Jökulsárlón
WELCOME TO EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCES

Planning your GEL Major

Your path to a Geology Major

The Geology major at UC Davis begins with preparatory science coursework in math, chemistry, physics, statistics, and of course geology. The required major courses then span foundational geology topics such as mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, earth history, and field work. Students get to take electives to fill out the rest of their major requirements, in areas such as geophysics, planetary science, geochemistry, oceanography, natural hazards, environmental science, and more. Bachelor's of Science students finish their degree with capstone Summer Field courses. 

Major courses by quarter

OASIS Academic Planning 

 MyDegree

Geology major four-year roadmap

The following are sample academic plans and goals for four-year Geology B.S. majors. A.B. plans will have fewer classes. 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. 

The full structure series (101/L-103-110A) is offered in the 2025-2026 year, or the 2027-2028 year, etc. Take these classes junior year if you’ve completed the physics prerequisites by then. The full petrology series (60-105-109/L-110B) is offered in the 2024-2025 year, or 2026-2027, etc. Take these classes junior year if you’ve completed the chemistry prerequisites by then. Split up taking the structure and petrology series to keep a balanced schedule.

Freshman Year 

Fall

Winter

Spring

Entry-Level Writing (if needed) (0-6)MAT 017A or 019A or 021A (0-4)MAT 017B or 019B or 021B (3-4)
Preparatory Math or MAT 017A or 019A or 021A (0-4)CHE 002A (3-5)CHE 002B (5)
Preparatory Chemistry or CHE 002A (3-5)General Education (3+)GEL 050 (3)
First-Year Seminar (optional) (1-2)Total: 12+ unitsGEL 050L (2)
Total: 12-15 units Total: 12+ units
  • Freshman Year Goals

  • Welcome to college! This year is all about getting used to campus and all the support you have available. There are a lot of resources, so be sure to find what works for you. Dedicate some time to yourself to think about what you value and what you want to accomplish during your time at UC Davis. Here are some things to think about exploring during your first year:

    Academic Goals
    • Take 1-2 preparatory science classes each quarter, and fill in your schedule with General Education classes
    • Take fun classes to explore your major (GEL 50 & 50L or lower division Geology classes)
    • Enroll in a Freshman Seminar
    • Attend office hours
    • Attend study skills and time management workshops
    • Figure out the right workload for you so you can create successful schedules
    • Complete your first-year mandatory advising requirement with the College of Letters & Sciences
    Career Goals
    • Visit the Career Center to learn about career preparation workshops, Handshake, and career counseling services
    Extracurricular Goals

Sophomore Year

Fall

Winter

Spring

MAT 017C or 019C or 021C (3-4)PHY 007A or 009A (4-5)PHY 007B or 009B (4-5)
CHE 002C (5)MAT 022A – unless doing 017 or 021 series (0-3)STA 013 or 032 or 100 (4)
Lower Division College English (4)GEL 053 or 003 (3)General Education (3+)
General Education (3+)Total: 12+ unitsGeneral Education (3+)
Total: 12+ units
 
Total: 12+ units
  • Sophomore Year Goals

  • It takes everyone a different amount of time to get used to how college works, but once you feel like you’ve learned some of the resources and support systems that exist, it’s time to start pursuing some of those and getting more involved. Consider some of these things this year:

    Academic Goals
    • Finish math and chemistry and start physics, while continuing with General Education classes
    • Complete your second-year mandatory advising requirement with your major advisor
    • See My Degree for a GE check
    • See your major advisor to create a four-year academic plan
    • Explore what undergraduate research is like by talking to your advisors, professors, and the Undergraduate Research Center (URC)
    • Learn about gaining a global education through the Global Learning Hub and their Study Abroad programs, the UC Davis Washington Program, or UC Center Sacramento
    Career Goals
    • Attend Career Center workshops on how to write a resume, how to interview, and how to find internships and jobs
    • Create a resume
    • Visit your major advisor or faculty advisors to find out more about getting an internship
    • Attend a meeting of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG)
    • Talk to your major advisor and faculty advisors about graduate school
      Are you interested in teaching? Consider taking a CalTeach/Math and Science Teaching (CalTeach/MAST) course
    • Visit Health Professions Advising (HPA)
    Extracurricular Goals
    • Continue your involvement on campus by participating in clubs and student organizations
    • Find a summer experience that will help you explore your interests and begin to gain transferable skills

Junior Year

Fall

Winter

Spring

Summer

PHY 007C or 009C (4-5)GEL 105 (4)GEL 109 (3)GEL 110B (4)
GEL 060 (4)GEL 108 (3)GEL 109L (2)Units for financial aid (2+)
UWP 101/102/104/UDCE (0-4)Upper Div GEL Elective (3)Upper Div GEL Elective (3)Total: 4+ units
General Education (3+)General Education (3+)General Education (3+) 
Total: 12+ unitsTotal: 12+ unitsTotal: 12+ units 
  • Junior Year Goals

  • By your third year, you’ll want to work on creating your unique path at UC Davis. This is the time to get more involved in the opportunities you think will best support your long-term goals. Use these academic and co-curricular experiences to clarify some of your values, and help shape the person you want to be when you graduate:

    Academic Goals
    • Transition into taking Upper Division coursework for your major. Check which geology major classes are offered this year: either the petrology series or the structure series.
    • Get to know your professors
    • Think about if a minor is right for you. See the advisor for that minor to fit it into your academic plan.
    • Approach faculty members about research opportunities
    • Learn what a Senior Thesis is like. If you want to pursue one, set that up with a faculty member this year.
    Career Goals
    • Meet with a career advisor to explore your interests and skills
    • Update your resume with each new experience
    • Create a LinkedIn account and use it to network
    • Complete an internship
    • Attend the AIPG meeting on how to become a Professional Geologist (January)
    • Research graduate or professional schools and prepare to apply, with help from your advisors, professors, and Pre-Graduate Advising
    Extracurricular Goals
    • Take on a leadership role in a class, project, or club
    • Volunteer for campus or community service
    • Work at a part-time job to build transferable skills and a professional network

Senior Year 

Fall

Winter

Spring

Summer

GEL 107 (3)GEL 101 (3)GEL 103 (4)GEL 110A (4)
GEL 107L (2)GEL 101L (2)Upper Div GEL Elective (3)Units for financial aid (2+)
Upper Div GEL Elective (3)Upper Div GEL Elective (3)Upper Div GEL Elective (3)Total: 4+ units
General Education (3+) Upper Division units (4)Upper Division units (0-8) 
Total: 12+ unitsTotal: 12+ unitsTotal: 12+ units 

Total graduation units: 180 (64 upper division)

  • Senior Year Goals

  • All the opportunities you’ve created for yourself over the past few years have shaped you into the person you are today. Continue to develop skills, recognize your strengths, and set long-term goals for yourself with some of these resources during your senior year:

    Academic Goals
    • Take discipline-specific courses like GIS, classes recommended for the Professional Geologist license, and classes to help you get into graduate school. Also consider practical courses outside of your major like writing, communication, computer programming, personal finance, etc
    • Complete your fourth-year mandatory advising requirement with your major advisor
    • Check My Degree and plan for any remaining degree requirements with your academic advisors
    • Complete a senior thesis
    • Consider presenting your research at the Undergraduate Research Conference in Spring
    • Register for Graduation and Commencement
    Career Goals
    • Attend a Career Fair
    • Attend academic conferences
    • Apply for the Geologist-in-Training exam
    • Use your AIPG contacts to network
    • Apply to jobs for after graduation
    • Research and apply to graduate or professional schools
    Extracurricular Goals
    • Prepare for the transition from your undergraduate career to graduate school or the professional world

Updated June 2025

Geology major two-year roadmap

The following are sample academic plans for 2-year transfer Geology B.S. majors. A.B. plans will have fewer classes. 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. 

The full structure series (101/L-103-110A) is offered in the 2025-2026 year, or the 2027-2028 year, etc. Take these classes junior year if you’ve completed the physics prerequisites by then. The full petrology series (60-105-109/L-110B) is offered in the 2024-2025 year, or 2026-2027, etc. Take these classes junior year if you’ve completed the chemistry prerequisites by then. Split up taking the structure and petrology series to keep a balanced schedule.

Junior Year

Fall

Winter

Spring

Summer

Upper Div GEL Elective (3)GEL 101 (3)GEL 103 (4)GEL 110A (4)
Upper Div GEL Elective (3)GEL 101L (2)Upper Div GEL Elective (3)Units for financial aid (2+)
UWP 101/102/104/UDCE (0-4)GEL 108 (3)Upper Div GEL Elective (3)Total: 4+ units
Total: 12-15 unitsUpper Div GEL Elective (3)Total: 12+ units
 
 
Total: 12+ units
 
 
  • Junior Year Goals

  • Welcome to UC Davis as a transfer student! Your path through the major involves jumping right in and taking advantage of opportunities right away. Here are some sample goals for transitioning effectively to UC Davis and then getting even more involved throughout the year:

    Academic Goals
    • Finish any remaining preparatory (lower division) science coursework
    • Visit the College of Letters and Science advising in Winter quarter to check in on your IGETC or General Education
    • See your major advisor to create a four-year academic plan
    • Transition into taking Upper Division coursework for your major. Check which geology major classes are offered this year: either the petrology series or the structure series.
    • Attend office hours and get to know your professors
    • Attend study skills and time management workshops
    • Explore what undergraduate research is like by talking to your advisors, professors, and the Undergraduate Research Center (URC). Approach faculty members about research opportunities
    • Learn what a Senior Thesis is like. If you want to pursue one, set that up with a faculty member this year.
    • Learn about gaining a global education through the Global Learning Hub and their Study Abroad programs, the UC Davis Washington Program, or UC Center Sacramento
    Career Goals
    • Visit the Career Center to learn about career preparation workshops, Handshake, and career advising
    • Create a resume
    • Visit your major advisor or faculty advisors to find out more about getting an internship
    • Create a LinkedIn account and use it to network
    • Attend a meeting of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG), especially the meeting on how to become a Professional Geologist (January)
    • Research graduate or professional schools and prepare to apply, with help from your advisors, professors, and Pre-Graduate Advising
    • Are you interested in teaching? Consider taking a CalTeach/Math and Science Teaching (CalTeach/MAST) course
    • Visit Health Professions Advising (HPA)
    Extracurricular Goals

Senior Year

Fall

Winter

Spring

Summer

GEL 060 (4)GEL 105 (4)GEL 109 (3)GEL 110B (4)
GEL 107 (3)Upper Div GEL Elective (3)GEL 109L (2)Units for financial aid (2+)
GEL 107L (2)Upper Division units (4)Upper Division units (0-4)Total: 4+ units
Upper Division units (4)Total: 12+ unitsTotal: 12+ units
 
Total: 12+ units   

Total graduation units: 180 (64 upper division)

  • Senior Year Goals

  • All the opportunities you’ve created for yourself over the past few years have shaped you into the person you are today. Continue to develop skills, recognize your strengths, and set long-term goals for yourself with some of these resources during your senior year:

    Academic Goals
    • Take discipline-specific courses like GIS, classes recommended for the Professional Geologist license, and classes to help you get into graduate school. Also consider practical courses outside of your major like writing, communication, computer programming, personal finance, etc
    • Complete your fourth-year mandatory advising requirement with your major advisor
    • Check My Degree and plan for any remaining degree requirements with your academic advisors
    • Think about if a minor is right for you. See the advisor for that minor to fit it into your academic plan.
    • Complete a senior thesis
    • Consider presenting your research at the Undergraduate Research Conference in Spring
    • Register for Graduation and Commencement
    Career Goals
    • Attend Career Center workshops on how to write a resume, how to interview, and how to find internships and jobs
    • Update your resume with each new experience
    • Complete an internship
    • Attend a Career Fair
    • Attend academic conferences
    • Apply for the Geologist-in-Training exam
    • Use your AIPG contacts to network
    • Apply to jobs for after graduation
    • Research and apply to graduate or professional schools
    Extracurricular Goals
    • Take on a leadership role in a class, project, or club
    • Volunteer for campus or community service
    • Work at a part-time job to build transferable skills and a professional network
    • Prepare for the transition from your undergraduate career to graduate school or the professional world

Updated September 2025

New Earth and Planetary Sciences major - coming Fall 2027!

The Department is proposing a new major in Earth and Planetary Sciences, subject to review and approval in the 2025-2026 year. If approved, students will be able to complete this major and graduate with it starting in Fall 2027.

Current students may start to plan for this major, but should keep on track for the Geology major too incase this major is not approved. All information posted here is subject to change.

What is Earth and Planetary Sciences?

Earth and Planetary Sciences is an inherently interdisciplinary topic with subdisciplines that build on foundations in physics, chemistry, and/or biology, while focusing on the solid Earth as a central player in the processes at work. Earth scientists use the rock record to decipher the past, applying chemistry, physics and biological approaches to answer fundamental questions about processes occurring in and on the Earth and other planets.

Our students are taught to approach problems using the rock record and to consider the processes happening in and on the Earth or other planets at the timescales of seconds to billions of years. This requires different tools, different problem solving approaches and a different body of knowledge than that of other sciences. The core of the major and sequences of required courses in each track establishes a unique body of knowledge and preparation for a diverse range of Earth and Planetary Sciences career paths.

B.S. in Earth and Planetary Sciences

Students interested in becoming professional geologists or continuing geological studies at the graduate level should choose a Bachelor of Science degree program. All students take similar preparatory coursework, but both their preparatory and depth coursework depends on their choice of track within the major. There are six tracks: Geology, Geohazards, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Climate Past and Present, and Geobiology and Paleobiology.

Preparatory coursework

TrackChemistryGeologyMathPhysicsProgramming and StatisticsBiology
GeologyCHE 002A-002BGEL/EPS 050-050LMAT 017A-017B-017C or 019A-019B-019C or MAT 021A-021B-021CPHY 007A-007B or 009A-009BNoneNone
GeohazardsCHE 002A-002BGEL/EPS 050-050LMAT 017A-017B-017C or 019A-019B-019C or MAT 021A-021B-021CPHY 007A-007B-007C or 009A-009B-009CECS 032A or PHY 040; and STA 013 or 032 or 100None
GeochemistryCHE 002A-002B-002CGEL/EPS 050-050LMAT 017A-017B-017C or 019A-019B-019C or MAT 021A-021B-021CPHY 007A-007B-007C or 009A-009B-009CECS 032A or PHY 040 or STA 100None
GeophysicsCHE 002A-002BGEL/EPS 050-050LMAT 017A-017B-017C or 019A-019B-019C or MAT 021A-021B-021CPHY 007A-007B-007C or 009A-009B-009CECS 032A or PHY 040None
Climate Past and PresentCHE 002A-002B-002CGEL/EPS 050-050LMAT 017A-017B-017C or 019A-019B-019C or MAT 021A-021B-021CPHY 007A-007B-007C or 009A-009B-009CECS 032A or PHY 040 or STA 100BIO 001 or BIS 002B
Geobiology and PaleobiologyCHE 002A-002BGEL/EPS 050-050L; and GEL/EPS 003 or 053/142; and GEL/EPS 010 or 005 or 012 or 016 or 016V or 017 or 017V or 032 or 035 or 036MAT 017A-017B-017C or 019A-019B-019C or MAT 021A-021B-021CPHY 007A-007B-007C or 009A-009B-009CNoneBIO 001 or BIS 002B

Depth subject matter

Choose one track.

  • Geology Track

  • Geology is the study of the Earth, and in particular its history, structure, and the processes that have molded our planet and its biosphere. The Geology track involves a range of fundamental to applied topics: from the origin of continents and ocean basins, earthquakes and volcanoes, variations in global climate, and how these physical changes impact the evolution of life. All of these planetary processes are viewed through the prism of “deep time,” a perspective unique to geologists and one that distinguishes geology from most of the other physical sciences. A significant component of geology is oriented toward the interaction between humans and the Earth. This aspect includes the study of resources such as minerals, oil, and water; identification and mitigation of Earth hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, floods, and volcanic eruptions; identification and mitigation of polluted ground water; land use planning; and the study of ancient and modern climate change.

    The Geology Track meets all of the course requirements for becoming a California professionally licensed geologist. Graduates with an Earth & Planetary Sciences major in the Geology Track will be prepared for work in a range of public and private sector careers, including 1) Natural Hazards, Engineering and Construction work on identifying and mitigating the human impacts of hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, flooding, sea level rise, and volcanism; 2) Environmental & Earth Sciences work on sustainable resource management, land use and environmental impact statements, contaminant remediation, or groundwater resource management, flow, and contamination; 3) Natural Resources and Energy work on carbon sequestration, mining critical minerals, or oil and gas resources; 4) Government and Public Sector work on public policy and regulations related to land use or resource management or as a park ranger or conservation officer; 5) Education and Outreach as a science teacher or work in a museum, science center, or park.  Because geology integrates knowledge across all areas of natural science at local to global scales and all of Earth history, students develop skills in systems-level thinking that  prepare them well for other fields such as data analysis, science communication, or environmental law.

    STA 100: Applied Statistics for Biological Sciences (4)

    EPS 100: Earth Systems Science (4)

    EPS 100L: Earth Systems Science Lab (1)

    EPS 101: Earth Materials & Geochemistry (3)

    EPS 101L: Earth Materials & Geochemistry Lab (2)

    EPS 102: Structural Geology (3)

    EPS 102L: Structural Geology Lab (2)

    EPS 103: Field Geology (4)

    EPS 105: Igneous Rocks and Magmatic Processes (4)

    EPS 109: Sediments and Strata (3)

    EPS 109L: Sediments and Strata Lab (2)

    EPS 110A: Summer Field Geology: Structures & Neotectonics (4)

    • Or EPS 110B: Summer Field Geology: Igneous Rocks (4)

    • Or EPS 110C: Summer Field Geology: Special Projects (4)

    Upper Division Electives. Choose 18 additional units. Students preparing for licensure as a professional geologist should take classes from at least two different categories. No more than 3 units of upper division elective credit for courses EPS 116-EPS 120. Only one of EPS/EDU 181 or EPS/EDU 183 may be applied toward elective credit. No more than 6 units of upper division elective credit for EPS 192 or EPS 194A-EPS 194B or EPS 194HA-EPS 194HB. Upper division courses in related subjects, including but not limited to EPS, ABT/LDA/LED, CHE, ECI, ENG, ESM, ESP, HYD, MAT, PHY, or SSC, must be approved in advance by the major faculty advisor.

    • Geomorphology

      • EPS 136: Ecogeomorphology of Rivers & Streams1 (4)

      • EPS 136F: Ecogeomorphology of Rivers & Streams Fieldwork1 (1)

      • EPS 140: Introduction to Geomorphology and Earth-Surface Processes (4)

    • Engineering Geology

      • EPS 131: Risk, Natural Hazards, and Related Phenomena (3)

      • EPS 137: Earthquake Geology (3)

    • Hydrology

      • CHE 100: Environmental Water Chemistry1 (3)

      • ESM 100: Introduction to Water Science (4)

      • HYD 134: Aqueous Geochemistry (5)

      • HYD 144: Groundwater Hydrology (4)

    • Paleontology

      • EPS 107: Paleobiology1 (3)

      • EPS 107L: Paleobiology Laboratory1 (2)

      • EPS 141: Evolutionary History of Vertebrates1 (3)

      • EPS 141L: Evolutionary History of Vertebrates Laboratory1 (1)

      • EPS 142: Geobiology and Geomicrobiology (3)

      • EPS 144: Historical Ecology1 (3)

    • Environmental Geology

      • EPS 133: Environmental Geochemistry (3)

      • EPS 134: Environmental Geology & Land Use Planning (3)

    • Geophysics

      • EPS 160: Introduction to Modeling for Earth & Environmental Science1 (4)

      • EPS 161: Geophysical Field Methods1 (4)

      • EPS 162: Geodynamics1 (4)

      • EPS 164: Seismology (3)

      • EPS 166: Crustal Deformation2 (4)

    • Technical Applications in Geology

      • EPS 175: Advanced Field Geology (3)

      • EPS 165: AI and Machine Learning for Earth and Environmental Sciences1 (4)

      • EPS 166: Crustal Deformation2 (4)

      • ABT/LDA/LED 150: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (4)

      • ESM 186: Environmental Remote Sensing (5)

    • Additional elective options:

      • EPS 108: Paleoclimatology (3)

      • EPS 110A: Summer Field Geology: Structures & Neotectonics (4)

      • EPS 110B: Summer Field Geology: Igneous Rocks (4)

      • EPS 110C: Summer Field Geology: Special Projects (4)

      • EPS 116: Oceanography (3)

      • EPS 120: Origins: From the Big Bang to Today (3)

      • EPS 132: Introductory Inorganic Geochemistry (3)

      • EPS 138: Introductory Volcanology (4)

      • EPS 146: Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry & Cosmochemistry2 (3)

      • EPS 148: Isotopes & Geochemical Tracers1 (3)

      • EPS/ESP 150A: Physical & Chemical Oceanography1 (4)

      • EPS 150B: Geological Oceanography (4)

      • EPS 150C: Biological Oceanography1 (5)

      • EPS 163: Planetary Geology & Geophysics1 (3)

      • EPS 176: Field Studies in Marine Geochemistry (5)

      • EPS/EDU 181: Teaching Science and Mathematics in Middle School (3)

      • EPS/EDU 183: Teaching High School Mathematics & Science (3)

      • EPS 192: Internship for Upper Division Students (1-12)

      • EPS 194A-194B: Senior Thesis (6) or EPS 194HA-194HB: Senior Honors Thesis (6)

      • SSC 100: Principles of Soil Science (5)

    Depth Subject Matter Subtotal: 54 units

    Total: 89-91 units

    1this course requires 1 additional prerequisite

    2this course requires 2 additional prerequisites

  • Geohazards Track

  • Geohazards focuses on the dangerous side of the intersection of people and the active Earth. The Geohazards track is rooted in a core set of Earth Science courses: Earth System Science, Earth Materials, Structural Geology, and Sediments and Strata. These courses provide the foundations to understand how, where, and when many geohazards arise: climate and climate change, coastal processes, flooding, landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. A fifth core course, Natural Hazards and Risk, ties these geohazards together in a framework for assessing human impact (risk). Students then dive deeper with four elective courses focused on various aspects of geohazards, risk and related policy. Two of these courses provide depth in one hazard focus area, and the other two provide breadth in any area of geohazards. One of the depth courses may be from a different department, providing students with the opportunity to bridge disciplines.

    The Geohazards Track is designed for flexibility and creativity while preparing students for impactful careers in industry or the public sector. Students emerge from this major as Earth scientists specialized as hazard analysts and problem-solvers. They may tailor coursework to meet the requirements for professional geology licensure, focus on geophysics courses as a foundation for a professional geophysicist career, or delve into climate change and environmental policy in preparation for a career in the government, environmental remediation and liability, or the insurance industry.

    EPS 100: Earth Systems Science (4)

    EPS 100L: Earth Systems Science Lab (1)

    EPS 101: Earth Materials & Geochemistry (3)

    EPS 101L: Earth Materials & Geochemistry Lab (2)

    EPS 102: Structural Geology (3)

    EPS 102L: Structural Geology Lab (2)

    EPS 109: Sediments and Strata (3)

    EPS 109L: Sediments and Strata Lab (2)

    EPS 131: Risk, Natural Hazards, and Related Phenomena (3)

    Specialization. Take two courses within a single specialization (6-8 units).

    • Volcanic Hazards Specialization:

      • EPS 105: Igneous Rocks and Magmatic Processes (4)

      • EPS 138: Introductory Volcanology (4)

        • or EPS 110B: Summer Field Geology: Igneous Rocks (4)

    • Earthquake Hazards Specialization:

      • EPS 137: Earthquake Geology (3)

      • EPS 164: Seismology (3)

        • or EPS 166: Crustal Deformation (4)

        • or EPS 110A: Summer Field Geology: Structures & Neotectonics (4)

    • Landslide Hazards Specialization:

      • EPS 134: Environmental Geology & Land Use Planning (3)

      • EPS 140: Introduction to Geomorphology and Earth-Surface Processes (4)

    • Coastal Hazards Specialization:

      • EPS 140: Introduction to Geomorphology and Earth-Surface Processes (4)

      • ESP 166: Ocean & Coastal Policy1 (3)

    • Climate Hazards Specialization:

      • EPS 108: Paleoclimatology (3)

      • ESP 165: Climate Policy1 (3)

        • or ESM 120: Global Environmental Interactions1 (4)

    Breadth. Take two additional courses (6-10 units).

    • EPS 103: Field Geology (4)

    • EPS 105: Igneous Rocks and Magmatic Processes (4)

    • EPS 110A: Summer Field Geology: Structures & Neotectonics (4)

    • EPS 110B: Summer Field Geology: Igneous Rocks (4)

    • EPS 110C: Summer Field Geology: Special Projects (4)

    • EPS 116: Oceanography (3)

    • EPS 132: Introductory Inorganic Geochemistry (3)

    • EPS 133: Environmental Geochemistry (3)

    • EPS 134: Environmental Geology & Land Use Planning (3)

    • EPS 136: Ecogeomorphology of Rivers & Streams1 (4)

    • EPS 137: Earthquake Geology (3)

    • EPS 138: Introductory Volcanology (4)

    • EPS 140: Introduction to Geomorphology and Earth-Surface Processes (4)

    • EPS 146: Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry & Cosmochemistry1 (3)

    • EPS 148: Isotopes & Geochemical Tracers1 (3)

    • EPS/ESP 150A: Physical & Chemical Oceanography1 (4)

    • EPS 160: Introduction to Modeling for Earth & Environmental Science (4)

    • EPS 161: Geophysical Field Methods (4)

    • EPS 162: Geodynamics (4)

    • EPS 164: Seismology (3)

    • EPS 165: AI and Machine Learning for Earth and Environmental Sciences (4)

    • EPS 166: Crustal Deformation (4)

    • EPS 175: Advanced Field Geology (3)

    • EPS 176: Field Studies in Marine Geochemistry (5)

    • ABT/LDA/LED 150: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (4)

    • ECI 171: Soil Mechanics6 (4)

    • ESM 120: Global Environmental Interactions1 (4)

    • ESM 186: Environmental Remote Sensing (5)

    • ESP 165: Climate Policy1 (3)

    • ESP 166: Ocean & Coastal Policy1 (3)

    Additional Electives. Take 4-10 additional elective units from the specialization, breath, or electives lists to bring the depth subject matter total to 45 units. Only one of EPS/EDU 181 or EPS/EDU 183 may be applied toward elective credit. No more than 6 units of upper division elective credit for EPS 192 or EPS 194A-EPS 194B or EPS 194HA-EPS 194HB. Upper division courses in related subjects, including but not limited to EPS, ABT/LDA/LED, CHE, ECI, ENG, ESM, ESP, HYD, MAT, PHY, or SSC must be approved in advance by the major faculty advisor.

    • EPS 103: Field Geology (4)

    • EPS 105: Igneous Rocks and Magmatic Processes (4)

    • EPS 107: Paleobiology (3)

    • EPS 107L: Paleobiology Laboratory (2)

    • EPS 108: Paleoclimatology (3)

    • EPS 110A: Summer Field Geology: Structures & Neotectonics (4)

    • EPS 110B: Summer Field Geology: Igneous Rocks (4)

    • EPS 110C: Summer Field Geology: Special Projects (4)

    • EPS 116: Oceanography (3)

    • EPS 120: Origins: From the Big Bang to Today (3)

    • EPS 131: Risk, Natural Hazards, and Related Phenomena (3)

    • EPS 132: Introductory Inorganic Geochemistry (3)

    • EPS 133: Environmental Geochemistry (3)

    • EPS 134: Environmental Geology & Land Use Planning (3)

    • EPS 136: Ecogeomorphology of Rivers & Streams1 (4)

    • EPS 136F: Ecogeomorphology of Rivers & Streams Fieldwork1 (1)

    • EPS 137: Earthquake Geology (3)

    • EPS 138: Introductory Volcanology (4)

    • EPS 140: Introduction to Geomorphology and Earth-Surface Processes (4)

    • EPS 141: Evolutionary History of Vertebrates (3)

    • EPS 141L: Evolutionary History of Vertebrates Laboratory (1)

    • EPS 142: Geobiology and Geomicrobiology (3)

    • EPS 144: Historical Ecology (3)

    • EPS 146: Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry & Cosmochemistry1 (3)

    • EPS 148: Isotopes & Geochemical Tracers1 (3)

    • EPS/ESP 150A: Physical & Chemical Oceanography1 (4)

    • EPS 150B: Geological Oceanography (4)

    • EPS 150C: Biological Oceanography1 (5)

    • EPS 160: Introduction to Modeling for Earth & Environmental Science (4)

    • EPS 161: Geophysical Field Methods (4)

    • EPS 162: Geodynamics (4)

    • EPS 164: Seismology (3)

    • EPS 165: AI and Machine Learning for Earth and Environmental Sciences (4)

    • EPS 166: Crustal Deformation (4)

    • EPS 175: Advanced Field Geology (3)

    • EPS 176: Field Studies in Marine Geochemistry (5)

    • EPS/EDU 181: Teaching Science and Mathematics in Middle School (3)

    • EPS/EDU 183: Teaching High School Mathematics & Science (3)

    • EPS 192: Internship for Upper Division Students (1-12)

    • EPS 194A-194B: Senior Thesis (6) or EPS 194HA-194HB: Senior Honors Thesis (6)

    • ABT/LDA/LED 150: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (4)

    • ESM 120: Global Environmental Interactions1 (4)

    • ESM 186: Environmental Remote Sensing (5)

    • ESP 165: Climate Policy1 (3)

    • ESP 166: Ocean & Coastal Policy1 (3)

    Depth Subject Matter Subtotal: 45 units

    Total: 91-95 units

    1this course requires 1 additional prerequisite

  • Geochemistry Track

  • Unlock the secrets of Earth's chemistry in our Geochemistry track. This innovative program combines geology and chemistry to explore how elements move and track changes across Earth's systems. From studying climate records and water resources to investigating volcanic hazards and planetary evolution, you'll gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge analytical techniques. Courses build on a foundation of general chemistry, mathematics, and physics to develop an understanding of how elemental abundances and isotopic compositions are influenced by and provide information about geological processes. The course sequence begins with core courses in Physical Geology, Earth System Science and Earth Materials that provide geological context for courses in geochemistry, including inorganic geochemistry and isotope geochemistry, which then provide the basis for specialization in different areas of geochemistry (e.g., low-temperature or environmental geochemistry, high-temperature geochemistry applied to igneous systems or planetary geology).  Whether you're aiming for graduate school, government research, environmental consulting, or science education, this versatile degree opens doors to diverse career paths in earth and environmental sciences. 

    A degree in Geochemistry leads to career options in managing and sustainably developing our natural resources, including critical minerals, land, soil, water, agricultural and ecosystem assets, and protecting our environment through monitoring pollution and environmental change or nuclear forensics. Potential career paths include (but are not limited to) environmental science, geotechnical consulting, environmental litigation support, technical staff at national laboratories or universities, science teaching, environmental policy, and water quality.

    EPS 100: Earth Systems Science (4)

    EPS 101: Earth Materials & Geochemistry (3)

    EPS 101L: Earth Materials & Geochemistry Lab (2)

    EPS 132: Introductory Inorganic Geochemistry (3)

    EPS 146: Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry & Cosmochemistry (3)

    EPS 148: Isotopes & Geochemical Tracers (3)

    Upper Division Electives. Choose 24 units. No more than 3 units of upper division elective credit for courses EPS 116-EPS 120. Only one of EPS/EDU 181 or EPS/EDU 183 or EPS 184/EDU or EPS 186 may be applied toward elective credit. No more than 6 units of upper division elective credit for EPS 192 or EPS 194A-EPS 194B or EPS 194HA-EPS 194HB. EPS 103, 105, 108, 110A, 110B, and/or 110C are recommended. Upper division courses in related subjects, including but not limited to EPS, ABT/LDA/LED, CHE, ECH, ENG, ETX, HYD, MAT, or PHY must be approved in advance by the major faculty advisor.

    • EPS 100L: Earth Systems Science Lab (1)

    • EPS 102: Structural Geology (3)

    • EPS 102L: Structural Geology Lab (2)

    • EPS 103: Field Geology (4)

    • EPS 105: Igneous Rocks and Magmatic Processes (4)

    • EPS 107: Paleobiology (3)

    • EPS 107L: Paleobiology Laboratory (2)

    • EPS 108: Paleoclimatology (3)

    • EPS 109: Sediments and Strata (3)

    • EPS 109L: Sediments and Strata Lab (2)

    • EPS 110A: Summer Field Geology: Structures & Neotectonics (4)

    • EPS 110B: Summer Field Geology: Igneous Rocks (4)

    • EPS 110C: Summer Field Geology: Special Projects (4)

    • EPS 116: Oceanography (3)

    • EPS 120: Origins: From the Big Bang to Today (3)

    • EPS 131: Risk, Natural Hazards, and Related Phenomena (3)

    • EPS 133: Environmental Geochemistry (3)

    • EPS 134: Environmental Geology & Land Use Planning (3)

    • EPS 136: Ecogeomorphology of Rivers & Streams1 (4)

    • EPS 136F: Ecogeomorphology of Rivers & Streams Fieldwork1 (1)

    • EPS 137: Earthquake Geology (3)

    • EPS 138: Introductory Volcanology (4)

    • EPS 140: Introduction to Geomorphology and Earth-Surface Processes (4)

    • EPS 141: Evolutionary History of Vertebrates (3)

    • EPS 141L: Evolutionary History of Vertebrates Laboratory (1)

    • EPS 142: Geobiology and Geomicrobiology (3)

    • EPS 144: Historical Ecology (3)

    • EPS/ESP 150A: Physical & Chemical Oceanography (4)

    • EPS 150B: Geological Oceanography (4)

    • EPS 150C: Biological Oceanography1 (5)

    • EPS 160: Introduction to Modeling for Earth & Environmental Science (4)

    • EPS 161: Geophysical Field Methods (4)

    • EPS 162: Geodynamics (4)

    • EPS 163: Planetary Geology & Geophysics (3)

    • EPS 164: Seismology (3)

    • EPS 165: AI and Machine Learning for Earth and Environmental Sciences (4)

    • EPS 166: Crustal Deformation (4)

    • EPS 175: Advanced Field Geology (3)

    • EPS 176 Field Studies in Marine Geochemistry (5)

    • EPS/EDU 181: Teaching Science and Mathematics in Middle School (3)

    • EPS/EDU 183: Teaching High School Mathematics & Science (3)

    • EPS/EDU 184: Effective Teaching Strategies (2)

    • EPS 186: Facilitating Learning in STEM Classrooms (1)

    • EPS 192: Internship for Upper Division Students (1-12)

    • EPS 194A-194B: Senior Thesis (6) or EPS 194HA-194HB: Senior Honors Thesis (6)

    • ETX 180: Chemistry & Toxicology of Metals2 (4)

    • CHE 100: Environmental Water Chemistry (3)

    • HYD 134: Aqueous Geochemistry (5)

    • HYD 144: Groundwater Hydrology (4)

    Depth Subject Matter Subtotal: 42 units

    Total: 89-93 units

    1this course requires 1 additional prerequisite

    2this course requires 2 additional prerequisites

  • Geophysics Track

  • Geophysics focuses on understanding the physical processes at work within and on the surface of the Earth and the use of geophysical tools to investigate the Earth’s interior.  The Geophysics track builds on a strong foundation in calculus, physics, chemistry, an introduction to programming and three core courses in Physical Geology, Earth System Science and Earth Materials. These courses establish a broader context for geophysical studies including a range of applications in which geophysical tools can be applied. The core courses are followed by geophysics specific coursework in which students study the dynamics of Earth’s interior including the physics of plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanism, the risks these phenomena pose for humans, the tools for investigating the unseen subsurface and their practical application, and methods for modeling physical processes in a range of Earth systems. The geophysics track emphasizes applying fundamental physical principles within complex real-world systems and addressing the ambiguity inherent in studying systems hidden beneath the Earth’s surface.  Students build a strong foundation in data analysis, modeling and programming as part of the degree program. 

    Career opportunities vary widely across fields including geophysical data acquisition and analysis, climate modelling, engineering geology, hydrology, mining, environmental consulting, hazard mitigation, natural resource exploration, agriculture, and others. It is predicted that this field will grow because of the need for energy, construction, mitigating effects of weather-related hazards, the protection of the environment and the responsible management of natural resources. Geophysicists work in a variety of settings; some conduct field studies, while others work primarily on a computer conducting analysis of data. In addition to a focus on the interior structure of the solid earth, geophysicists could be studying the interior features of the ocean, using satellite data to monitor surficial process such as groundwater extraction or landslides, or using geophysical data to study the processes of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or landslides. Some industries that hire geophysicists are: Engineering, Construction and Environmental Consulting (geophysical site investigation and characterization); State, City or Federal Government (e.g., Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, Emergency planning); Research & Development (National labs, academic institutions, etc, geophysical data acquisition and analysis); Oil & Gas Exploration, Production or Services (geophysical data acquisition and analysis); Gas Extraction, Injection and Storage Industry (this includes natural gas, but also CO2 sequestration; geophysical data acquisition and analysis). A degree in Geophysics can also serve as a bridge to many other career opportunities, such as: archaeologist, geophysical/civil/environmental consultant, data scientist, environmental inspector, environmental planner, gas field operations manager, geodesist, geophysical technician, geophysicist, glaciologist, groundwater technologist, hydrogeologist, hydrographic surveyor, hydrologist, laboratory technician, materials scientist, metallurgical technician, mining technician, oil well drilling manager, petroleum technician, petrophysicist, quality assurance inspector, scientific research manager, scientific writer, seismologist, teacher/professor, volcanologist. Some career options will require further education or training to acquire the field-specific knowledge.

    EPS 100: Earth Systems Science (4)

    EPS 101: Earth Materials & Geochemistry (3)

    EPS 102: Structural Geology (3)

    EPS 102L: Structural Geology Lab (2)

    EPS 161: Geophysical Field Methods (4)

    EPS 162: Geodynamics (4)

    EPS 164: Seismology (3)

    Upper Division Electives. Choose 24 units. No more than 3 units of upper division elective credit for courses EPS 116-EPS 120. Only one of EPS/EDU 181 or EPS/EDU 183 may be applied toward elective credit. No more than 6 units of upper division elective credit for EPS 192 or EPS 194A-EPS 194B or EPS 194HA-EPS 194HB. EPS 131, 137, 150B, 160, 163, 165, and/or 166 are recommended. Students interested in earth materials should consider EPS 103, 105, 109, 109L, 110A, 110B, and/or 110C. Students interested in hydrology should consider HYD 144, ESM 100, and/or ABT/LDA/LED 150. Students interested in data science and machine learning should consider ECS 111. Upper division courses in related subjects, including but not limited to EPS, ABT/LDA/LED, ECI, ENG, HYD, MAT, or PHY, must be approved in advance by the major faculty advisor.

    • EPS 100L: Earth Systems Science Lab (1)

    • EPS 101L: Earth Materials & Geochemistry Lab (2)

    • EPS 103: Field Geology (4)

    • EPS 105: Igneous Rocks and Magmatic Processes1 (4)

    • EPS 109: Sediments and Strata (3)

    • EPS 109L: Sediments and Strata Laboratory (2)

    • EPS 110A: Summer Field Geology: Structure and Neotectonics1 (4)

    • EPS 110B: Summer Field Geology: Igneous Rocks (4)

    • EPS 110C: Summer Field Geology: Special Projects (4)

    • EPS 131: Risk, Natural Hazards, and Related Phenomena (3)

    • EPS 137: Earthquake Geology (3)

    • EPS 150B: Geological Oceanography (4)

    • EPS 160: Introduction to Modeling for Earth & Environmental Science (4)

    • EPS 163: Planetary Geology & Geophysics (3)

    • EPS 165: AI and Machine Learning for Earth and Environmental Sciences (4)

    • EPS 166: Crustal Deformation (4)

    • EPS/EDU 181: Teaching Science and Mathematics in Middle School (3)

    • EPS/EDU 183: Teaching High School Mathematics & Science (3)

    • EPS 192: Internship for Upper Division Students (1-12)

    • EPS 194A-194B: Senior Thesis (6) or EPS 194HA-194HB: Senior Honors Thesis (6)

    • ABT/LDA/LED 150: Intro to Geographical Information Systems (4)

    • ECS 111: Applied Machine Learning for Non-Majors4 (4)

    • ESM 100: Introduction to Water Science (4)

    • HYD 144: Groundwater Hydrology (4)

    Depth Subject Matter Subtotal: 47 units

    Total: 89-93 units

    1this course requires 1 additional prerequisite

    4this course requires 4 additional lower division prerequisites

  • Climate Past and Present Track

  • The Climate Past and Present Track focuses on understanding Earth as a system, including past and present climate and environmental change. The major begins with a base in Earth System Science and Earth Materials and then extends into four areas of electives: ocean, land, atmosphere, and biosphere. Students will study the dynamics of Earth’s atmosphere, including the mechanisms behind weather patterns, climate variability, and long-term climate trends. Courses also cover natural hazards and how Earth's physical changes, such as glaciation and tectonics, influence long-term climate patterns. The program explores how oceans play a crucial role in regulating Earth’s climate and how the Earth’s hydrographic systems are impacted by climate change. Courses highlight the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and environments past and present. The track emphasizes data analysis so that students build a strong foundation in data science, modeling, and/or programming as part of the degree. Finally, these courses emphasize communicating complex scientific concepts to the public, policymakers, and stakeholders to find and implement climate change solutions.

    Graduates with an Earth & Planetary Sciences major Climate Change Track will be prepared for various public and private sector careers. Some potential career paths include: environmental consulting, climate policy and management positions, K-12 educator/environmental educator, climate and carbon mitigation consulting, scientific research, and nonprofit agencies. This major is ideal for students who like to approach environmental problems as part of the Earth system, appreciate the importance of past climate change in understanding today’s challenges, have strong analytical skills, and want to contribute to tackling climate change in many different ways.

    Recommended

    • EPS 003: History of Life (3)

    • EPS 010: Climate Change: A Paleo Perspective (3)

    EPS 100: Earth Systems Science (3)

    EPS 100L: Earth Systems Science Lab (2)

    EPS 101: Earth Materials & Geochemistry (4)

    ESP 106: Environmental Data Science1 (4)

    • Or EPS 160: Introduction to Modeling for Earth & Environmental Science (4)

    Upper Division Electives. Choose 32 units. At least one course must be taken from each topical area (ocean, land, atmosphere, and biology). Remaining units can be taken as additional courses from the topical area list or the additional elective options. No more than 3 units of upper division elective credit for courses EPS 116-EPS 120. Only one of EPS/EDU 181 or EPS/EDU 183 may be applied toward elective credit. No more than 6 units of upper division elective credit for EPS 192 or EPS 194A-EPS 194B or EPS 194HA-EPS 194HB. EPS 131, 132, 133, 134, and/or 148 are recommended. Upper division courses in related subjects, including but not limited to EPS, ABT/LDA/LED, ATM, ECI, ESM, ESP, EVE, HYD, or WFC must be approved in advance by the major faculty advisor.

    • Ocean

      • EPS 116: Oceanography (3)

      • EPS/ESP 150A: Physical & Chemical Oceanography (4)

      • EPS 150B: Geological Oceanography (4)

      • EPS 176: Field Studies in Marine Geochemistry (5)

    • Land

      • EPS 108: Paleoclimatology (3)

      • EPS 109: Sediments and Strata (3)

      • EPS 109L: Sediments and Strata Lab (2)

      • EPS 136: Ecogeomorphology of Rivers & Streams1 (4)

      • EPS 136F: Ecogeomorphology of Rivers & Streams Fieldwork1 (1)

    • Atmosphere

      • ATM 110: Weather Observation and Analysis1 (4)

      • ATM 115: Hydroclimatology1 (4)

      • ATM 116: Modem Climate Change (3)

      • ATM 120: Atmospheric Thermodynamics & Cloud Physics1 (4)

      • ESP 110: Principles of Environmental Science (4)

    • Biology

      • EPS 107: Paleobiology (3)

      • EPS 107L: Paleobiology Laboratory (2)

      • EPS 144: Historical Ecology (3)

      • EPS 150C: Biological Oceanography (5)

      • EVE 101: Introduction to Ecology2 (4)

        • or ESP 100: General Ecology2 (4)

      • WFC 168: Climate Change Ecology (4)

    • Additional electives (14-22 units)

      • ATM 121A: Atmospheric Dynamics3 (4)

      • EPS 101L: Earth Materials & Geochemistry Lab (2)

      • EPS 102: Structural Geology (3)

      • EPS 102L: Structural Geology Lab (2)

      • EPS 103: Field Geology (4)

      • EPS 105: Igneous Rocks and Magmatic Processes (4)

      • EPS 110A: Summer Field Geology: Structures & Neotectonics (4)

      • EPS 110B: Summer Field Geology: Igneous Rocks (4)

      • EPS 110C: Summer Field Geology: Special Projects (4)

      • EPS 120: Origins: From the Big Bang to Today (3)

      • EPS 131: Risk, Natural Hazards, and Related Phenomena (3)

      • EPS 132: Introductory Inorganic Geochemistry (3)

      • EPS 133: Environmental Geochemistry (3)

      • EPS 134: Environmental Geology & Land Use Planning (3)

      • EPS 136: Ecogeomorphology of Rivers & Streams1 (4)

      • EPS 136F: Ecogeomorphology of Rivers & Streams Fieldwork1 (1)

      • EPS 137: Earthquake Geology (3)

      • EPS 138: Introductory Volcanology (4)

      • EPS 140: Introduction to Geomorphology and Earth-Surface Processes (4)

      • EPS 141: Evolutionary History of Vertebrates (3)

      • EPS 141L: Evolutionary History of Vertebrates Laboratory (1)

      • EPS 142: Geobiology and Geomicrobiology (3)

      • EPS 146: Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry & Cosmochemistry (3)

      • EPS 148: Isotopes & Geochemical Tracers (3)

      • EPS 160: Introduction to Modeling for Earth & Environmental Science (4)

      • EPS 161: Geophysical Field Methods (4)

      • EPS 162: Geodynamics (4)

      • EPS 163: Planetary Geology & Geophysics (3)

      • EPS 164: Seismology (3)

      • EPS 165: AI and Machine Learning for Earth & Environmental Sciences (4)

      • EPS 166: Crustal Deformation (4)

      • EPS 175: Advanced Field Geology (3)

      • EPS/EDU 181: Teaching Science and Mathematics in Middle School (3)

      • EPS/EDU 183: Teaching High School Mathematics & Science (3)

    Depth Subject Matter Subtotal: 45 units

    Total: 92-96 units

    1this course requires 1 additional prerequisite

    2this course requires 2 additional prerequisites

    3this course requires 3 additional prerequisites

  • Geobiology and Paleobiology Track

  • The Geobiology and Paleobiology track prepares students for a variety of careers at the intersection of biology and Earth sciences. Students are trained in understanding chemical and physical interactions between life and Earth today and in the past. They will also gain an understanding of the history of life and its interdependence with changing Earth climate. Graduates will be able to interpret the geologic time scale, identify major fossil organisms through time, and utilize digital databases to analyze data. Finally, graduates will understand the causes of extinctions and mass extinctions, and identify major groups of organisms, both extinct and extant, in a tree of life.

    Graduates with a Geobiology and Paleobiology track in EPS BS will be prepared for various careers, including environmental consultancy, paleontological consultancy, museum careers, government jobs in life-environment interactions and paleontology (such as positions in national and state parks), and graduate school related to these fields.

    STA 100: Applied Statistics for Biological Sciences (4)

    STA 101: Advanced Applied Statistics for the Biological Sciences (4)

    EPS 100: Earth Systems Science (4)

    EPS 100L: Earth Systems Science Lab (1)

    EPS 101: Earth Materials & Geochemistry (3)

    EPS 107: Paleobiology (3)

    EPS 107L: Paleobiology Lab (2)

    EPS 108: Paleoclimatology (3)

    EPS 141: Evolutionary History of Vertebrates (3)

    EPS 141L: Evolutionary History of Vertebrates Laboratory (1)

    EPS 142: Geobiology and Geomicrobiology (3)

    EPS 144: Historical Ecology (3)

    Upper Division Electives. Choose 12 units. No more than 3 units of upper division elective credit for courses EPS 116-EPS 120. Only one of EPS/EDU 181 or EPS/EDU 183 may be applied toward elective credit. No more than 6 units of upper division elective credit for EPS 192 or EPS 194A-EPS 194B or EPS 194HA-EPS 194HB. Upper division courses in related subjects, including but not limited to EPS, ABT/LDA/LED, BIO, BIS, EVE, ESM, ESP, ETX, or EVE must be approved in advance by the major faculty advisor.

    • EPS 101L: Earth Materials & Geochemistry Lab (2)

    • EPS 109: Sediments and Strata (3)

    • EPS 109L: Sediments and Strata Lab (2)

    • EPS 116: Oceanography (3)

    • EPS 133: Environmental Geochemistry (3)

    • EPS 134: Environmental Geology & Land Use Planning (3)

    • EPS 136: Ecogeomorphology of Rivers & Streams (4)

    • EPS 136F: Ecogeomorphology of Rivers & Streams Fieldwork (1)

    • EPS 140: Introduction to Geomorphology and Earth-Surface Processes (4)

    • EPS 146: Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry & Cosmochemistry1 (3)

    • EPS 148: Isotopes & Geochemical Tracers1 (3)

    • EPS/ESP 150A: Physical & Chemical Oceanography1 (4)

    • EPS 150B: Geological Oceanography (4)

    • EPS 150C: Biological Oceanography (5)

    • EPS/EDU 181: Teaching Science and Mathematics in Middle School (3)

    • EPS/EDU 183: Teaching High School Mathematics & Science (3)

    • EPS 192: Internship for Upper Division Students (1-12)

    • EPS 194A-194B: Senior Thesis (6) or EPS 194HA-194HB: Senior Honors Thesis (6)

    • ESM 120: Global Environmental Interactions (4)

    • ESP 100: General Ecology

    • ESP 110: Principles of Environmental Science (4)

    • ETX 101: Principles of Environmental Toxicology2 (4)

    • EVE 101: Introduction to Ecology2 (4)

    • EVE 104: Community Ecology3 (4)

    • EVE 112: Biology of Invertebrates (3)

    • EVE 115: Marine Ecology (4)

    • EVE 117: Plant Ecology2 (4)

    • EVE 120: Global Change Ecology3 (3)

    • HYD 134: Aqueous Geochemistry (5)

    • SSC 100: Principles of Soil Science (5)

    Depth Subject Matter Subtotal: 46 units

    Total: 90-95 units

    1this course requires 1 additional prerequisite

    2this course requires 2 additional prerequisites

    3this course requires 3 additional prerequisites

A.B. in Earth and Planetary Sciences

A.B. degrees are designed to prepare students for science-adjacent career paths in which familiarity with earth science, the scientific method and complexity of real world data provide student with critical knowledge, context and perspective. Examples of such career paths include law, policy, city/county/state planning, insurance, emergency management, social work and education.

Preparatory coursework

TrackChemistryGeologyMathPhysicsProgramming and StatisticsBiology
Environmental GeoscienceCHE 002A-002BGEL/EPS 050-050L; and GEL/EPS 035MAT 017A-017B or 019A-019B or MAT 021A-021BNoneSTA 013 or 032 or 100None
Historical BiodiversityNoneGEL/EPS 050 or 001MAT 017A-017B or 019A-019B or MAT 021A-021BNoneNoneEPS 003 or BIO 001 or ESP 005 or EPS 012

Depth coursework

Choose one track.

  • Environmental Geoscience Track

  • The Environmental Geoscience A.B. track is designed in response to broad interest in environmental processes and impacts. In contrast to other environmental degrees which center on biological processes, this track will center on geological systems and longer-time perspective, taking an Earth Systems approach. This major would make an excellent choice for students who would like to add a second major in science that can provide valuable context for their long-term career goals.

    EPS 100: Earth Systems Science (4)

    EPS 101: Earth Materials & Geochemistry (3)

    EPS 107: Paleobiology1 (3)

    EPS 107L: Paleobiology Lab (3)

    EPS 108: Paleoclimatology (3)

    EPS 109: Sediments and Strata (3)

    EPS 109L: Sediments and Strata Lab (2)

    EPS 133: Environmental Geochemistry (3)

    EPS 140: Introduction to Geomorphology and Earth-Surface Processes (4)

    EPS 142: Geobiology and Geomicrobiology (3)

    ABT/LDA/LED 150: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (4)

    Upper Division Electives. Choose 6 units. No more than 3 units of upper division elective credit for courses EPS 116-EPS 120. Only one of EPS/EDU 181 or EPS/EDU 183 may be applied toward elective credit. No more than 6 units of upper division elective credit for EPS 192 or EPS 194A-EPS 194B or EPS 194HA-EPS 194HB. Upper division courses in related subjects, including but not limited to EPS, ABT/LDA/LED, CHE, ECI, ESP, ESM, ETX, HYD, or SSC must be approved in advance by the major faculty advisor.

    • EPS 100L: Earth Systems Science Lab (1)

    • EPS 101L: Earth Materials & Geochemistry Lab (2)

    • EPS 102: Structural Geology (2)

    • EPS 102L: Structural Geology Lab (2)

    • EPS 116: Oceanography (3)

    • EPS 131: Risk, Natural Hazards, and Related Phenomena (3)

    • EPS 132: Introductory Inorganic Geochemistry (3)

    • EPS 134: Environmental Geology & Land Use Planning (3)

    • EPS 136: Ecogeomorphology of Rivers & Streams (4)

    • EPS 136F: Ecogeomorphology of Rivers & Streams Fieldwork (1)

    • EPS 138: Introductory Volcanology1 (4)

    • EPS 141: Evolutionary History of Vertebrates1 (3)

    • EPS 141L: Evolutionary History of Vertebrates Laboratory (1)

    • EPS 144: Historical Ecology (3)

    • EPS 146: Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry & Cosmochemistry5 (3)

    • EPS 148: Isotopes & Geochemical Tracers1 (3)

    • EPS/ESP 150A: Physical & Chemical Oceanography5 (4)

    • EPS 150B: Geological Oceanography (4)

    • EPS 150C: Biological Oceanography1 (5)

    • EPS 160: Introduction to Modeling for Earth & Environmental Science5 (4)

    • EPS 161: Geophysical Field Methods4 (4)

    • EPS 176: Field Studies in Marine Geochemistry (5)

    • EPS/EDU 181: Teaching Science and Mathematics in Middle School (3)

    • EPS/EDU 183: Teaching High School Mathematics & Science (3)

    • EPS 192: Internship for Upper Division Students (1-12)

    • EPS 194A-194B: Senior Thesis (6) or EPS 194HA-194HB: Senior Honors Thesis (6)

    • CHE 100 Environmental Water Chemistry1 (3)

    • ESP 152: Coastal Oceanography (3)

    • ESM 100: Introduction to Water Science2 (4)

    • ESM 120: Global Environmental Interactions1 (4)

    • HYD 144: Groundwater Hydrology (4)

    • SSC 100: Principles of Soil Science (5)

    Depth Subject Matter Subtotal: 45 units

    Total: 72 units

    1this course requires 1 additional prerequisite

    2this course requires 2 additional prerequisites

    4this course requires 4 additional prerequisites

    5this course requires 5 additional prerequisites

  • Historical Biodiversity Track

  • The Historical Biodiversity A.B. track is designed in response to strong interest in paleo-geo-biology.

    EPS 107: Paleobiology (3)

    EPS 107L: Paleobiology Lab (3)

    EPS 108: Paleoclimatology (3)

    EPS 109: Sediments and Strata (3)

    EPS 116: Oceanography (3)

    EPS 141: Evolutionary History of Vertebrates (3)

    EPS 142: Geobiology and Geomicrobiology2 (3)

    EPS 144: Historical Ecology (3)

    Upper Division Electives. Choose 12 units. No more than 3 units of upper division elective credit for courses EPS 116-EPS 120. Only one of EPS/EDU 181 or EPS/EDU 183 may be applied toward elective credit. No more than 6 units of upper division elective credit for EPS 192 or EPS 194A-EPS 194B or EPS 194HA-EPS 194HB. Upper division courses in related subjects, including but not limited to EPS, ABT/LDA/LED, BIO, BIS, ESM, ESP, ETX, or EVE must be approved in advance by the major faculty advisor.

    • EPS 100: Earth Systems Science1 (4)

    • EPS 100L: Earth Systems Science Lab1 (1)

    • EPS 101: Earth Materials & Geochemistry3 (3)

    • EPS 101L: Earth Materials & Geochemistry Lab3 (2)

    • EPS 102: Structural Geology2 (3)

    • EPS 102L: Structural Geology Lab2 (2)

    • EPS 103: Field Geology3 (4)

    • EPS 109L: Sediments and Strata Lab (2)

    • EPS 131: Risk, Natural Hazards, and Related Phenomena (3)

    • EPS 132: Introductory Inorganic Geochemistry3 (3)

    • EPS 133: Environmental Geochemistry2 (3)

    • EPS 134: Environmental Geology & Land Use Planning (3)

    • EPS 136: Ecogeomorphology of Rivers & Streams1 (4)

    • EPS 136F: Ecogeomorphology of Rivers & Streams Fieldwork1 (1)

    • EPS 137: Earthquake Geology1 (3)

    • EPS 140: Introduction to Geomorphology and Earth-Surface Processes (4)

    • EPS 141L: Evolutionary History of Vertebrates Laboratory (1)

    • EPS 150B: Geological Oceanography (4)

    • EPS 150C: Biological Oceanography1 (5)

    • EPS 176 Field Studies in Marine Geochemistry (5)

    • EPS/EDU 181: Teaching Science and Mathematics in Middle School (3)

    • EPS/EDU 183: Teaching High School Mathematics & Science (3)

    • EPS 192: Internship for Upper Division Students (1-12)

    • EPS 194A-194B: Senior Thesis (6) or EPS 194HA-194HB: Senior Honors Thesis (6)

    • ANT 151: Primate Evolution

    • ANT 152: Human Evolution

    • ESP 100: General Ecology

    • EVE 100: Introduction to Evolution2 (4)

    • EVE 101: Introduction to Ecology2 (4)

    • EVE 104: Community Ecology3 (4)

    • EVE 112: Biology of Invertebrates (3)

    • EVE 115: Marine Ecology

    • EVE 117: Plant Ecology2 (4)

    • EVE 120: Global Change Ecology3 (3)

    Depth Subject Matter Subtotal: 36 units

    Total: 49-50 units

    1this course requires 1 additional prerequisite

    2this course requires 2 additional prerequisites

    3this course requires 3 additional prerequisites

 

Geology B.S. Major Requirements

Geology A.B. Major Requirements

Additional Coursework to Consider

  • Mapping courses to careers
  • Read about recommended coursework that aligns with different career paths within the geosciences at eps.ucdavis.edu/sustainability.
  • Other courses to consider
  • ABT 060—Introduction to Unmanned Aerial Systems for Agriculture & Environmental Science (4 units)
    ABT 182—Environmental Analysis Using GIS (4 units) 
    ECI 016—Spatial Data Analysis (2 units) Teaches CAD and GIS. No prerequisites. Offered in Spring.
    ECS 032A—Introduction to Programming (4 units) Designed for non-majors. Introduction to programming and problem solving in Python. Usually offered F, W, Sp.
    ECS 032B—Introduction to Data Structures (4 units) Designed for non-majors. Design and analysis of data structures using Python; trees, heaps, searching, sorting, and graphs. Usually offered F, W, Sp.
    ECS 032C—Implementation of Data Structures in C (4 units) Designed for non-majors. Programming in the C language. Use of basic UNIX tools. Writing good programs of increased complexity and efficiency. Implementation of data structures in C. Offered Fall.
    ECS 034—Good for students who want more programming experience. Uses C/C++ and UNIX. 
    ECS 036 series—Only open to CS majors. 
    ENG 006—Engineering Problem Solving (4 units) – appropriate for non-engineering majors. A good introduction to programming and MATLAB.
    PHY 040—Introduction to Physics Computation (3 units). Assumes no prior knowledge of programming. Introduction to programming using C++ with examples from computational physics. Introduction to modern tools used for scientific analysis, including Scientific computing with Python and either SymPy or Mathematica. Offered each Fall. 
    PHY 045—Computational Physics (4 units). Algorithms and programming techniques of computational physics with applications from introductory physics (PHY 9 series). Taught in C++; algorithms; no OOP. Offered each Winter.
    STS 101—Data & Society (4 units) GE credit: QL, SS. Learn to analyze and visualize data about some of today's most challenging social problems. Add data analysis to your portfolio of skills.
    STS 115—Adventures in Data Science (4 units) GE credit: OL. Learn data science, including R. Consider taking it's next class, STS 195 where you work on real data science projects, and then even get involved in an internship. 
    TAE 020—Sustainable Energy Technologies (4 units).
  • Courses in water-related fields
  • See the list of courses in water-related fields. 
  • General Education courses to consider
  • GE Chart for Geology majors

    CRD 149 — Community Development Perspectives on Environmental Justice (4 units) - includes a global learning focus!
    ESP 174—Environmental Justice Policy & Practice (4 units) GE credit: SS, DD, WE
    ESP/ARE 175—Natural Resource Economics (4 units) GE credit: SS
    HIS/STS 002—Introduction to the History of Science & Technology (4 units) GE credit: AH, SS, SL, WC, WE
    HIS 108—Global Environmental History (4 units) GE credit: AH, SS
    HIS 157—Business, Biomes & Knowledge: Latin American Environmental History (4 units) GE credit: SS, WC, WE
    HIS 178—Water in the West: Environment & Politics in America's Arid Lands (4 units) GE credit: AH, ACGH, WE
    HYD 150—Water Law (3 units) GE credit: ACGH, SS.
    NAS 161—California Indian Environmental Policy I (4 units) GE credit: ACGH, DD, SS, WE. No prerequisites. Offered Spring of odd-numbered years.
    NAS 162—California Indian Environmental Policy II (4 units) GE credit: ACGH, DD, SS, WE. No prerequisites.
    PHI 030 — Introduction to Philosophy of Science (4 units) GE credit: AH, SE, SL, WE
    PLS 021—Application of Computers in Technology (3 units). Teaches Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other useful technologies.
    POL 012B—Climate Change & Politics (4 units) GE credit: SS, WE
    POL 107 — Environmental Politics & Administration (4 units) GE credit: SS, ACGH, QL, WE
    POL 171 — The Politics of Energy (4 units)
    SAS 009 — Crisis in the Environment (3 units)
    SAS 010 — Water, Power, Society (3 units)
    SAS 018—GIS & Society (3 units) GE credit: QL, SE, SL, SS, VL
    SAS 025 — Global Climate Change: Convergence of Biological, Geophysical, & Social Sciences (4 units)
    SAS 042 — Earth, Water, Science, Song (3 units)
    SOC 160 — Sociology of the Environment (4 units)
    STS 001—Introduction to Science, Technology & Medicine Studies (4 units) GE credit: SS, WE. Learn how society and science affect each other
    STS 011—Science on Trial: Law, Science, & Technology in the United States (4 units) GE credit: ACGH, SS. An introduction to law and science in America.
    UWP 049 — Writing Research Papers (4 units)
    UWP 104E—Writing in the Professions: Science (4 units)
    UWP 111C—Specialized Topics in Journalism: Science Journalism (4 units)