Department of Geology

Office: Duncan Hall 321
Telephone: 408-924-5050 (Voice); 408-924-5053 (Fax)
Email: undergradadvisor-geology@sjsu.edu; gradadvisor-geology@sjsu.edu
Website: www.sjsu.edu/geology

Professors
Kimberly Blisniuk
Emmanuel Gabet, Chair and Graduate Program Coordinator
Ellen P. Metzger
Jonathan Miller

Associate Professors
Nathaniel Bogie
Carlie Pietsch

Assistant Professors
Elizabeth Madden

Overview

Sustainability, sea-level rise, water resources, landslides, earthquakes, agriculture - the Department of Geology specializes in increasing students’ understanding of Earth’s processes and resources. We offer general education courses, a rigorous, integrated undergraduate curriculum, and graduate courses and research. Our bachelor’s degree program in Geology prepares students for graduate study in the geosciences as well as for careers in engineering and environmental consulting firms, regulatory agencies, and state and federal organizations (e.g., NASA, USGS, NOAA). Our bachelor’s program in Earth System Science focuses on the complex processes within and feedbacks between the Earth Systems (geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere), including the interactions of humans with the Earth. Students obtaining this degree are well-positioned for careers in environmental remediation, natural resource management, and environmental policy. We also offer, with the Department of Computer Science, a joint bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Geology. This program is designed for students interested in careers that involve the application of high-tech approaches, such as AI and the analysis of LiDAR data, in solving real-world environmental and geological problems.

Our master’s degree in Geology emphasizes the study of applied geology, surface processes, and tectonics, enabling graduates to advance to Ph.D programs and to secure jobs in fields such as environmental consulting, hydrogeology, geotechnical engineering, and hazards assessment. Our master’s degree in Computational Geoscience, a joint program with the Department of Computer Science, focuses on the use of advanced techniques, such as AI, numerical modeling, and Geographical Information Systems, to investigate topics such as earthquake risks, coastal erosion, and groundwater contamination. Graduates of this program will be well-equipped for positions in environmental and geotechnical companies, as well as careers at NASA, NOAA, and the USGS (US Geological Survey).

Geology and Earth System Science Honors Program

Departmental honors in the BS Geology and Earth System Science degree programs are awarded to those majors who have achieved a 3.5 grade point average in their required departmental courses and have completed an undergraduate research project. A proposal for undergraduate research, including an identified Geology faculty supervisor, must be approved by the Geology honors committee for acceptance into the honors program. Completion of two units of Geology 180 and both written and oral presentation of research results are required for completion of the program.

Programs

Undergraduate Major(s)

Master(s)

Geology, MS

Undergraduate Minor(s)

Geology Minor

Roadmaps

Courses

Geology