Undergraduate

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. in Geology and the AS-T in Geology offer flexible programs that prepare 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.S. in Earth System Science provides a broad background in the Earth Sciences. It is a path for students interested in interdisciplinary fields, such as environmental and sustainability issues, and for those planning on teaching science at the middle school and high school levels. 

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.

If you are interested in changing your major to Geology, please read and follow the instructions that can be found on the CoS-SSC webpage.  Applications are only reviewed twice a year, after the grades have been submitted and after the deadlines which are posted on the CoS website. The change of major request is subject to department approval and may require approval from the College of Science. 

To request to apply to a College of Science Major, visit the College of Science Change of Major Applications page. If you have questions, please email science-academicprograms@sjsu.edu.