B.S. Geology

Students Approaching an OutcropThe B.S. 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 engineering, hazardous materials, regulatory, or ecological firms; in computer mapping firms; and in local, regional, and state government agencies.

The following is a general outline of the course requirements for the B.S. in Geology degree. This list is tentative and is subject to change. To confirm degree requirements or to ask specific questions, please contact the department's Undergraduate Advisor.

 

University Course Requirements

Units
General Education Requirements- Includes "Core GE" (lower division) and "SJSU Studies" (upper division) 51
  • Core GE
 39
  • SJSU Studies
 12
Of the 51 units required by the university, 15 may be satisfied by specified major and support requirements. Consult undergraduate advisor for details.  
See info.sjsu.edu for a listing of General Education courses.  
   
American Institutions Courses 6
Of the 6 units required by the university, all may be satisfied within general education requirements as specified in the schedule of classes.  
See info.sjsu.edu for a listing of American Institutions courses.  
   
Physical Education 2
See info.sjsu.edu for a listing of Physical Education courses.  

 

Major-Specific Course Requirements

Units
Preparation for the Major  21
  • CHEM 001A and CHEM 001B- General Chemistry
 10
  • MATH 030- Calculus I
 3

Complete one sequence:

  • PHYS 002A and PHYS 002B- Fundamentals of Physics
  • PHYS 050 and PHYS 051- General Physics

 

8
   

Requirements of the Major

  

Core (Required) Courses
30-32
 
  • GEOL 001- General Geology
 4
  • GEOL 007- Earth, Time and Life
 4
  • GEOL 028- Geology Outdoors
 1
  • GEOL 100W- Writing Workshop (or equivalent)
 3
  • GEOL 120- Fundamentals of Mineralogy
 3
  • GEOL 122- Petrology
 4
  • GEOL 124- Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
 3
  • GEOL 125- Structural Geology
 4
  • GEOL 129A- Introductory Field Geology
 2
  • GEOL 129B- Advanced Field Geology
 4
OR  
  • GEOL 129C- Intermediate Field Geology
 2
   

Elective Courses- Complete 20 - 22 units from the following:

20-22
  • GEOL 127- Tectonics
 3
  • GEOL 130- Marine Geology
 3
  • GEOL 134- Geomorphology
 4
  • GEOL 135- Geochemistry
 4
  • GEOL 137- Introduction to GPS/GIS for Geologic Applications
 4
  • GEOL 138- Hydrogeology
 4
  • GEOL 140- Principles of Engineering Geology
 4
  • GEOL 142- Paleontology
 4
  • GEOL 143- Active Tectonics
 4
  • GEOL 147- Introduction to Applied Geophysics
 3
  • GEOL 174- Hazardous Materials
 3
  • MS 141- Geological Oceanography
 4
  • GEOL 180- Individual Studies (Can take twice)
 1-2
University Electives 9
   
Recommended  
  • MATH 031- Calculus II (Recommended for graduate school and technical careers)
 3