Department of Geological Sciences

Live Oak Hall, Room 1202
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge
CA 91330-8266

Phone: (818) 677-3541
E-mail: geology@csun.edu

Hours:
Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm

Undergraduate Information



OVERVIEW OF THE MAJOR:

Geology is a multidisciplinary science that applies the concepts of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering to the natural world around us. The rich variety of its fields of study includes oceanography, paleontology, geophysics, geochemistry, hydrogeology, engineering geology, and more. That is what makes geology an exciting and challenging major for students with broad scientific interests and a love of our planet’s natural systems, environment, and history.

Geology majors gain basic scientific observational, reasoning, and communication skills and an understanding of geological concepts and history. This blend of interpretive scientific ability and historical perspective gives geologists an important role in society. They apply their skills and knowledge to solve complex problems related to human interaction with natural systems, hazards, and resources and to communicate solutions and options to the public.

CAREER POSSIBILITIES:

A wide variety of job opportunities in both private industry and government service are available to geology graduates. Graduates with Bachelor's degrees will normally begin their work career at entry level positions. Examples of opportunities in private industry include engineering geology (evaluating sites for homes, commercial buildings, highways, etc.), environmental geology (environmental impact studies, evaluation and remediation of contaminated sites), hydrogeology (development and quality control of ground water resources), and the discovery and extraction of earth resources such as oil, gas, coal, and metallic and non-metallic resources.

Agencies in all levels of government - city, county, state, and federal - employ geologists for regulatory and oversight (inspection and monitoring) activities. Additionally, a degree in geology is excellent background for preparing to teach physical science and earth science at the secondary school level. Finally, the B.S. degree serves as excellent preparation for entry to graduate programs, either at Cal State Northridge or at other universities.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Undergraduate majors will receive instruction of sufficient breadth, depth, and currency to prepare them for successful appointment to entry-level professional work or graduate school. At the time of graduation, they will have learned (1) background knowledge of earth materials, processes, and history; (2) skills in standard data-gathering and data-analysis methods in both lab and field settings; (3) how to identify geologic problems and develop testable hypotheses that would aid in their solution in both independent and collaborative modes; and (4) how to present polished summaries, both written and oral, of their geological discoveries.