The bachelor of science degree program is intended to provide a thorough background in the geological sciences for those planning to pursue careers in industry or to do graduate study. The program is designed with the conviction that, in an ever-changing and technologically-oriented industry and research environment, a student must have a strong geological background. As such, he/she needs a program that explores the fundamental geological processes, cultivates skills in integrative three-dimensional geological thinking, provides laboratory and field experience, and stimulates interest in the many subdisciplines of the geological sciences.
Within the broad field of geology, students may elect to follow any one of five emphases: General Geology, Petroleum Geology, Stratigraphy/Sedimentology, Geochemistry/Mineralogy-Petrology, and Structural Geology/Tectonics. Each student should contact the undergraduate advisor for assistance in planning the degree program.
Geology majors must receive a grade of “C” or better in all courses required for the major. A minimum of 120-126 units is required for the bachelor of science degree in the various emphases in geology. Emphases other than General Geology are based on the General Geology emphasis, but have structured electives and other variations from that plan. An additional course chosen with the consent of the undergraduate advisor may be recommended for individual emphases. Transfer students should fulfill, prior to transferring, the appropriate lower division curricular requirements as outlined in later sections. Particular attention should be paid to fulfilling the lower division math, chemistry, physics, and biology requirements.
Lower Division: GEOL 102, 104, 240, 250, 273; MATH 122, 123; CHEM 111A,B; PHYS 151, 152; BIOL 200. Additional required courses for the various emphases are listed below.
Upper Division: GEOL 322, 341, 350, 428, 433, 443, 450, 460, 461. Additional required courses for the various emphases are listed below.
The Minor in Geology is available to any non-Geology major.
Twenty units in geology courses that must include:
The Earth Science program prepares students to understand the natural environment, earth resources, land and ocean use, pollution, geology of the sea floor, and other areas of critical importance to present and future world problems. Career-oriented interdisciplinary emphases are offered in Geohydrology/Environmental Geology, Engineering Geology, Exploration Geophysics, and Marine Geology/Oceanography.
Earth Science majors must receive a grade of “C” or better in all courses required for the major. As outlined below, a minimum of 122 units is required for the various emphases in Earth Science.
Lower Division: GEOL 102, 104, 240, 250, 273; MATH 122, 123, 224; CHEM 111A; PHYS 151, 152. Additional required courses for the various emphases are listed below.
Upper Division: GEOL 322, 350, 428, 433, 443, 460. Additional required courses for the various emphases are listed below.
Requirements Related to a Geoscience Concentration
The Geosciences Concentration meets the subject matter competence requirement for the Single Subject Preliminary Credential in Geosciences (code 182). Prospective students should consult the Single Subject Science Education Advisor in the Department of Science Education early to plan their program.
In addition to meeting the subject matter competence requirement for the Preliminary Credential, prospective Geoscience teachers are also required to complete 44 units of professional preparation in the Single Subject Credential Program, including student teaching. Students may begin the professional preparation courses as early as the junior year. With careful planning, it is possible to complete many of the credential program courses, except for student teaching, as an undergraduate. Courses may also be started as post-baccalaureate student. Refer to the Single Subject Teacher Education section of this Catalog or the Single Subject Credential Program website (www.ced.csulb.edu/single-subject) for a description of the professional preparation requirements, courses, and application procedures.
The Geosciences Subject Matter Program is being revised to meet new state standards. When the revised program has been approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the new course requirements will be in effect and supersede current requirements.
Requirements
