Geosciences
Geoscience is the scientific study of the earth — including how it has functioned and changed over time.
With a deep understanding of the planet and its life forms, well-trained geoscientists can help organizations create environmentally and economically viable plans into the future.
Study within a geologically unique region
You’ll spend time outdoors as a geosciences major, applying what you’ve learned in the classroom to some of Southern California’s unique geological features. You’ll also learn important laboratory techniques in our newly renovated classrooms and labs.
Learn geoscience subdisciplines
Your courses will familiarize you with current developments and techniques within various geosciences subdisciplines. Areas of study include paleontology, climate change, geologic hazards, water resources, field methods, stratigraphy, sedimentology and more.
You’ll also work closely with other related disciplines — environmental science, chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and geography — as you expand your knowledge of how the earth works, analyze natural resources and geologic hazards and mitigate human impact on our environment.
Participate in earth sciences research
Doing research in a field you are passionate about gives you valuable and relevant experience for your future career. Prior student research projects have included:
- A study of the shell preservation of microfossils, relating ocean chemistry to warming-cooling periods of the past by a student who now works as an environmental geologist.
- A study of the Miocene Ricardo Formation in Red Rock Canyon State Park by a student who now works as an exploration geologist for Exxon/Mobil.
- A study of the vertebral column of the beaked whale Mesoplodon europaeus by a student who is now pursuing a Ph.D. in vertebrate paleontology at the University of Michigan.
At a Glance
Degree Type
Bachelor of Science
Department
Earth and Environmental Sciences
School/College
College of Arts and Science
Next Steps
Interested in this major? Here's what you can do next:
With challenging and relevant courses, outstanding faculty, small class sizes, and an emphasis on hands-on learning, the geosciences program will position you to succeed in your chosen career.
Program Details
Find out what it takes to earn a degree in geosciences and explore the courses.
Highlighted Courses
Get familiar with some of the courses you might take in this major.
EES 224: Planetary Geology
This course will focus on the Earth and its local planetary neighbors utilizing the vast amount of information that has been and continues to be acquired by space probes as well as manned lunar missions. Exposure to comparisons with other nearby planets and planetary objects will allow a better understanding of the Earth, especially our impact on climate and resources.
See descriptionEES 305: Climate Change
This course investigates how contemporary/anthropogenic climate change compares to climate variations over Earth's long history, including our scientific understanding of its causes and its local and global impacts. An overview of the physical components of Earth's climate system is discussed. The course includes both lecture and laboratory experiences.
See descriptionEES 311: Crystallography & Mineralogy
Covers morphological crystallography, crystal chemistry, relation of mineral properties to their internal structure, recognition of selected minerals in hand specimen and optical techniques used for mineral identification (use of the polarizing microscope).
See descriptionEES 331: Paleontology
A survey of the study of ancient life as revealed in the fossil record. Lecture stresses evolutionary theory and the history of life; lab surveys major invertebrate fossil taxa with emphasis on taxonomy and functional morphology.
See descriptionEES 395: Water Resources
An introduction to the principles of surface and groundwater hydrology and to problems related to water utilization. Includes water distribution and availability, alternatives for increasing future water supply, water pollution and mitigation, and water rights law.
See descriptionEES 405: Geophysics
An interdisciplinary study of how to use geophysical observations of the Earth's gravitational and magnetic fields, seismic wave velocities and subsurface electrical resistivity to solve geological and environmental problems. Specific field methods using geophysical instruments will be taught along with the interpretation of the collected data.
See descriptionRecommended Minors
Want to add even more value to your degree? Consider one of these minors to gain a unique combination of skills and perspectives.
We offer hands-on opportunities that give you the freedom to explore your passion through real-world work and prepare for a fulfilling career.
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Learning in Action
We emphasize “doing” science and an active approach to learning. Throughout your classes, you’ll gain a lot of research experience by working side-by-side with your professors in state-of-the-art facilities. You’ll design experiments, collect scientific data, perform statistical analysis and share your conclusions through research papers and presentations.
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Conference Presentations
Many of our students have the opportunity to perform independent research with faculty advisors on campus and present their findings at research consortiums, such as our annual Festival of Scholars or off-campus conferences.
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Field Work
You’ll spend time outdoors as a geosciences major, applying what you’ve learned in the classroom to some of Southern California’s unique geological features. You’ll also learn important laboratory techniques in our newly renovated classrooms and labs.
My internship with the Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management prepared me greatly for my next steps after Cal Lutheran. Working side by side with a geologist, geophysicist, and petroleum engineer has given me insight into the industry I couldn’t have previously imagined. This experience is helping me prepare for graduate school.
Matthew Scipione '16
In both the public and private sectors, geoscientists are hired to study groundwater pollution, earthquake hazards, landslides, and mining or petroleum resources. Along with being accepted into graduate schools around the country, many geoscience students from Cal Lutheran have entered careers in environmental geology, geophysics, environmental cleanup and response, and education.
Potential Careers
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
See descriptionGeographers
Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.
See descriptionEnvironmental Restoration Planners
Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.
See descriptionGeoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.
See descriptionHydrologists
Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.
See descriptionPetroleum Engineers
Devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice.
See descriptionSurveyors
Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes.
See descriptionGeothermal Production Managers
Manage operations at geothermal power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor geothermal plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.
See descriptionLooking for more career paths? Search these related areas to discover more options.
Employers
Graduates from this major have gone to work at:
- Arcadis
- California State Parks
- Cardno ERI
- Cliff Berry Inc.
- Exxon-Mobil
- Fugro West, Inc.
- Geolabs-Westlake Village
- Grover-Hollingsworth & Associates, Inc.
- Petrolog
- Southern California Soil and Testing, Inc.
- Trey Resources, Inc.
- U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Graduate Schools
Our alumni have pursued advanced degrees at:
- California State University, Northridge
- Northern Arizona University
- Stanford University
- Texas A & M
- University of Michigan
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Nevada Las Vegas
- University of Southern California
- University of Texas of the Permian Basin
- University of Wisconsin, Madison
I really enjoy geology because the classes and field trips help me to better understand the world around me. Also, who wouldn’t love a minor that requires them to go camping under the stars in Death Valley or along the coast in Morro Bay? Some of my fondest memories in college are with the geology department.
Danielle Rose '16
This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Some occupations listed above may require a related graduate degree.
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