Geology

College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Program Description

Geology is the study of the earth, its environments, and its history. It is an interdisciplinary science that combines geological observations and concepts with those of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Its goals are to study rocks, minerals, fossils, and energy and water resources, and to understand geologic principles and processes that shape the earth and its environments.

The Sacramento State Geology program has three objectives:

  1. to encourage students to think scientifically,
  2. to provide students with the knowledge base to make progress in geology after leaving Sacramento State, and
  3. to teach students basic skills such as using a petrographic microscope and field equipment, how to construct a geologic map, and how to write a technical geologic report.

The BA degree program is designed as a shorter, more flexible preparation for some geology jobs, earth science teaching in high school (see Teaching Credential), 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.

The BS degree program is designed to be the best possible preparation for advanced work in geology in graduate school or for professional employment as a geologist. The Geology program offers a strong background in the major areas of geology including: mineralogy, petrology, paleontology, stratigraphy, structural geology, field mapping, hydrogeology, and report writing.

Degree Programs

BA in Earth Science

BA in Geology

BS in Geology

BS in Geology (Hydrogeology)

Minor in Geology

MS in Geology

Special Features

  • Among the greatest attractions for studying geology at Sacramento State is the University's location in a dynamic geologic environment; just 70 miles to the west is the San Francisco Bay Area and the San Andreas fault. About equidistant to the east is the magnificent Sierra Nevada mountain range. The active geology faculty conducts field trips in almost every course in the Geology major, providing excellent opportunities for students to learn field skills and to apply classroom knowledge to field situations.
  • A small student/teacher ratio, plus a rigorous course of study, contributes to the excellent reputation of the Sacramento State Geology Department with employers and graduate schools. Contact the Department office for assistance in obtaining a faculty advisor.
  • The Geology Department operates the largest on-campus well field in the nation, with twenty engineered wells for teaching and student research. The well field is complemented by a comprehensive collection of state-of-the-art geophysical and hydrological field equipment.
  • The Geology Department shares Placer Hall with the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Students benefit from this unique collaborative enterprise between a university and a federal agency because of the educational, research, and employment opportunities provided by the combined scientific and educational resources of the Geology Department and the USGS.
  • Students interested in marine geology may take courses at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories at Moss Landing, CA, 180 miles from the Sacramento State campus. The labs and available courses are described under the Marine Sciences section of this catalog. A program including Moss Landing courses may be formulated with a Geology advisor. Such a program usually requires living in or near Moss Landing for one or more semesters.

Career Possibilities

Geologist · Geophysicist · Groundwater Geologist · Oil and Gas Geologist · Mineralogist · Paleontologist · Marine Geologist · Environmental Geologist · Photogeologist · Seismologist · Consulting Geologist · Soils Engineer · Land Use Planner · Volcanologist · Astrogeologist · Geochemist · Economic Geologist · Mining Geologist · Hydrologist · Government Geologist · Coal Geologist · Glacial Geologist · Vertebrate Paleontologist · Geology Professor · Earth Science Teacher

Contact Information

Amy Wagner, Department Chair
Amie Bright, Administrative Support Coordinator
Placer Hall 2003
(916) 278-6337
geology@csus.edu

Department of Geology Website

Faculty

BURMEISTER, KURTIS

GRIFFIN, JULIE

HAMMERSLEY, LISA

HAUSBACK, BRIAN P.

SHIMABUKURO, DAVID

SKINNER, STEVEN

VANKEUREN, AMELIA

WAGNER, AMY