Study of the Earth is vital to engaging with the interconnectedness of our world. Taking a geology class can be a transformative experience, bringing you into greater relationship with the environment, yourself, and those around you. Many of our classes include hands-on labs that enrich your learning journey. Our field trips help you cultivate skills that extend beyond the classroom and will change the way you experience places you live and visit. Geology also connects many fields of science, history, art, and offers an excellent foundation for students seeking to fulfill a general education requirement and a richer understanding of your own area of interest.

We equip students with a broad skill set and knowledge base valuable in careers such as environmental consulting, education, stewardship, resource management, and geotechnical engineering. Our department helps inspire future teachers to inspire the next generation, engineers to conduct natural hazards assessment, artists to interpret landscapes in new ways, archaeologists and historians to expand their expertise, and much more. Through culturally-relevant courses, we seek to highlight examples of responsible use of Earth's precious resources and creative problem-solving for a sustainable future. We are engaged within our local community and continue to strive to create a more welcoming and sustainable future for all.

Whether you're pursuing a science major, finishing your general education requirements, or looking for a fun outdoor science class, we're here to help guide you toward a deeper connection with the Earth and your own humanity. Give geology a try and embark on your own journey of discovery, insight, and connection!

For Majors

Students interested in the Geology A.S.-T degree will find Geology and Earth Sciences are offered as majors at UC and CSU, as well as most other 4-year universities. Talk to your academic counselor, or meet with the Department Chair to learn more!

What should I take first? Students can take either GEOL-10 (Physical Geology) in the fall or GEOL-20 (Historical Geology) in the spring as their first course. Neither course has prerequisites. Students may also start with one of our 1-credit field courses (to Big Sur, Pinnacles, or one of the UC Reserves).

• GROW: What can you do with a geoscience degree? Career opportunities include seismology, volcanology, hydrology, paleontology, oceanography, research, management, environmental policy, education, outreach science communication, and energy. Students find employment in government (such as with the USGS or EPA), geology and engineering companies, schools, museums, and non-profit organizations.

• Occupational Outlook from the BLS (including pay and how to become a geoscientist).

Resources

• Join our department Canvas page (click enroll) to access transfer/job/internship opportunities, and more. All majors welcome!

• Rocks of Santa Cruz County from the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History