Geology

Geology is the study of the earth, life, and the natural processes occurring on the planet through time. Students learn about the causes of processes such as earthquakes, volcanoes, the formation of mountains, the effect of erosion and deposition, and the formation of rocks and minerals and their uses. The collective approach of kinesthetic learning, research trips, and coursework provide students with a deep understanding of the natural processes and human environmental impact.

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences offers undergraduate study leading to a B.S. or B.A. degree in geology. Either path provides students with strong foundational knowledge and a broad set of field and laboratory skills in the earth sciences.

 

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Your Future

Career Opportunities Include:

Engineering Geologist • Environmental Geologist • Geochemist • Geologist • Geophysicist • Hydrologist • K-12 Earth Science Education • Mineralogist • Oceanographer • Paleontologist • Park Ranger • Petrologist • Seismologist • Soils Engineer • Stratigrapher

 

Future Income:

Visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics to learn more about the outlook for your future career.

 

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Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences

University Catalog

Courses You Might Take

ENSC 210 - Physical and Environmental Geology

Study the nature and distribution of earth materials, the processes by which the materials are formed and altered, and the nature and development of the landscape.

ENSC 211 - Historical Geology

Study plate tectonics and sea-floor spreading as they relate to the development of continents, ocean basins, and mountain belts. Explore the origin, evolution and diversification of life through time.

GEOL 360 - Mineralogy and Optical Crystallography

A course on crystallography, crystal chemistry, crystal structure, crystal growth, and optical properties. Students learn about physical properties and identification of minerals in hand samples.

GEOL 361 - Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

Explore the characteristics, phase relations, and origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Study plate tectonic settings of magmatism and metamorphism. Perform rock classification based upon hand-lens and microscopic examination of mineralogy and texture.

GEOL 371 - Sedimentary Geology and Stratigraphy

Explore depositional systems and sedimentary processes. Facies models, succession, age relationships, and correlation of strata. Petrology and provenance of sedimentary rocks.

GEOL 381 - Structural Geology

A geometric, kinematic, and dynamic analysis of geologic structures and their origins and evolution. Offers a laboratory emphasis on descriptive geometry, stereographic solutions to structural problems, and data analysis.

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Contact Us

Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
  • California State University, East Bay
  • 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd
  • Hayward, CA 94542