Program Overview

Geosciences Program

The Geosciences program at California Lutheran University is a comprehensive undergraduate major that delves into the scientific study of the Earth, encompassing its functioning and changes over time. This program is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the planet and its life forms, enabling them to contribute to the development of environmentally and economically viable plans for the future.

Overview

The Geosciences major offers students the opportunity to spend time outdoors, applying classroom knowledge to Southern California's unique geological features. The program also emphasizes laboratory techniques in newly renovated classrooms and labs. Students will become familiar with current developments and techniques within various geosciences subdisciplines, including paleontology, climate change, geologic hazards, water resources, field methods, soils, sedimentology, and more.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Geosciences major includes a range of courses that provide a solid foundation in the principles of geosciences. Some of the highlighted courses include:

• EES 305: Climate Change - This course investigates contemporary climate change in comparison to historical climate variations, including causes and impacts.
• EES 331: Paleontology - A survey of ancient life as revealed in the fossil record, focusing on evolutionary theory and the history of life.
• EES 395: Water Resources - An introduction to surface and groundwater hydrology, including water distribution, availability, pollution, and rights law.
• EES 310: Natural Hazards and Disasters - This course explores global geographies of natural hazards and disasters, emphasizing societal preparedness, resilience, and recovery.
• EES 390: Introduction to Soils - Soil Science encompasses biology, chemistry, earth sciences, physics, horticulture, and ecology, introducing students to subdivisions like agriculture, soil formation, classifications, biology, physics, and chemistry.
• EES 485: Environmental Science Capstone - This course introduces professional skills and practices in the environmental field, including GIS, literature searches, and presentation of work.

Degree Requirements

The Geosciences program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. The specific requirements for the degree include completing a set of core courses in geosciences, as well as elective courses that allow students to specialize in areas of interest.

Professors

The faculty in the Geosciences department are dedicated professionals with expertise in various areas of geosciences. Some of the professors include:

• Megan Fung, Associate Professor and Department Chair
• Robert Dull, Professor
• Robert O'Keefe, Adjunct Faculty Member

Experience

The Geosciences program at California Lutheran University offers hands-on opportunities for students to explore their passion through real-world work, preparing them for a fulfilling career. These opportunities include:

• Learning in Action: Emphasizing "doing" science with an active approach to learning, where students gain research experience by working side-by-side with professors.
• Conference Presentations: Many students have the opportunity to perform independent research and present their findings at research consortiums or off-campus conferences.
• Field Work: Spending time outdoors, applying classroom knowledge to unique geological features, and learning laboratory techniques.
• STEM Living-Learning Community: A residential program allowing STEM majors to interact frequently with peers and faculty, facilitating study groups and integrated learning.
• Earth Society: A community of students dedicated to making a difference for the planet, engaging in environmental issues through hands-on experiences.

Career Paths

Geoscience graduates can pursue a variety of career paths, including:

• Geological Technicians
• Climate Change Policy Analysts
• Geoscientists
• Hydrologists
• Soil and Plant Scientists
• Park Naturalists
• Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
• Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Employers

Graduates of the Geosciences program at California Lutheran University have been employed by organizations such as:

• Arcadis
• California State Parks
• Cardno ERI
• Cliff Berry Inc.
• Dala Petroleum
• Exxon-Mobil
• Fugro West, Inc.
• Geolabs-Westlake Village
• Grover-Hollingsworth & Associates, Inc.
• Petrolog
• Southern California Soil and Testing, Inc.
• Trey Resources, Inc.
• U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

Graduate Schools

Alumni of the Geosciences program have pursued advanced degrees at institutions including:

• California State University, Northridge
• Northern Arizona University
• Stanford University
• Texas A & M
• University of Michigan
• University of Nevada, Las Vegas
• University of Notre Dame
• University of Southern California
• University of Texas of the Permian Basin
• University of Wisconsin, Madison

Cost & Financial Aid

The university works with students and families to make education affordable. This includes:

• Tuition & Fees: Competitive pricing for a private university education.
• Scholarships & Grants: Awards based on academic merit and financial need that do not require repayment.
• Net Price Calculator: A tool to estimate personal costs and financial aid eligibility.

By providing a comprehensive education in geosciences, California Lutheran University prepares students for successful careers in a variety of fields related to the Earth sciences, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to make a positive impact in their chosen profession.