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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.

Overview
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 Sciences

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here's what you can do next:

The Curriculum

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.

Degree requirements

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 description
EES 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.

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EES 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).

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EES 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.

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EES 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.

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EES 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 description

View all required courses



Recommended Minors

Want to add even more value to your degree? Consider one of these minors to gain a unique combination of skills and perspectives.


The Experience

We offer hands-on opportunities that give you the freedom to explore your passion through real-world work and prepare for a fulfilling career.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Student photo

Geology can be challenging at times with the various course requirements, but in the end, it’s worth it for the overall experience. The geoscience community is also very open and welcoming at Cal Lutheran and outside.

Cameron Fetter '25

Career Paths

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 description

Geographers

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.

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Environmental 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.

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Geoscientists, 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.

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Hydrologists

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.

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Petroleum 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.

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Surveyors

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.

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Geothermal Production Managers

Manage operations at geothermal power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor geothermal plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.

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Looking for more career paths? Search these related areas to discover more options.

Employers

Some of the organizations our graduates work for include:

  • Arcadis
  • California State Parks
  • Cardno ERI
  • Cliff Berry Inc.
  • Dala Pertroleum
  • 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 Nevada, Las Vegas
  • University of Notre Dame
  • 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.

How We Prepare You for Success

We have 20,000+ employer contacts for jobs and internships, with over 200 listings posted each week.

Our excellent career counselors in the Career Services center will get in touch with you during your very first term on campus. They offer over 50 workshops each year on resume writing, interviewing, salary negotiations, applying to graduate schools, and other critical skills to help you begin your career successfully.

After you graduate from Cal Lutheran, you receive free access to Career Services for life, as a valued member of our alumni family.

Learn more about career outcomes

of Cal Lutheran graduates find a job or enroll in graduate school within nine months

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Tuition & Fees

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Scholarships & Grants

We offer a range of awards based on academic merit and financial need. This is money that does not need to be repaid.

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Financial Aid

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