Overview

Key facts

Geoscientists apply basic physical, chemical, and biological principles to understand how the earth was formed, how it evolved, and how it may change in the future. In addition to understanding the origin and evolution of our planet, geologists seek to discover, use, and manage earth’s resources in clean and environmentally responsible ways, and manage our water resources in a renewable way.

The challenges will grow as geoscientists address major societal issues including dwindling energy resources, climate change, environmental pollution, and natural disasters from earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and coastal subsidence.

Students who are curious about the planet on which we live, challenged by environmental problems facing humankind, and intrigued by a subject which combines both the arts and applied science, should consider the geological sciences as a major. Job prospects are good. Employment of geoscientists is projected to grow by 21 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many openings are expected in consulting firms and the oil and gas industry. Job opportunities should be excellent for geoscientists who graduate with a master’s degree. Most new jobs will be in management, scientific, and geotechnical consulting services. Many government agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the California Department of Conservation, and regional planning offices hire geoscientists.

The department of Geological Sciences from San Diego State University offers two undergraduate degree options:

The Bachelor of Science degree is designed for students who intend to become professional geologists and/or those who plan to attend graduate school in geosciences. The program includes courses normally expected of graduate school applicants and prepares students for the examination for professional geologic registration licensing.
The Bachelor of Arts degree is designed for students who seek a degree in the geological sciences as a foundation for careers in a variety of areas. This option leverages the strongly interdisciplinary socially relevant aspects of the science. The B.A. program includes a broad spectrum of courses, and focuses both on information about the earth and on how society makes decisions that affect the earth system. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Arts and Sciences meets the requirements of the California Community College Associate in Science (AS-T) in Geology for Transfer degree students completing the Transfer Model Curriculum (TMC).

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Geology Studies

Engineering Geology

Geochemistry

Geophysics

Hydrogeology

Marine Geology

Paleontology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-12-02 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-04-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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Duolingo English Test

105

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Diego, United States

Disciplines

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) View 185 other Bachelors in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

Free IELTS Mock Tests!

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

Duolingo English Test

105

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Check IELTS test dates and locations. Book an IELTS test now!

Other requirements

General requirements

If you are graduating from a high school outside of the United States, your application will be reviewed on the following admission criteria:

Completion of high school/secondary level. A certified copy of graduation certificate or diploma will be required prior to enrollment at SDSU.

A minimum U.S. equivalent GPA (grade point average) of 3.0 (B grade or 80 percent) or higher.

English Proficiency: If you are attending or have attended a high school where English was not the primary language of instruction, you must meet university-level competence in English

SAT/ACT Tests: If you are attending a U.S. accredited high school, you are required to submit either SAT or ACT test scores.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at San Diego State University and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

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International

13320 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 13320 USD per year during 48 months.
National

13320 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 13320 USD per year during 48 months.
In-State

9180 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 9180 USD per year during 48 months.

Living costs for San Diego

1400 - 2455 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Geological Sciences.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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