About Geology, B.S. at CSUSB
At Cal State San Bernardino, our bachelor of science in geology program gives you the flexibility to shape your future in the geosciences. You can choose from two concentrations designed to fit your goals and interests:
- General Geology Concentration — Ideal if you’re planning to pursue graduate school or careers in research and the broader geosciences. This concentration allows you to customize your electives to match your specific interests and career aspirations.
- Environmental Geology Concentration — Designed for students aiming to become professional geologists in the environmental, geotechnical, petroleum, mining or government sectors. This path helps prepare you for professional licensure and hands-on careers in applied geology.
At CSUSB, you’ll learn in small classes led by faculty who are passionate about topics like volcanology, paleontology, mineralogy and earthquakes. And with Southern California as your natural classroom, you’ll study geology where it’s happening — from desert landscapes to mountain ranges and fault zones right outside our campus.
Careers in Geology, B.S.
A geology degree from CSUSB opens doors to a wide range of exciting and meaningful careers. Whether you want to work in public service, education, environmental consulting, government agencies, NGOs or law, your degree will give you the tools to make an impact.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects solid growth for geoscientists, and CSUSB graduates are ready to meet that demand. Possible career paths include:
- Geologist
- Geodesist
- Geochemist
- Geoscientist
- Earth Science Teacher
- Environmental Engineer/Scientist
- Hydrogeologist
- Hydrologist
- Seismologist
- Volcanologist
- Crystallographer
- Earth Science Writer
Sample Courses
Plate Tectonics: Key to Understanding Earthquakes, Volcanoes and Tsunami
Exploration of the technologies that led to new evidence that was unexplainable by traditional, static models of the Earth, and the ideas that led to a new, coherent view of a dynamic Earth in which some ocean basins expand as a result of sea-floor spreading while others shrink as a result of subduction, and continents are carried along as part of massive, slowly moving tectonic plates.
Environmental Geology and Geological Hazards
Topics includes a study of geological factors in land planning such as climate, water use, erosion, faults, ground water origins, water quality, pollution and other geological processes.
Interpreting Earth Systems History: Stories from an Ancient Planet
Introduction to analytical processes and tools (i.e. chemical, tectonic, environmental, petrological, and biological) for deciphering Earth Systems History, how those systems operate and are delineated, and have evolved/modified our planet from its origins through its present state.
Meet Professor Claire Todd, Ph.D.
Opportunities for Students
At CSUSB, geology isn’t just something you study — it’s something you experience. Our students get hands-on training with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, including:
- Scanning electron microscope
- X-ray diffractometer
- Seismograph
- GPS receivers and surveying tools
- Stable isotope mass spectrometer
- Polarizing microscopes
- Video microscopy and photomicrography workstation
- 4-wheel-drive vehicles for fieldwork
Field experiences are a cornerstone of our program — students have explored Mitchell Caverns in the eastern Mojave Desert and hiked deep into the Grand Canyon, bringing classroom learning to life.
Students majoring in the geological sciences may also qualify for graduation with honors, recognizing exceptional academic achievement.
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With more than 50 undergraduate degress at CSUSB, we offer a variety of programs that reflect the Coyotes' passion for learning. Check out where your curiosity will take you at CSUSB.