capstone (GESC 185) | GESC 184 or 185 | |
| Total Courses | 19 | 19 | 11 |
(The content posted here may not be up to date. Please see the latest General Catalog for current degree requirements.)