Nov 12, 2024  
2024-2025 University Catalog 
    
2024-2025 University Catalog

Earth Science, B.A.


(120 UNITS)

The Bachelor of Arts in Earth Science provides a well-balanced, cross-disciplinary background that addresses the growing number of Earth science-related problems we face. The program has a small set of core requirements in geology and related fields, such as math, physics, chemistry, biology and geography that are grounded in inquiry-based learning environments. The hallmark of the degree is its flexibility, whereby students, in consultation with department advisers, tailor geology, related fields and undesignated elective courses to their degree and career objectives. The degree prepares graduates to be: K-12 science teachers; Earth-educated professionals (e.g., policy makers/politicians, business leaders, lawyers, journalists) who need to understand Earth resource, pollution, climate change and other environmental issues; and citizens who are equipped to manage future changes in Earth systems related to natural and anthropogenic causes.

In addition to the requirements for the major, students must meet all other university requirements for a bachelor’s degree. Please consult the Graduation Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree  section in this catalog for complete information. Students must earn a “C” (2.0) or better in all Earth science courses applied toward the degree; in addition, students must have a 2.0 average in required related fields courses.

Additional Information


Additional courses may be approved by the Department of Geological Sciences Undergraduate Adviser. At least 6 units must be Geological Science.

Note: no more than 3 units from any combination of GEOL 493 , GEOL 495 , GEOL 496L , GEOL 498  and GEOL 499L  can be counted toward the requirement. GEOL 102  (if GEOL 101  is taken in core)

* No more than 6 units may be taken

** No more than 6 units of these courses may be taken

Additional Information


* Courses recommended for elementary school teaching pathway and must be approved by Department Undergraduate Adviser. Students not in an elementary school teacher path cannot receive credit for BIOL 102  or PHYS 102 /CHEM 102 

Elective Related Fields (8 units)


Taken with adviser approval, depending on the track; including, but not limited to, the following:

Additional Information


* Courses recommended for elementary school teaching pathway

Total (120 units)