Planning a career involving natural resources, the environment or energy? A minor in geology can give you deeper insights into your chosen profession.
Why Minor in Geology?
If your career is likely to touch on energy, natural resources or the environment, a geology minor can add a deeper dimension to your understanding of those fields. Many students who major in another science, math or business can benefit from learning about Earth's most distant past — and how we can use that knowledge to discover new resources and protect the ones we have.
Geology can help us discover minerals and resources that can provide clean, renewable energy sources. As we make land-use decisions, geology helps us protect water supplies. And it also informs us how to withstand the destructive forces of natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides and wildfires.
Why Minor in Geology at CSUN?
See for Yourself
In geology, there's no substitute for the real thing, which means getting into the field and studying the planet up close. Your field methods class will include six days of fieldwork, including overnight weekend trips.
Finding Hidden GEMS
We're committed to bringing more voices to geology. Our GEMS Program — Improving the Geology Experience for Minority Students — is one way we're doing that. We're increasing representation among Hispanic American, Latinx, Black and Native American students through peer mentorship, career advising and other efforts.
Zoom In for Help
Need extra help with your geology classes? Online tutoring sessions are available five days a week on Zoom. Just log on when a tutor is available and get the help you need.
What You'll Learn
As a Geology minor, you'll take a variety of labs and classes that will expose you to the basic concepts of the field. Courses will cover tectonics, earth science, environmental geology and field techniques, among other topics. You'll also focus on learning to communicate scientific concepts to broad audiences — a skill that will be valuable no matter what field you go into.
Our research is heating up.
Joshua Schwartz's work takes him to some of the planet's hottest spots — literally. The geological sciences professor searches for rare materials at volcanoes around the world. As an undergrad, you might be by his side in the field or the lab.