Bachelor of Science Major in Geological and Environmental Sciences

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of the Pacific

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Geological and Environmental Sciences at the University of the Pacific gives students a strong scientific foundation for understanding Earth's materials, ecosystems, natural resources, and environmental change. Students combine geology, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and environmental policy with practical fieldwork and research, preparing for careers in environmental consulting, pollution control, ecosystem protection, natural resource management, and environmental restoration.

Curriculum Structure

The program requires a minimum of 120 units and includes core scientific courses, general education, and a choice of concentration in Environmental Science or Geology. The following year-by-year overview is a suggested progression based on the official degree requirements; the exact order of courses may vary according to prerequisites and academic advising.

Year 1: Building Scientific Foundations

Students begin developing their understanding of Earth systems through introductory courses such as GESC 051: Dynamic Planet, GESC 061: Geology of California, or GESC 043: Environmental Science for Informed Citizens, depending on their course choices. They also build a foundation in chemistry and mathematics through courses such as CHEM 025: General Chemistry and MATH 051: Calculus I, while completing university general education requirements.

Year 2: Exploring Earth Materials and Environmental Systems

Students develop their understanding of Earth's physical processes through GESC 106: Earth Materials and GESC 103: Earth's Changing Climate. They also begin applying scientific methods to environmental questions through GESC 102: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Spatial Analysis, which introduces spatial tools for interpreting geographic and environmental data.

Year 3: Specializing in Environmental Science or Geology

Students follow their selected concentration and deepen their practical scientific knowledge. Environmental Science students may take BIOL 171: Methods in Field Biology, BIOL 175: Ecology, and CIVL 060: Water Quality, while Geology students may study GESC 110: Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, GESC 112: Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, and GESC 114: Structural Geology.

Year 4: Advanced Applications and Professional Preparation

Students consolidate their scientific knowledge through advanced coursework, applied projects, and professional development. Depending on their concentration and choices, they may complete GESC 148: Critical Zone Science, GESC 161: Geologic Field Methods, and GESC 185: Capstone Seminar in Geological and Environmental Sciences, with options for an internship or undergraduate research through GESC 187: Internship in Geosciences or GESC 197: Undergraduate Research.

Focus Areas

Geological sciences, environmental science, Earth materials, climate change, geographic information systems (GIS), spatial analysis, ecology, field biology, water quality, environmental restoration, natural resource management, environmental policy, and applied geoscience research.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to explain fundamental Earth systems and environmental processes, identify and interpret Earth materials in laboratory and field settings, apply scientific methods to environmental problems, analyze geographic and environmental data, assess human impacts on ecosystems and natural resources, and communicate scientific findings effectively through written and oral presentations.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The B.S. in Geological and Environmental Sciences prepares students for professional work and graduate study in geology and environmental science. Its scientific coursework and practical training are relevant to environmental consulting, geotechnical assessment, pollution control, natural resource management, and government environmental services. The official program information reviewed does not identify a specific external professional accreditation for this degree.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of the Pacific highlights the program's field-based education, small classes, faculty-guided research, and opportunities to explore diverse geological environments. The university reports that 89% of its graduates work in their field or pursue further study within six months of graduation; this is a university-wide outcome rather than a program-specific employment rate. The department's program page also cites a 2024 median annual salary of $100,000 for geoscientists, with projected job growth of 5% through 2033, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. These figures describe the wider occupation, not guaranteed graduate salaries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of the Pacific, students learn about Earth's systems through hands-on laboratory work, field investigations, and collaborative research with faculty. The department's field-based approach takes students beyond the classroom to examine geological formations, environmental processes, ecosystems, and natural resources in real-world settings. Students can also pursue internships and undergraduate research to build practical skills for environmental and geoscience careers. Specific opportunities include:

Field trips and geological expeditions: Students explore geological environments across California and the western United States. Past international and regional destinations have included Chilean Patagonia, Hawaii, the Colorado Plateau, Ireland, Japan, and the Marshall Islands.
Geoscience laboratories and fieldwork: Students investigate Earth materials, geological structures, and environmental processes through practical laboratory exercises and outdoor observations.
GIS and spatial analysis: GESC 102: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Spatial Analysis introduces geographic data and spatial techniques relevant to environmental assessment and resource management.
Field biology and ecology: Environmental Science students can take BIOL 171: Methods in Field Biology and BIOL 175: Ecology to investigate organisms, ecosystems, and ecological relationships.
Water quality investigations: CIVL 060: Water Quality provides a scientific foundation for understanding water-related environmental issues.
Faculty-guided research: Students can collaborate with faculty on research projects investigating Earth systems and environmental change.
Undergraduate research: GESC 197: Undergraduate Research provides an opportunity to undertake a supervised research project, subject to course requirements and faculty availability.
Internships: GESC 187: Internship in Geosciences allows eligible students to gain experience in a professional setting related to geology or environmental science.
Capstone seminar: GESC 185: Capstone Seminar in Geological and Environmental Sciences helps students integrate scientific knowledge and communicate their understanding of geological and environmental issues.
Professional development: GESC 195: Professional Development Seminar supports career preparation and professional development during the junior and senior years.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Geological and Environmental Sciences prepares students to investigate environmental problems, evaluate natural resources, understand geological hazards, and contribute to conservation and environmental management. Graduates can pursue scientific and technical roles in consulting firms, government agencies, water management, pollution control, and environmental restoration, while those interested in advanced research can continue to graduate-level study.

Potential career paths include: Environmental Scientist, Geoscientist, Environmental Consultant, and Natural Resource Specialist.

Career development services: The university's Career Services team provides career advising, internship and job-search assistance, résumé and cover letter support, interview preparation, career fairs, and graduate-school planning. The Tigers-on-Pace program helps students plan career development throughout their undergraduate years.
Employment outcomes: The university reports that 89% of its graduates work in their field or pursue further study within six months of graduation. This is an institution-wide figure and should not be interpreted as the employment rate for this particular degree.
Salary and job outlook: The department's program page reports a 2024 median annual salary of $100,000 for geoscientists and projected job growth of 5% through 2033. Actual earnings depend on the role, experience, location, and qualifications; the figures are occupational benchmarks rather than starting salaries for graduates.
Employer and industry exposure: The department identifies alumni working at organizations including Placer County Air Pollution Control District, Caltrans, Alameda County Water District, Arcadis, EA Engineering, Science & Technology, Inc., and Odin Environmental Solutions. These are examples of alumni career destinations, not necessarily formal university–industry partnerships.
Research and professional experience: Faculty-led projects, fieldwork, undergraduate research, and internships can help students build scientific, analytical, and communication skills that are useful to employers and graduate programs.
Professional alignment: The degree provides a foundation for careers in environmental consulting, geological assessment, natural resource management, and environmental protection. The official program information does not specify a particular external professional accreditation, so students should check any additional qualifications required for their intended occupation.
Graduate outcomes: Students can build a portfolio of fieldwork, research, and applied coursework to support applications for scientific positions or further study. Program-specific employment and salary statistics are not separately established in the official information reviewed.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S., graduates can pursue master's degrees in Environmental Science, Geology, Earth Sciences, Hydrology, Ecology, Environmental Management, or related fields. Students interested in advanced research or academic careers may continue to a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline. Those interested in environmental law can also explore pathways that combine scientific knowledge with legal education, including the University of the Pacific's separate Environmental Law Advantage program, which leads to a B.A. in Geological and Environmental Sciences and a Juris Doctor degree over six years; this is a distinct pathway rather than part of the B.S. degree.