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The Bachelor of Science in Geology equips students for careers in geo-hazard mitigation and natural resource exploration, conservation, or utilization. Professionals in this field play vital roles in discovering, preserving, and ethically obtaining essential resources including water supplies, fossil fuels, precious metals, construction materials, and other mineral deposits. Geology experts develop skills to analyze, predict, and minimize the impacts of natural disasters such as seismic events, volcanic activity, floods, and mass movements, while also interpreting Earth's history through fossil records and isotopic dating. All undergraduates have the chance to undertake either a research initiative or professional internship prior to graduation. Strong connections with government organizations and industry partners provide numerous students with opportunities for environmental internships or part-time positions during their academic journey. This program meets the educational prerequisites for obtaining a Professional Geologist license in California, with many alumni pursuing careers in water resource management and protection.
The Earth and Environmental Sciences program combines methodologies from physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics with analytical reasoning to solve complex geological and ecological problems. Our collaborative department fosters meaningful student-faculty relationships and peer connections. Each undergraduate can participate in hands-on research or complete an industry internship. The curriculum prioritizes both field studies and laboratory analysis of environmental systems and their geological frameworks. More than 18 courses incorporate field excursions that utilize our strategic location near the Sierra Nevada mountains, Coastal Ranges, Pacific shoreline, and desert regions. This exceptional geographic setting provides faculty and students with immediate access to diverse natural laboratories just minutes from campus.
Have graduated from high school (earning a high school diploma), have earned a Certificate of General Education Development (GED) or have passed the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE)
English language Score: TOEFL – 61 iBT, or IELTS – 6.0 or with 5.5 Band score in each section, or ELS Language Centers - Level 112, or Pearson's Test of English – 45. Application Deadlines: Fall - July 1 and Spring - November 1.