Mar 28, 2024  
2023-2024 Academic Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Academic Catalog

Earth System Science, BS


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The Earth System Science (ESS) major, offered by the Department of Geology , is designed to broaden the perspectives of geoscience students by integrating an understanding of Earth’s biological and physical systems with interdisciplinary, solutions-oriented investigations of the human dimensions of sustainability. The Earth System Science degree will prepare students for career options including geohazard assessment, environmental geology, climate change and environmental remediation, water resource management, geoscience consulting, Earth Science teaching, and other career opportunities that center the societal-Earth connection.

Summary of Degree Units

University Graduation Requirements 38
Major Preparation 23
Major Requirements 31
Major Electives 20-23
University Electives 5-8
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 (24 units)


Of the 39 units required by the university, 15 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.

Note: Students who have completed the ADT Transfer degree (under SB 1440) for this major will have completed all lower division GE requirements and should follow the 60 unit guarantee roadmap. Meet with an advisor prior to registering for your first semester for the 60 unit roadmap or specific questions.

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 sequence (AMS 1A /AMS 1B ; 12 units) or Humanities Honors course (HUM 2B ; 6 units) satisfies the American Institutions Requirement and additional GE Areas (see course descriptions for details).

Consult with a major advisor to select the appropriate sequence.

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 a Writing in the Disciplines (100W) course with a  grade of C or better (C- not accepted) to meet graduation requirements. For this major, the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)  is satisfied by a course in the major.

Major Requirements (31 units)


Lower Division (8 units)


Complete one of the following (4 units):


Complete the following two courses (4 units):


Upper Division (19 units)


Capstone (4 units)


University Electives (5-8 units)


The following are recommended electives:

Total Units Required (120 units)


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