COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in Geology is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Earth systems while preparing them for careers in environmental management, natural resource planning, education, and geology-related industries. The program emphasizes both foundational scientific knowledge and practical field experience, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts in real-world contexts. The lower-division curriculum requires 21-26 units and covers fundamental subjects such as general chemistry, introductory geology, historical geology, digital methods in geoscience, calculus, and physics. These courses ensure students gain essential analytical, quantitative, and observational skills that form the foundation for advanced geological studies.Upper-division coursework, totaling 44 units, focuses on more specialized areas of geology. Required courses include Earth materials, sedimentology and stratigraphy, structural geology and tectonics, field geology and techniques, oceanography or water systems, geology and the environment, the geology colloquium, and the geology of California. In addition, students select at least 16 units from a range of electives, including petrology, paleontology, geophysics, volcanology, geochemistry, hydrogeology, petroleum geology, environmental field methods, advanced mapping, and senior research projects. This combination of courses ensures students acquire both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience necessary for careers in geology or continued graduate study.The program also incorporates general education requirements totaling 42 units, covering oral and written communication, critical thinking, physical and life sciences, mathematics, arts, humanities, social sciences, personal development, and ethnic studies. Many of these courses can be integrated with upper-division electives to enhance depth of study and maintain flexibility. Overall, the BA in Geology provides a balanced curriculum that combines rigorous scientific training with practical applications, fieldwork, and interdisciplinary learning, equipping students to pursue a wide range of professional opportunities or advanced education in the geosciences.