The Humboldt Geology Program offers broad and rigorous programs in geoscience that emphasizes geological reasoning and field studies. Our location on California's North Coast provides an unparalleled laboratory to study tectonics, earthquakes, landsliding, shifting rivers, and rapid erosion.
We offer three undergraduate degree programs:
Bachelor of Arts in Geology
for people interested in a traditional foundation in geology with an emphasis on field work and who plan to seek work as professional geologists and/or enter graduate school in the geosciences.
Bachelor of Science in Geology
for people interested in all of the above plus the opportunity to complete an independent research project.
Bachelor of Arts in Geosciences
for people who are interested in careers or pursuing graduate work in environmental science, hazard/resource management and planning, teaching, and environmental policy.
We also offer a minor degree in Geology
Minor in Geology
for people who don’t have time for a complete geology program but are interested in additional breadth in geology.
We offer a graduate degree in Environmental Systems with an emphasis in geology.
Master of Science in Environmental Systems, Geology
Course Requirements
- 2 semesters calculus
- 1 additional math course
- 2 semesters physics
- 2 semesters chemistry
- general geology
- geomorphology
- geobiology
- sedimentary geology
- structural geology
- earth materials
- optical mineralogy/petrography
- seminar
- 2 semesters specialization classes
- 3 field methods courses and summer field camp
Bachelor of Science in Geology:
Course requirements are identical to the Bachelor of Arts in Geology with the addition of three senior thesis courses and an original independent research project.
Bachelor of Arts in Geosciences
Course Requirements
- 1 semester calculus
- 1 semester chemistry
- 1 semester physics
- statistics
- general geology
- geomorphology
- fossils, life, & evolution
- sedimentary geology
- structural geology
- earth materials
- earth resources & environmental change
- geology of California
- field geology of the western US
- colloquium
- 2 field methods courses
- geographic information systems (GIS)
- climatology
- oceanography or watershed management
- natural disasters
- senior project
Course Requirements
- Introductory geology
- Field Geology of the Western US
- Earth resources & Environmental Change
- Natural Disasters
- Earth Materials
And 3 additional units of approved Geology coursework.
Master of Science Degree in Environmental Systems, Geology
Course Requirements
- Graduate Orientation in Environmental Systems
- Topics in Environmental Systems
- Graduate Colloquium in Environmental Systems
- Data Collection & Analysis
- Fluvial Processes
- Hillslope Processes
- Quaternary Stratigraphy
- Advanced Geology Field Methods
- Neotectonic
- Original, independent research and thesis
The Table below shows the core courses that we hope to offer over the next five years. Please note that some adjustments may occur depending on budget constraints and faculty availability. Additional Specialization Courses may be offered depending on demand and resources.
