Undergraduate Programs
The B.A. in Environmental Science degree provides a strong foundation in the major disciplines of environmental and Earth sciences upon which students can layer relevant coursework in other related fields to prepare for careers that integrate environmental science with policy, public awareness, K-12 education, and resource and risk evaluations.
This option provides the most flexibility, preparing students for a full range of technical careers in geoscience and for advanced studies in graduate school. It can be specialized toward different branches of geosciences by the appropriate choices of elective courses. The B.S. Honors Program is available for this option.
This option provides the necessary preparation in mathematics and physics to succeed in geoscience applications that require strong backgrounds in these associated disciplines. This option well prepares students for technical careers in geophysics or for advanced studies in graduate school. The B.S. Honors Program is available for this option.
This program provides an opportunity for outstanding Geology majors to gain intensive research experience under individual faculty guidance. The designation “Honors” will be added to the academic record of any student who completes the program. Admission to the Honors Program is granted by approval of the department undergraduate advisor. Students in any of the B.S. options are eligible, provided they have:
- Completed 90 units of college work.
- Maintained a GPA of 3.0 overall and in the upper division Geology major.
- Taken GEOL 497 and received a minimum grade of “A-” in the course.
- Obtained the approval of a faculty sponsor who will supervise their research.
Students interested in the Honors Program should contact their department undergraduate advisor.
Graduation with Honors in Geology Requires:
- Admission to the Honors Program.
- Completion of all requirements for one of the B.S. options, plus the completion of GEOL 498—Senior Thesis (3 units).
- Maintenance of a GPA of 3.0 overall and in the upper division Geology major.
- Approval of the undergraduate thesis by the faculty advisor, including a presentation of the research.
A minor in Geology is designed for students who are interested in Earth Sciences, but with a major in another department. For example, majors in other sciences, mathematics, engineering and business often find employment in environmental, resource-related and energy-related industries. For these majors, the Geology minor broadens the individual’s understanding of the Earth Sciences and how they relate to human endeavors.
Assessment in the Department of Geological Sciences
To evaluate the effectiveness of our Department's mission and goals, the Department of Geological Sciences has developed a program-level plan for assessment of student learning. The mission of our B.S. and M.S. degree programs parallels that of the University: to prepare our students to be life-long learners so that they may become productive members of the workforce. We use rubrics to quantify and assess the achievement of specific Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) in different department courses. Because we are a small department, faculty-student relationships are strong, and we are able to assist our students on an individual basis. This allows us to better accommodate students with diverse economic, social, and academic backgrounds. The Department offers the B.S. and M.S. in Geology and a minor in Geology. For the B.S. degree, three options are available: Geology (Option I), Environmental Geology (Option II), and Secondary Teaching (Option III).
Student Learning Outcomes:
Bachelor of Science in Geology or Environmental Geology
- The primary goals of our undergraduate program are to provide students with academic competencies, ethical values, and professional skills that facilitate their transition from undergraduate students to post-graduate work or professional positions.B.S. graduates in Geology (Geology Options I & II) can:
- Demonstrate mastery in identification of rocks, minerals, fossils, and geologic structures.
- Demonstrate mastery in field methods, including: a) taking accurate and reliable field notes, b) constructing a geologic map, a cross section and a stratigraphic column; and c) observing the geologic relations of a field area and interpreting its geologic history based on these field observations.
- Demonstrate competency in using widely used software programs to produce quality geologic illustrations and to analyze data sets and images.
- Define methods and approaches needed to solve a geological problem.
- Apply theoretical, conceptual, and observational knowledge to the analysis and solution of geologic data and problems.
- Communicate clearly and articulately their geologic knowledge, findings, and interpretations in oral presentations.
- Write technical reports that are well researched, well organized, well illustrated, and well written.
Bachelor of Science in Secondary Teaching
B.S. graduates in Secondary Teaching (Geology Option III) can:
- Demonstrate mastery in identification of rocks, minerals, fossils, and geologic structures.
- Demonstrate mastery in field methods, including: a) taking accurate and reliable field notes, b) constructing a geologic map, a cross section and a stratigraphic column; and c) observing the geologic relations of a field area and interpreting its geologic history based on these field observations.
- Demonstrate competency in using widely used software programs to produce quality geologic illustrations and to analyze data sets and images.
- Define methods and approaches needed to solve a geological problem.
- Apply theoretical, conceptual, and observational knowledge to the analysis and solution of geologic data and problems.
- Communicate clearly and articulately their geologic knowledge, findings, and interpretations in oral presentations.
- Write technical reports that are well researched, well organized, well illustrated, and well written.
- Plan instruction and design learning experiences for students and make subject matter comprehensible.