The geology program provides students with a solid foundation in Earth system science, how the Earth and its processes affect humans, and how human activities affect the Earth.
The BS degree in geology is recommended for students who plan to seek work as professional geologists (e.g., engineering geology, hydrology, environmental geology, natural resource geology) and/or enter graduate school in the geosciences. The BA degree in geology with a concentration in geoscience is aimed toward students who are interested in careers or pursuing graduate work in broader fields of environmental science, hazard/resource management and planning, environmental policy, and teaching. The second discipline provides greater breadth and expertise in an additional field.
Humboldt’s setting provides a natural laboratory to study earthquakes, tsunamis, mountain building, landsliding, river processes, natural mineral and metal resources, volcanism, and rapid coastal erosion. The area Geology also contains good exposures of nearshore marine deposits and fossils recording the late Cenozoic history of the region. Students frequently take field trips to surrounding areas both along the coast and inland. Geology majors may also pursue a thesis project under the supervision of a faculty mentor.
At Humboldt, you will also be able to use research tools including petrographic microscopes, scanning electron microscope, geophysical exploration equipment and a real-time kinematic GPS unit. Employers seek out Humboldt geology graduates because of their competence in the field and rigorous scientific background.
Career opportunities include positions with local/state/federal government scientific and resource management agencies, geotechnical and environmental consulting firms, nonprofit conservation agencies, and universities/colleges/K-12 schools. Job titles of Humboldt geology graduates include: geologist, petrologist, volcanologist, consultant, technical writer or editor, seismologist, emergency manager, hazards mitigation specialist, field geologist, marine geologist, hydrologist, geomorphologist, museum curator, and science teacher.
Students will be most successful if they take mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology and any environmental studies in high school if available. Students need to be able to write and speak effectively in English and are expected to be proficient in computer applications.
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