This major provides broad background in the Earth sciences. Students interested in teaching science in high school or middle school should take the specified elective courses (consult with the undergraduate advisor as needed). The B.A. - Earth Science is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) as subject matter preparation for a single subject credential in science with a geoscience concentration.

Minimum grade point average (GPA) criteria may be required for verification of subject matter competency. Completion of the program will not guarantee admission to the credential program. Like all other applicants, students must meet credential program standards and undergo screening for admission. See SJSU's Secondary Education homepage for information on application and admission to credential programs.

The following is a general outline of the course requirements for the B.A. in Earth Science degree.  For specific questions, please contact the department's undergraduate advisor.

 

University Course Requirements	Units
General Education Requirements* Of the 51 units required by the university, 18 may be satisfied by specified major and support requirements. Consult major advisor for details.	33 (+18)
American Institutions Of the 6 units required by the university, all may be satisfied within general education requirements as specified in the schedule of classes.	(6)
Physical Education	2

Major-Specific Course Requirements	Units
Preparation and Supporting Courses ASTR 101, ASTR 102, CHEM 001A, CHEM 001B and MATH 019; METR 112 or METR 113; PHYS 002A and PHYS 002B, or PHYS 050 and PHYS 051 or 052	30
Required Geology Courses GEOL 003, GEOL 004L, GEOL 007, GEOL 028, GEOL 100W (or equivalent), and GEOL 105; Complete three courses from: GEOL 122, GEOL 124, GEOL 125, GEOL 134, GEOL 137	24-27
Electives Teacher candidates should take CHEM 120S and either BIOL 001 and BIOL 002 or BIOL 020 and BIOL 021.	28-31
TOTAL	120

*Visit the university's General Education page for details on the General Education requirements.