BA in Earth Science
Units required for Major: 62-64
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 (see Subject Matter Program), 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
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Lower Division Courses (37-38 Units) | ||
| Select one of the following introductory Geology lecture-lab combinations: | 4 | |
| Geology Of Mexico 1 | ||
| Natural Disasters Earth Science Lab 1 | ||
| Earth Science Earth Science Lab 1 | ||
| Physical Geology Physical Geology Lab 1 | ||
| Each of the remaining courses as follows: | ||
| ASTR 4B | Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology | 3 |
| ASTR 6 | Astronomical Observation Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO 1 & BIO 2 | Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology Cells, Molecules and Genes 1 | 9 - 10 |
| or BIO 7 | Introduction to the Science of Biology | |
| CHEM 1A | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| or CHEM 6A | Introduction to General Chemistry | |
| GEOL 12 | Historical Geology | 3 |
| GEOL 12L | Historical Geology Lab | 1 |
| MATH 26A | Calculus I for the Social and Life Sciences 1 | 3 |
| PHYS 5A & PHYS 5B | General Physics: Mechanics, Heat, Sound General Physics: Light, Electricity and Magnetism, Modern Physics | 8 |
| Required Upper Division Courses (26 Units) | ||
| GEOG 111 | Elements Of Meteorology | 3 |
| GEOL 103 | Sedimentology/Stratigraphy | 4 |
| GEOL 111A | Field Geology | 2 |
| GEOL 111B | Field Techniques | 2 |
| GEOL 130 | Oceanography 1 | 3 |
| Select 6 units from the following: | 6 | |
| Paleontology | ||
| Structural Geology and Tectonics | ||
| Volcanology | ||
| Surficial Processes | ||
| Geology of California | ||
| Geology and the Environment | ||
| Geological Field Trip | ||
| Select 6 units not taken previously from the following: | 6 | |
| Environmental Archaeology | ||
| Human Paleontology | ||
| Professional Writing | ||
| Climate 2 | ||
| Global Climate Change | ||
| Landforms | ||
| California's Water Resources | ||
| Data Journalism | ||
| Philosophy Of Science | ||
| Environmental Interpretation | ||
Select 3-5 other upper-division geology courses with permission of instructor | ||
| Total Units | 63-64 | |
| 1 | Course also satisfies General Education (GE)/Graduation Requirement. |
| 2 | Indicates courses recommended for students wishing to prepare for CSET Exam for teaching high school science. |
General Education Requirements1
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Area A: Basic Subjects (9 Units) | ||
| A1 - Oral Communication | 3 | |
| A2 - Written Communication | 3 | |
| A3 - Critical Thinking | 3 | |
| Area B: Physical Universe and Its Life Forms | ||
| B1 - Physical Science 2 | 0 | |
| B2 - Life Forms 2 | 0 | |
| B3 - Lab (Note: Lab experience to be taken with one of the following: B1, B2 or B5) 2 | 0 | |
| B4 - Math Concepts 2 | 0 | |
| B5 - Additional Course (Any B to reach 12 units) - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements. 2 | 0 | |
| Area C: Arts and Humanities (12 Units) | ||
| C1 - Arts | 3 | |
| C2 - Humanities | 3 | |
| C1/C2 - Area C Course | 3 | |
| C1/C2 - Area C Course - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements. | 3 | |
| Area D: The Individual and Society (12 Units) | ||
| Area D Course | 3 | |
| Area D Course | 3 | |
| Area D Course | 3 | |
| Area D Course - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements. | 3 | |
| Area E: Understanding Personal Development (3 Units) | ||
| Area E Course | 3 | |
| Total Units | 36 | |
| 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
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Graduation Requirements (required by CSU) (9 Units) | ||
| American Institutions: U.S. History | 3 | |
| American Institutions: U.S. Constitution & CA Government | 3 | |
| Writing Intensive (WI) | 3 | |
| Graduation Requirements (required by Sacramento State) (12 Units) | ||
| English Composition II | 3 | |
| Race and Ethnicity in American Society (RE) | 3 | |
| Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement 2 | 6 | |
| 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/wll/flgr/ |