Dec 26, 2024

2022-2023 Academic Catalog

2022-2023 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Geology, BS

The BS in Geology, offered by the Department of Geology , provides a flexible program that prepares students for admission to graduate programs in the geosciences, and for entry-level positions in engineering, geophysical and geological firms; in engineering, hazardous materials, regulatory, or ecological firms; in computer mapping firms; and in local, regional, and state government agencies.

Program Learning Outcomes

Summary of Degree Units

University Graduation Requirements	35
Major Preparation	21
Major Requirements	50-54
University Electives	12-14
Total	120

Program Roadmaps

The 4-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways are also available online.

University Requirements

Students must satisfy all of the major and Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements , which includes unit, GPA, and residency requirements as well as the below identified General Education , American Institutions, Graduation Writing Assessment, and Physical Education requirements. Courses that meet Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements are noted with an area designation (see Course Abbreviations ).

Exceptions for University Graduation Requirements apply to this major.

Core Lower Division General Education (21 units)

Of the 39 units required by the university, 18 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Courses that meet GE Areas A1, A2, A3, B4, or F must be passed with a “C-” or better to meet the requirement. Consult with a major advisor for details.

Upper Division General Education (6 units)

Of the 9 units required by the university, 3 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Consult with major advisor for details.

American Institutions (6 units)

Complete one 6-unit sequence of American Institutions (US123) courses, which also satisfies GE Area D. Students may also satisfy the American Institutions Requirement with other courses, but these may not satisfy other GE areas.

The American Studies (AMS 1A /AMS 1B ; 12 units) and Humanities Honors (HUM 1A /HUM 1B /HUM 2A /HUM 2B ; 24 units) sequences satisfy the American Institutions Requirement and additional GE Areas (see course descriptions for details).

Consult with a major advisor to select the appropriate sequence.

U.S. History and Government (6 units)

Complete One US1: US History Course

AMS 10 - Stories that Make America 3 unit(s) (C2+US1)
HIST 15 - Essentials of U.S. History 3 unit(s) (D+US1)

Complete One US23: US Constitution and California Government Course

POLS 15 - Essentials of U.S. & California Government 3 unit(s) (D+US23)
POLS 16 - Power and Ideas in American Politics 3 unit(s) (C2+US23)

Physical Education (2 units)

All SJSU undergraduate students, regardless of major, have an opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in physical activities. To accommodate students’ needs and interests, the university offers a diverse selection of activity courses .

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement

At SJSU, students must pass both the SJSU Writing Skills Test (WST) and a Writing in the Disciplines (100W) course. The Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) is satisfied by a course in the major. A grade of C or better (C- not accepted) is required to meet graduation requirements.

Major Preparation (21 units)

CHEM 1A - General Chemistry 5 unit(s) (B1+B3)
CHEM 1B - General Chemistry 5 unit(s) (B1+B3)
MATH 30 - Calculus I 3 unit(s) (B4)

Complete One Sequence From:

Fundamentals

PHYS 2A - Fundamentals of Physics 4 unit(s) (B1+B3)
PHYS 2B - Fundamentals of Physics 4 unit(s) (B1+B3)

General Physics

PHYS 50 - General Physics/Mechanics 4 unit(s) (B1+B3)
PHYS 51 - General Physics/Electricity and Magnetism 4 unit(s) (B1+B3)

Major Requirements (50-54 units)

Core Courses (30-32 units)

GEOL 1 - General Geology 4 unit(s) (B1+B3)
GEOL 7 - Earth, Time and Life 4 unit(s) (B1+B3)
GEOL 28 - Geology Outdoors 1 unit(s)
Any 100W 3 unit(s) (WID)
GEOL 120 - Fundamentals of Mineralogy 3 unit(s)
GEOL 122 - Petrology 4 unit(s)
GEOL 124 - Sedimentology and Stratigraphy 3 unit(s) (R)
GEOL 125 - Structural Geology 4 unit(s)
GEOL 129A - Spring Field Geology 2 unit(s)

Complete One Course From:

GEOL 129B - Advanced Field Geology 4 unit(s)
GEOL 129C - Intermediate Field Geology 2 unit(s)

Geology Electives (20-24 units)

Complete 20-24 units from:

GEOL 127 - Tectonics 3 unit(s)
GEOL 130 - Marine Geology 4 unit(s)
GEOL 134 - Geomorphology 4 unit(s)
GEOL 135 - Geochemistry 4 unit(s)
GEOL 137 - Introduction to GPS/GIS for Geologic Applications 4 unit(s)
GEOL 138 - Hydrogeology 4 unit(s)
GEOL 140 - Principles of Engineering Geology 4 unit(s)
GEOL 142 - Paleontology 4 unit(s)
GEOL 143 - Active Tectonics 4 unit(s)
GEOL 145 - Earth System Science 4 unit(s)
GEOL 147 - Introduction to Applied Geophysics 4 unit(s)
GEOL 174 - Hazardous Materials 3 unit(s)
GEOL 180 - Individual Studies 1-3 unit(s)
MS 141 - Geological Oceanography 4 unit(s)

University Electives (12-14 units)

MATH 31 recommended for graduate school or technical careers

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