GEOLOGY
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- COMPLETE COURSE LISTING
- BACHELOR OF ARTS
- BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
- MINOR
- SUBJECT MATTER PROGRAM
- MASTER OF SCIENCE
- CAREER POSSIBILITIES
- FACULTY
- CONTACT
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.
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.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
Requirements - Bachelor of Arts Degree
Units required for Major: 51-56
Minimum total units required for BA: 120
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
A. Required Lower Division Courses (21-24 units)
(5) |
General Chemistry I (High school chemistry and college algebra; sufficient performance on the college algebra diagnostic test, or equivalent) |
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(4) |
Geology of Mexico OR |
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Physical Geology AND |
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Physical Geology Lab (GEOL 10; may be taken concurrently) |
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(3) |
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(1) |
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(4-7) |
Calculus I for the Social and Life Sciences (MATH 11 or three years of high school mathematics which includes two years of algebra and one year of geometry; completion of ELM requirement and the Intermediate Algebra Diagnostic Test) AND |
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Pre-calculus Mathematics (MATH 11 or three years of high school mathematics which includes two years of algebra and one year of geometry; completion of ELM requirement and Intermediate Algebra Diagnostic Test) OR |
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Calculus I (MATH 29 or four years of high school mathematics which includes two years of algebra, one year of geometry, and one year of mathematical analysis; completion of ELM requirement and Pre-Calculus Diagnostic Test) |
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(4) |
General Physics: Mechanics, Heat, Sound (Recently completed three years of high school algebra and geometry; and a college course in algebra and trigonometry [MATH 9 recommended] for those having an inadequate mathematics background) OR |
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General Physics: Mechanics (MATH 30, MATH 31; or equivalent certificated high school courses; MATH 31 may be taken concurrently) |
B. Required Upper Division Courses (30-32 units)
(4) |
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(4) |
Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (GEOL 100 with a C- grade or better; GEOL 103 which may be taken concurrently) |
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(4) |
Sedimentology/Stratigraphy (GEOL 10, GEOL 10L, GEOL 12, GEOL 100; ENGL 1A or demonstrated writing ability for BS students) |
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(4) |
Structural Geology and Tectonics (GEOL 5 or GEOL 10 and GEOL 10L, GEOL 12 and GEOL 12L, GEOL 111A and GEOL 111B; PHYS 5A or PHYS 11A; MATH 30 or MATH 26A) |
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(1) |
Structural Geology Field (GEOL 100, GEOL 103, GEOL 111A, GEOL 111B; Corequisite: GEOL 110A) |
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(2) |
Field Geology (GEOL 5 or GEOL 10 and GEOL 10L, GEOL 12 and GEOL 12L; GEOL 100 with a grade of C- or better; Corequisite: GEOL 111B) |
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(2) |
Field Techniques (GEOL 10, GEOL 10L, GEOL 12, GEOL 12L, GEOL 100; Corequisite: GEOL 103, GEOL 111A) |
Take three courses from the following list:
(4) |
Paleontology (GEOL 5 or GEOL 10 and GEOL 10L, GEOL 12 and GEOL 12L) |
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(3) |
Geophysics for Geologists (GEOL 5 or GEOL 10 and GEOL 10L, PHYS 5A, PHYS 5B which may be taken concurrently) |
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(3) |
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(4) |
Surficial Processes (GEOL 5 or GEOL 10 and GEOL 10L; GEOL 12, GEOL 112L) |
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(3) |
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(3) |
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(3) |
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(3) |
Hydrogeology (CHEM 1A; GEOL 10, GEOL 10L, GEOL 12; MATH 26A or MATH 30; PHYS 5A; or instructor permission) |
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(3) |
Geology and Tectonic Development of California Seminar (GEOL 5 or GEOL 10 and GEOL 12, GEOL 110A) |
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(3) |
Engineering Geology (GEOL 5 or GEOL 10 and GEOL 10L, GEOL 12, PHYS 5A or PHYS 11A, MATH 29 or high school trigonometry) |
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(2) |
Senior Research Project (Senior status and appropriate courses as determined by a Departmental faculty committee. The proposed project must be approved by the Department committee; instructor permission) |
Note: Attendance at 16 colloquia, verified by faculty signature, is required.
Requirements - Bachelor of Arts Degree - Earth Science
Units required for Major: 62-68
Minimum total units required for BA: 120
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
A. Required Lower Division Courses (36-42 units)
Select one of the following introductory Geology lecture-lab combinations:
(4) |
Geology of Mexico OR |
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(3) |
Natural Disasters AND |
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(1) |
Earth Science Lab (GEOL 8; may be taken concurrently) OR |
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(3) |
Earth Science AND |
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(1) |
Earth Science Lab (GEOL 8; may be taken concurrently) OR |
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(3) |
Physical Geology AND |
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(1) |
Physical Geology Lab (GEOL 10; may be taken concurrently) |
Each of the remaining courses as follows:
(3) |
Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology (One year high school geometry or instructor permission) |
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(1) |
Astronomical Observation Laboratory (ASTR 4A, ASTR 4B or ASTR 4C; may be taken concurrently) |
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(5) |
Biodiversity, Evolution, and Ecology AND |
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(5) |
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(4) |
Introduction to the Science of Biology |
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(5) |
General Chemistry I (High school chemistry and college algebra; sufficient performance on the college algebra diagnostic test, or equivalent) OR |
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(5) |
Introduction to General Chemistry (One year high school algebra; high school chemistry recommended) |
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(3) |
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(1) |
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(4) |
Earth Materials (GEOL 5, GEOL 7, GEOL 8, or GEOL 10; GEOL 8L or GEOL 10L may be taken concurrently) |
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(3) |
Calculus I for the Social and Life Sciences (MATH 11 or three years of high school mathematics which includes two years of algebra and one year of geometry; completion of ELM requirement and the Intermediate Algebra Diagnostic Test) |
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(4) |
General Physics: Mechanics, Heat, Sound (Recently completed three years of high school algebra and geometry; and a college course in algebra and trigonometry [MATH 9 recommended] for those having an inadequate mathematics background) AND |
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(4) |
General Physics: Light, Electricity and Magnetism, Modern Physics (PHYS 5A or instructor permission) |
B. Required Upper Division Courses (26 units)
(3) |
Elements of Meteorology (GEOG 1 or instructor permission) |
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(4) |
Sedimentology/Stratigraphy (GEOL 10, GEOL 10L, GEOL 12, GEOL 100; ENGL 1A or demonstrated writing ability) |
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(2) |
Field Geology (GEOL 5 or GEOL 10 and GEOL 10L, GEOL 12 and GEOL 12L; GEOL 100 with a grade of C- or better; Corequisite: GEOL 111B) |
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(2) |
Field Techniques (GEOL 10, GEOL 10L, GEOL 12, GEOL 12L, GEOL 100; Corequisite: GEOL 103, GEOL 111A) |
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(3) |
Oceanography |
(6) Select six units from the following:
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Paleontology (GEOL 5 or GEOL 10 and GEOL 10L, GEOL 12 and GEOL 12L) |
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Structural Geology and Tectonics (GEOL 5 or GEOL 10 and GEOL 10L, GEOL 12 and GEOL 12L, GEOL 111A and GEOL 111B; PHYS 5A or PHYS 11A; MATH 30 or MATH 26A) |
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Surficial Processes (GEOL 5 or GEOL 10 and GEOL 10L; GEOL 12, GEOL 12L) |
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Geology and the Environment |
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Geological Field Trip |
(6) Select six units from the following but not taken previously:
Environmental Archaeology |
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Human Paleontology (ANTH 1, ANTH 1A or instructor permission) |
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Climate (GEOG 1 or GEOG 5 or GEOL 8 or GEOL 10 or ENVS 10, or instructor permission) |
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Global Climate Change (GEOG 1 or instructor permission) |
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Landforms (GEOG 1 or instructor permission) |
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California's Water Resources |
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Column and Review Writing |
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Philosophy of Science |
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Environmental Interpretation and Outdoor Education |
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3-5 other upper-division geology courses with permission of instructor. |
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*Indicates courses recommended for students wishing to prepare for CSET Exam for teaching high school science.
Requirements - Bachelor of Science Degree
Units required for Major: 60-65
Minimum total units required for BS: 120
Note: Additional units may be required to meet
the Sacramento State foreign language requirement.
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
A. Required Lower Division Courses (25 units)
(5) |
General Chemistry I (High school chemistry and college algebra; sufficient performance on the college algebra diagnostic test, or equivalent) |
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(4) |
Geology of Mexico OR |
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Physical Geology AND |
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Physical Geology Lab (GEOL 10; may be taken concurrently) |
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(3) |
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(1) |
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(4) |
Calculus I (MATH 29 or four years of high school mathematics which includes two years of algebra, one year of geometry, and one year of mathematical analysis; completion of ELM requirement and Pre-Calculus Diagnostic Test) |
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(4) |
General Physics: Mechanics, Heat, Sound (Recently completed three years of high school algebra and geometry; and a college course in algebra and trigonometry [MATH 9 recommended] for those having an inadequate mathematics background OR |
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General Physics: Mechanics (MATH 30, MATH 31; or equivalent certificated high school courses; MATH 31 may be taken concurrently) |
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(4) |
General Physics: Light, Electricity and Magnetism, Modern Physics (PHYS 5A or instructor permission) OR |
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B. Required Upper Division Courses (35-40 units)
(4) |
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(4) |
Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (GEOL 100 with a grade C- or better; GEOL 103 which may be taken concurrently) |
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(4) |
Sedimentology/Stratigraphy (GEOL 10, GEOL 10L, GEOL 12, GEOL 100; ENGL 1A or demonstrated writing ability) |
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(4) |
Structural Geology and Tectonics (GEOL 5 or GEOL 10 and GEOL 10L, GEOL 12 and GEOL 12L, GEOL 111A and GEOL 111B, PHYS 5A or PHYS 11A, MATH 30 or MATH 26A) |
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(1) |
Structural Geology Field (GEOL 100, GEOL 103, GEOL 111A, GEOL 111B; Corequisite: GEOL 110A) |
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(2) |
Field Geology (GEOL 5 or GEOL 10 and GEOL 10L, GEOL 12 and GEOL 12L, GEOL 100 with a grade of C- or better; Corequisite: GEOL 111B) |
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(2) |
Field Techniques (GEOL 10, GEOL 10L, GEOL 12, GEOL 12L, GEOL 100; Corequisite: GEOL 103, GEOL 111A) |
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(5) |
Advanced Geologic Mapping (GEOL 110B, GEOL 111A, GEOL 111B, instructor permission) |
Take four courses from the following list:
(4) |
Paleontology (GEOL 5 or GEOL 10 and GEOL 10L, GEOL 12 and GEOL 12L) |
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(3) |
Geophysics for Geologists (GEOL 5 or GEOL 10 and GEOL 10L, PHYS 5A, PHYS 5B which may be taken concurrently) |
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(3) |
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(4) |
Surficial Processes (GEOL 5 or GEOL 10 and GEOL 10L, GEOL 12, GEOL 12L) |
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(3) |
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(3) |
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(3) |
Hydrogeology (CHEM 1A, GEOL 10, GEOL 10L, GEOL 12, MATH 26A or MATH 30, PHYS 5A, or instructor permission) |
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(3) |
Geology and Tectonic Development of California Seminar (GEOL 5 or GEOL 10 and GEOL 12, GEOL 110A) |
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(3) |
Engineering Geology (GEOL 5 or GEOL 10 and GEOL 10L, GEOL 12, PHYS 5A or PHYS 11A, MATH 29 or high school trigonometry) |
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(1) |
Senior Research Preparation (Senior status and appropriate courses as determined by a Departmental faculty committee. The proposed project must be approved by a Department committee; instructor permission) |
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(2) |
Senior Research Project (Senior status and appropriate courses as determined by a Departmental faculty committee. The proposed project must be approved by the Department committee; instructor permission) |
Requirements - Minor
Total units required for Minor: 18
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
(3) |
Physical Geology |
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(1) |
Physical Geology Lab (GEOL 10; may be taken concurrently) |
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(3) |
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(1) |
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(10) |
Electives - select 10 units of upper division courses in Geology |
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Students wishing a Geology minor must contact a Geology advisor before beginning upper division work in Geology.
Requirements - Subject Matter Program (Pre-Credential Preparation)
Geology majors who intend to pursue a teaching credential must complete the science subject matter program which is described in this catalog. Successful completion of this program fulfills the subject matter competence requirement and qualifies students to enter the teaching credential program in the College of Education. The Science Teaching Credential allows graduates to teach all four of the sciences (Geoscience, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) at the General Science level in 7-12 grades, and Geoscience at an advanced level in high school.
Currently there is a great need for K-12 teachers educated in science. Changes in State Board of Education Standards and increasing interest in earth and space sciences has created significant demand for students with this credential. Geology majors who have an interest in teaching should contact the credential advisors in the Geology Department (Dave Evans or Judi Kusnick).
GRADUATE PROGRAM
The graduate program in Geology offers coursework, fieldwork experience, and research that will lead to a Master of Science degree in Geology. It allows students who successfully complete the program to upgrade their educational qualifications and advance to doctoral programs or professional positions that require an in-depth knowledge of hydrogeology, environmental geology, and geologic hazards. The University's location in the state capital provides direct access to many local, federal, and state agencies through internship and fieldwork opportunities.
Each student should plan a program according to his/her background, interests and objectives, in consultation with a faculty advisor. Students are required to consult with an advisor prior to admission to the program or initiation of graduate study. For information on how to select an advisor, students should contact the Geology Department Office. Graduate students who want to engage in teaching as professionals can apply for an appointment as a Graduate Teaching Associate. Graduate Teaching Associates have the opportunity to teach one to three lower division laboratory courses per semester and are paid at a rate commensurate with their teaching load.
All work toward the degree must be completed within a seven-year period. The general University requirements for graduate degrees are explained in the "Graduate Studies" section of this Catalog or visit the Web site http:\\www.csus.edu/geology.
Admission Requirements
Admission as a classified graduate student in Geology requires:
- a degree in Geology, or 24 units of equivalent upper-division coursework in Geology which must have been passed with a grade of "C-" or better and includes: GEOL 10, GEOL 10L, GEOL 100, GEOL 102, GEOL 103, GEOL 110A, GEOL 111A, and GEOL 111B. These core undergraduate courses cannot be used as graduate electives by students who do not hold a degree in Geology or equivalent;
- a minimum 2.75 GPA in all Geology, Chemistry, Math and Physics courses, and a minimum 3.0 GPA in upper division Geology courses;
- three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with your academic record and professional capabilities, sent directly to the Department;
- a brief statement of interest, faculty sponsorship, area of specialty and long-term goals;
- two semesters of inorganic Chemistry with a lab (CHEM 1A and CHEM 1B);
- two semesters of Physics with a lab (PHYS 11A and PHYS 11B or PHYS 5A and PHYS 5B); and
- two semesters of Math (MATH 30 and MATH 31).
Students who have deficiencies in Admission Requirements that can be removed by specified additional preparation may be admitted with conditionally classified graduate status. Any deficiencies will be noted on a written response to the admission application. You must be admitted to the degree program before graduate level courses will count toward the degree.
Admission Procedures
All prospective classified graduate students, including Sacramento State graduates, must file the following with the Office of Graduate Studies:
- an online application for admission;
- an application for admission to the Geology Graduate Program; and
- two sets of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, other than Sacramento State.
For more admissions information and application deadlines please visit http://www.csus.edu/gradstudies/.
Applications are accepted as long as space for new students exists. A decision regarding admission will be mailed to the applicant upon receipt of all items listed above.
Advancement to Candidacy
Each student must file an application for Advancement to Candidacy, indicating a proposed program of graduate study. This procedure should begin as soon as the classified graduate student has:
- removed any deficiencies in admission requirements;
- completed at least 12 units in the graduate program with a minimum 3.0 GPA, including at least two courses at the 200-level;
- obtained the graduate committee's acceptance of the thesis proposal; and
- taken the Writing Placement for Graduate Students (WPG) or taken a Graduate Writing Intensive (GWI) course in their discipline within the first two semesters of coursework at California State University, Sacramento or secured approval for a WPG waiver.
Advancement to Candidacy forms are available in the Office of Graduate Studies, River Front Center 206, (916) 278-6470. The student must fill out the form after planning a degree program in consultation with his/her faculty advisor. After approval by the Geology Department Graduate Committee, the completed form is returned to the Office of Graduate Studies for approval.
Requirements - Master of Science Degree
Units
required for MS: 30
Minimum required GPA: 3.0
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
A. Required Core Courses (9 units minimum)
Required of all students:
(3) |
Graduate Research Methods Seminar |
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(3) |
Surficial Processes (GEOL 120 or equivalent) |
Remaining core units to be taken from the following approved specialty courses:
(4) |
Geologic Remote Imaging (PHYS 5B or PHYS 11B or equivalent; GEOL 102, GEOL 110A or equivalent; and proficiency using a personal computer) |
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(3) |
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(3) |
Advanced Hydrogeology (GEOL 127, graduate level status in Geology) |
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(3) |
Engineering Geology (GEOL 193C) |
B. Graduate electives (15 units minimum)
(3) |
Contaminant Hydrogeology (CHEM 1B and CHEM 6B or CHEM 20, GEOL 202) |
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(3) |
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(3) |
Field Characterization of Aquifer Systems (GEOL 127 and CHEM 1B or instructor permission) |
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(1-3) |
Special Topics (Varies with each special topic course) |
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(1-4) |
Special Problems in Geology (Graduate-level status in geology, approval of project by a faculty sponsor and Department Chair; instructor permission) |
Courses taken to meet the graduate core requirement will not count as elective courses. Elective courses (including GEOL 299) will be selected with prior approval of the student's faculty advisor in the area of interest. In addition to 200-level courses, these may also include up to 6 units of approved technical electives (but not the required courses) from the undergraduate curriculum. Not more than 3 units of GEOL 299 may be taken without prior approval of the Graduate Coordinator.
C. Culminating Requirements (6 units)
(6) |
Master's Thesis |
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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
Faculty
Kevin Cornwell, David Evans, Lisa Hammersley, Brian Hausback, Tim Horner, Judi Kusnick, Greg Wheeler
Contact Information
David Evans, Department Chair
Stacy Sinz, Administrative Support Coordinator
Placer Hall 2003
(916) 278-6337
www.csus.edu/geology