COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Geology with a concentration in Hydrogeology is designed to prepare students for professional careers or advanced studies in hydrogeology and water resources management. The program provides a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of geology, including mineralogy, petrology, stratigraphy, structural geology, and field geology, before focusing on water-related processes and applications. Students first complete lower-division core courses in general chemistry, introductory geology with labs, digital methods in geoscience, historical geology with lab, calculus, and general physics, establishing a strong scientific and quantitative base essential for understanding hydrogeologic systems.Upper-division core courses further develop students’ expertise in Earth materials, sedimentology, structural geology and tectonics, field techniques, regional geology such as the Geology of California, and professional skills through geology colloquia. The Hydrogeology concentration includes key courses such as General Chemistry II and Hydrogeology, which explore groundwater systems, surface water interactions, and hydrologic processes. Elective courses allow students to tailor their learning with options such as surficial processes, geochemistry, environmental field methods, optical mineralogy, geophysics, marine geology, and advanced mapping techniques, while research preparation and senior projects provide hands-on experience and practical skills in fieldwork, data analysis, and scientific communication.The program also incorporates general education requirements in English communication, quantitative reasoning, arts and humanities, social sciences, physical and biological sciences, and ethnic studies, along with graduation requirements including American institutions, writing-intensive courses, race and ethnicity studies, English composition, and foreign language proficiency. Opportunities for course overlap between major and general education requirements help students complete the degree efficiently.Overall, the BS in Geology with a Hydrogeology concentration combines rigorous scientific training, field-based learning, and applied coursework in water resources and environmental geology, preparing graduates for careers in hydrogeology, environmental consulting, water management, geological surveying, and related fields, or for continued graduate-level study in geosciences.