The BS in Geology program provides students with a comprehensive curriculum that addresses Earth’s physical structure, materials, processes, and geologic time. The BS degree in Geology prepares students to work as professional geologists (e.g., engineering geology, hydrology, environmental geology, natural resource geology) and/or enter graduate school in the geosciences. All students graduating with this degree will be eligible to take the Association of State Boards of Geology ‘Fundamentals of Geology’ examination which is the first step towards Professional Geologist licensure.
Cal Poly Humboldt’s location and setting provides a natural laboratory to study earthquakes, tsunamis, tectonism, volcanism, river and glacial processes, natural mineral and metal resources, and rapid coastal erosion. Our program combines classroom instruction with hands-on fieldwork, laboratory research, and data analysis to develop advanced understanding of geological phenomena. Geology majors may also pursue a research thesis project under the supervision of a faculty mentor.
At Humboldt, you will gain experience using research tools including flow meters, GPS-based survey equipment, rock saws and polishers, petrographic and scanning electron microscopes, coring equipment, and specialized software like GIS and learn how to use them for geoscience specific applications. Employers seek out Humboldt Geology graduates because of their competence in the field, problem solving abilities, and collaborative work ethic.
Upon graduation, students with a BS in Geology pursue career opportunities with local/state/federal government scientific and resource management agencies like the US Forest Service, US Geological Survey, state geology survey agencies, NOAA, geotechnical and environmental consulting firms, nonprofit conservation agencies, and universities/colleges/K-12 schools. Many of our graduates go on to earn professional geology or engineering geology licensure, MS, and PhDs.
While no specific high school curriculum is required, students will be most familiar with the degree’s requirements if they have a foundation in mathematics, chemistry, physics, geology, and environmental science 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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