BA in Geology - Geoscience Education in Hayward United States | California State University, East Bay

Geology explores Earth's composition, lifeforms, and natural phenomena across time. Students examine the origins of events like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, mountain formation, erosion effects, and how rocks and minerals develop and are utilized. Through coursework and field excursions, Cal State East Bay students gain insights into Earth's systems and humanity's environmental influence.

The Geology B.A. provides more curriculum flexibility, ideal for students not seeking professional certification or advanced degrees. The Earth and Environmental Sciences Department delivers undergraduate programs culminating in B.S. and B.A. degrees, building comprehensive Earth science knowledge with practical field and lab training.

The B.A. curriculum prepares graduates for:
Beginning careers as geologists and environmental specialists in government agencies (local to federal) and private sector roles (environmental consultancies, engineering firms, resource companies, etc.).
Teaching Earth sciences in K-12 education.

Both geology programs prioritize hands-on field and lab instruction, with abundant research opportunities across Northern California and beyond. Our curriculum highlights surface-level processes, environmental risks, natural resources, and regional concerns, combining academic study with immersive field applications. Specialized courses cover diverse topics including groundwater chemistry, geological indicators, landscape evolution, seismic risks, Bay Area tectonics, subsurface imaging, and contemporary sedimentation. We collaborate with East Bay Regional Parks, CalEPA, Lawrence Livermore Lab, NASA Ames, USGS Menlo Park, and SLAC National Lab.

The student-led Earth & Environmental Science Club organizes speaker events, excursions, career seminars, and socials. This active group fosters professional networking, graduate school exploration, and camaraderie among like-minded peers within the department.