The Department of Geology provides courses and degree programs designed to increase students' understanding of the Earth, to continue their education toward advanced degrees in the Earth sciences, and to obtain rewarding career employment.

The B. S. curriculum in Geology offers a flexible program that prepares students for admission to graduate programs in the geosciences, and for entry-level positions in engineering, geophysical, and geological firms; in regulatory, hazardous materials, and ecological firms; in computer mapping firms; and in local, regional, and state government agencies.

The B. A. curriculum in Earth Science provides a broad background in the Earth sciences, with significant formal training in upper-division geology courses. With appropriate electives, a student can use this degree to apply to a single-subject credential program to become a secondary school teacher. The program was designed to meet California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) requirements for subject matter preparation in geology. However, 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.

The Minor in Geology allows graduates to supplement their major degree program with a broad, well-founded understanding of the Earth sciences and the principles of scientific investigation.

Departmental Honors are awarded to those majors who have achieved a 3.5 GPA in their required departmental courses and have completed an undergraduate research project. A proposal for undergraduate research, including an identified Geology faculty supervisor, must be approved by the Geology honors committee for acceptance into the honors program. Completion of two units of Geology 180 and both written and oral presentation of research results are required for completion of the program.