Department of Geological Sciences - San Diego State University 
General Geology Program Requirements

Course Title

Units

I Preparation courses (required)
Geological Sciences 105 Historical Geology 4
Geological Sciences 200 Geologic Inquiry & Problem Solving 3
Geological Sciences 221 Mineralogy 4
Geological Sciences 224 Petrology 4
Biology 100/100L or General Biology 4 or

Biology 101/101L

World of Animals 4
Chemistry 200 General Chemistry 5
Chemistry 201 General Chemistry 5
Mathematics 150 Calculus I 5
Statistics 250 Statistical Principles and Practices 3
Physics 180A-180B Fundamentals of Physics 6
Physics 182A-182B Physical Measurements 2

TOTAL UNITS

45
II Preparation Courses (recommended)
Geological Sciences 100/101 Planet Earth / Dynamics of the Earth Laboratory 4
Mathematics 151 Calculus II 4
Mathematics 252 Calculus III 4
Physics 195/195L Principles of Physics 4
III Upper division writing requirement
IV Upper division (required)
Geological Sciences 300 Computer Applications in Geology 3
Geological Sciences 306 Structural Geology and Field Methods 5
Geological Sciences 307 Geophysics and Field Methods 4
Geological Sciences 498A Senior Seminar 1
Geological Sciences 498B Senior Thesis 2
Geological Sciences 508 Advanced Field Geology 4-6
Geological Sciences 536 Sedimentation and Lithostratigraphy 3
Geological Sciences 537 Geobiology 3
Geological Sciences 525 or Petrography 3 or

Geological Sciences 530/530L 

Geochemistry 3
At least two of the following classes:
Geological Sciences 501 Geochronology 3
Geological Sciences 502 Geology of North America 3
Geological Sciences 505 Photogeology and Remote Sensing 3
Geological Sciences 514 Process Geomorphology 3
Geological Sciences 520 Ore Deposits 3
Geological Sciences 521 Petroleum Geology 3
Geological Sciences 540 Marine Geology 3
Geological Sciences 550 Engineering Geology 3
Geological Sciences 551 Hydrogeology 3
Plus 3 upper division units of departmentally approved courses

TOTAL REQUIRED UPPER DIVISION UNITS

37