Geology, B.S.

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(120 UNITS)

The Bachelor of Science in Geology requires 48 units in the major. Students must have a “C” (2.0) or better in all geological sciences courses applied towards the requirement; in addition, students must have a 2.0 average in required courses in related fields. Proficiency in English composition is required.

Undergraduate Thesis (3 units)

In this capstone experience, majors work one-on-one with a faculty adviser on a research project. Students are encouraged to begin research during their junior year or earlier. GEOL 498 satisfies the university’s upper-division writing requirement.

Minimum Course Requirements for the Major

Upper-Division Geological Sciences Electives (8-9 units)

Electives should be selected in consultation with an undergraduate adviser and/or the student’s thesis adviser. No more than 3 units from any combination of GEOL 493 , GEOL 495 , GEOL 496L and GEOL 499L can be counted toward meeting this eight- to nine-unit requirement.

Note: GEOL 310T is not accepted as credit toward meeting requirements for the B.S. in Geology major.

Related Fields (30 units minimum)

At least one of the related field’s tracks must include a second semester lab course. If the selected related field’s courses total less than 30 units, additional units must be taken from other science-math-engineering departments (see list below). Courses not included on the list must be approved in writing by an undergraduate adviser.

One additional semester course selected with approval of adviser from courses such as the following:

Additional Information

Science- or engineering-based transferable extension certificate courses from other universities

Undesignated Units (0-3 units)

These are to be taken in geological sciences, related fields and/or career-supporting fields, with adviser approval.