BA in Geology

Admission to the BA in Geology is currently suspended.

Units required for Major: 65-70
Total units required for BA: 120

Program Description

The BA degree program is designed as a shorter, more flexible preparation for some geology jobs, earth science teaching in high school, and jobs such as park naturalist, environmentalist, geologic planning specialist, or in geology-related businesses. The BA degree can be used in dual-track majors combining geology with biological sciences, chemistry, physics, or engineering.

Program Requirements

Required Lower Division Courses (21-26 Units)
CHEM 1AGeneral Chemistry I5
GEOL 5Geology Of Mexico 14
or GEOL 10
10L
Physical Geology
Physical Geology Lab
GEOL 11 Digital Methods in Geoscience1
GEOL 12Historical Geology3
GEOL 12LHistorical Geology Lab1
MATH 26ACalculus I for the Social and Life Sciences 13 - 8
or MATH 29
MATH 30
Pre-Calculus Mathematics
Calculus I
PHYS 5AGeneral Physics: Mechanics, Heat, Sound4
or PHYS 11A General Physics: Mechanics
Required Upper Division Courses (44 Units)
GEOL 100Earth Materials - Rocks and Minerals4
GEOL 103Sedimentology/Stratigraphy4
GEOL 110AStructural Geology and Tectonics4
GEOL 110BStructural Geology Field1
GEOL 111AField Geology2
GEOL 111BField Techniques2
GEOL 121Geology of California3
GEOL 130Oceanography3
or GEOL 180 Water Planet
GEOL 140Geology and the Environment 3
GEOL 189 Geology Colloquium2
Select at least 16 units of the following:16
GEOL 101 Optical Mineralogy
Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
Paleontology
Geophysics For Geologists
Volcanology
Surficial Processes
Geochemistry
Metallic Ore Deposits
Environmental Field Methods
Hydrogeology
Marine Geology
Computer Mapping in Geology
Petroleum Geology
Geology and Tectonic Development of California Seminar
Engineering Geology
Senior Research Preparation
Senior Research Project
Advanced Geologic Mapping
Total Units65-70
1

Course also satisfies General Education (GE)/Graduation Requirement.

General Education Requirements1

Area A: Basic Subjects (9 Units)
A1 - Oral Communication3
A2 - Written Communication3
A3 - Critical Thinking3
Area B: Physical Universe and Its Life Forms (6 Units)
B1 - Physical Science 20
B2 - Life Forms3
B3 - Lab (Note: Lab experience to be taken with one of the following: B1, B2 or B5) 20
B4 - Math Concepts 20
B5 - Additional Course (Any B to reach 12 units) - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements.3
Area C: Arts and Humanities (12 Units)
C1 - Arts3
C2 - Humanities3
C1/C2 - Area C Course3
C1/C2 - Area C Course - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements.3
Area D: The Individual and Society (9 Units)
Area D Course3
Area D Course3
Area D Course - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements.3
Area E: Understanding Personal Development (3 Units)
Area E Course3
Area F: Ethnic Studies (3 Units)
Area F Course3
Total Units42
1

To help you complete your degree in a timely manner and not take more units than absolutely necessary, there are ways to use single courses to meet more than one requirement (overlap). For further information, please visit the General Education page.

Note: There is no way to list all possible overlaps so please consult with a professional advisor. The Academic Advising Center can be visited online, by phone (916) 278-1000, or email.

2

Required in Major; also satisfies GE.

Graduation Requirements1

Graduation Requirements (required by CSU) (6 Units)
American Institutions: U.S. History3
American Institutions: U.S. Constitution & CA Government3
Writing Intensive (WI) 30
Graduation Requirements (required by Sacramento State) (12 Units)
English Composition II3
Race and Ethnicity in American Society (RE)3
Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement 26
1

To help you complete your degree in a timely manner and not take more units than absolutely necessary, there are ways to use single courses to meet more than one requirement (overlap). For further information, please visit the General Education page.

Note: There is no way to list all possible overlaps so please consult with a professional advisor. The Academic Advising Center can be visited online, by phone (916) 278-1000, or email.

2

If not satisfied before entering Sacramento State, it may be satisfied in General Education Area C2 (Humanities). "C- or better required." The alternative methods for satisfying the Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement are described here: https://www.csus.edu/college/arts-letters/world-languages-literatures/foreign-language-requirement.html  

3

Required in Major