BS in Geology (Hydrogeology)

Degree Roadmaps (2YR) (4YR)

Units required for Major: 72
Total units required for BS: 120

Program Description

The BS in Geology with a concentration in Hydrogeology is designed to prepare students for professional employment or further studies in hydrogeology and water resources. The program emphasizes the fundamentals of geology, including mineralogy/petrology, stratigraphy, structural geology, and field geology, then builds on this foundation with coursework focusing on the water cycle and related Earth processes. 

Program Requirements

Required Lower Division Core Courses (26 Units)
CHEM 1AGeneral Chemistry I5
GEOL 10
10L
Physical Geology
Physical Geology Lab
4
or GEOL 5 Geology Of Mexico
GEOL 11 Digital Methods in Geoscience1
GEOL 12Historical Geology3
GEOL 12LHistorical Geology Lab1
MATH 30Calculus I 14
PHYS 5AGeneral Physics: Mechanics, Heat, Sound4
or PHYS 11A General Physics: Mechanics
PHYS 5BGeneral Physics: Light, Electricity and Magnetism, Modern Physics4
or PHYS 11B General Physics: Heat, Light, Sound, Modern Physics
Required Upper Division Core Courses (22 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 189 Geology Colloquium2
Concentration (24 Units)
Select from the following concentrations:24
General Geology
Hydrogeology
Total Units72
1

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

Concentration in Hydrogeology (24 units)

Required Courses (9 Units)
CHEM 1BGeneral Chemistry II5
GEOL 127Hydrogeology4
Elective Courses (15 Units)
Select at least 6 units from the following three classes:15
Surficial Processes
Geochemistry
Environmental Field Methods
Remaining elective units may come from the following classes:
GEOL 101 Optical Mineralogy
Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
Paleontology
Geophysics For Geologists
Volcanology
Metallic Ore Deposits
Marine Geology
Computer Mapping in Geology
Petroleum Geology
Advanced Geologic Mapping
Engineering Geology
Senior Research Preparation
Senior Research Project
Total Units24

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) (9 Units)
American Institutions: U.S. History3
American Institutions: U.S. Constitution & CA Government3
Writing Intensive (WI)3
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