The following are sample academic plans for 2-year transfer Geology B.S. majors. They assume you've completed the preparatory coursework. This information is provided for your convenience, but should be adjusted to each student's specific needs. These plans are not meant to replace a consultation with a major advisor, who can help you create a personalized academic plan. Classes are subject to change.
Classes in italics must stay in the quarter they’re listed, although not always in the year listed.
The following classes are recommended for those who intend to pursue graduate degrees but are not necessarily required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Geology: MAT 21D, MAT 22B, PHY 9D.
Geology B.S. Sample Academic Plan for Transfers (pdf) revised 07/2023
Geology A.B. Sample Academic Plan for Transfers (pdf) revised 07/2023
There are 2 Options for Transfer Students
Option 1: Structure Coursework first | Option 2: Petrology Coursework first
GEL Transfer Option 1: Structure Coursework first
Transfer Option 1 focuses on the structure coursework first, like Structural Geology, Spring Field Geology, and Sediments and Strata. It allows students to take GEL 110A: Summer Field: Structure and Neotectonics their first summer. This option may be preferable to students who enjoy these topics, and want to participate in further coursework, research, or internships in structural geology their senior year.
Junior Academic Year | Structure coursework
- Fall Quarter Total: 12-15 units
- Geology 60: Earth Materials (4)
- Geology 56: Geophysics (4) or Physics 7C or 9C: Physics (4-5)
- Upper Division Geology Elective (3)
- UWP 101 or 102 or 104 or UDCE
- Winter Quarter Total: 12+ units
- Geology 53: Geobiology (3) or GEL 3: History of Life (3)
- Geology 101: Structural Geology (3)
- Geology 101L: Structural Geology Lab (2)
- Upper Division Geology Elective (3)
- Spring Quarter Total: 12+ units
- Geology 103: Spring Field Geology (4)
- Geology 109: Sediments and Strata (3)
- Geology 109L: Sediments and Strata Lab (2)
- Summer Total: 0-8 units
- Geology 110A: Summer Field Geology (4)*
- Units for financial aid (2+)
Senior Academic Year | Petrology coursework
- Fall Quarter Total: 12+ units
- Geology 55: Geochemistry (3) or CHE 2C: General Chemistry (5)
- Geology 107: Paleobiology (3)
- Geology 107L: Paleobiology Lab (2)
- Upper Division units (4)
- Winter Quarter Total: 12+ units
- Geology 105: Igneous Rocks (4)
- Upper Division Geology Elective (3)
- Upper Division Geology Elective (3)
- Upper Division units (4)
- Spring Quarter Total: 12+ units
- Geology 108: Paleoclimates (3)
- Upper Division Geology Elective (3)
- Upper Division Geology Elective (3)
- Upper Division units (0-4)
- Summer Total: 0-8 units
- Geology 110B: Summer Field Geology (4)*
- Units for financial aid (2+)
*Can be taken over multiple summers or during same summer
GEL Transfer Option 2: Petrology Coursework first
Transfer Option 2 focuses on the petrology coursework first, like Igneous Petrology. That class, along with Mineraology and Sediments and Strata allows students to take GEL 110B: Summer Field: Volcanology their first summer. This option may be preferable to students who enjoy hard rock petrology, and want to participate in further coursework, research, or internships in this area their senior year.
Junior Academic Year | Petrology coursework
- Fall Quarter Total: 12-15 units
- Geology 60: Earth Materials (4)
- Geology 55: Geochemistry (3) or CHE 2C: General Chemistry (5)
- Upper Division Geology Elective (3)
- UWP 101 or 102 or 104 or UDCE
- Winter Quarter Total: 12+ units
- Geology 53: Geobiology (3) or GEL 3: History of Life (3)
- Geology 105: Igneous Rocks (4)
- Upper Division Geology Elective (3)
- Upper Division Geology Elective (3)
- Spring Quarter Total: 12+ units
- Geology 108: Paleoclimates (3)
- Geology 109: Sediments and Strata (3)
- Geology 109L: Sediments and Strata Lab (2)
- Upper Division Geology Elective (3)
- Summer Total: 0-8 units
- Geology 110B: Summer Field Geology (4)*
- Units for financial aid (2+)
Senior Academic Year | Structure coursework
- Fall Quarter Total: 12+ units
- Geology 56: Geophysics (4) or Physics 7C or 9C: Physics (4-5)
- Geology 107: Paleobiology (3)
- Geology 107L: Paleobiology Lab (2)
- Upper Division units (4)
- Winter Quarter Total: 12+ units
- Geology 101: Structural Geology (3)
- Geology 101L: Structural Geology Lab (2)
- Upper Division Geology Elective (3)
- Upper Division units (4)
- Spring Quarter Total: 12+ units
- Geology 103: Spring Field Geology (4)
- Upper Division Geology Elective (3)
- Upper Division Geology Elective (3)
- Upper Division units (0-4)
- Summer Total: 0-8 units
- Geology 110A: Summer Field Geology (4)*
- Units for financial aid (2+)
*Can be taken over multiple summers or during same summer
Updated May 2022