San Diego State University

Apr 25, 2024

2020/2021 University Catalog

2020/2021 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Geological Sciences

Undergraduate Information
Graduate Information

OFFICE: Geology/Mathematics/Computer Science 237
TELEPHONE: 619-594-5586 / FAX: 619-594-4372
E-MAIL: geology@sdsu.edu
WEBSITE: http://www.geology.sdsu.edu

Undergraduate Information

Faculty

Emeritus: Abbott, Bertine, Day, Dorman, Girty, Jiracek, Kern, Krummenacher, Marshall, Miller, Peterson, Rockwell, Thorbjarnarson, Wallace
Chair: Gontz
The Rollin and Caroline Eckis Chair in Seismology: Olsen
Professors: Frost, Gontz, Kimbrough, Olsen, Schellenberg
Associate Professor: Ma
Assistant Professors: Maloney, Weingarten
Lecturers: Camp, Hanan, Robinson, Sacramento-McJilton

Environmental Sciences

The Major

Environmental sciences is an interdisciplinary program leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in applied arts and sciences. The program will provide the student with a rigorous and broad foundation in those sciences most relevant to environmental issues. While the focus is on the physical environmental sciences, some coursework is required in biology, computer science, geography, and statistics. Those students wishing to concentrate more on the biological aspects of the environment, should consider the ecology emphasis offered by the Department of Biology.

Upon completion of the degree, students will be prepared to understand and contribute to a broad range of environmental problems confronting society. This major should be especially attractive to students who wish a broader background in the environmental sciences than is easily offered by individual departments. The major will prepare the student for employment in diverse situations in the dynamic and ever-changing environmental science job market. It will also be an excellent undergraduate major for students planning to go on to graduate school in any of the environmental sciences.

Advising

Students are required to meet with the undergraduate adviser in order to declare the major. Students wishing to major in environmental sciences are urged to meet with the adviser during their first semester.

Impacted Program

The environmental sciences major is an impacted program. To be admitted to the environmental sciences major, students must meet the following criteria:

Complete preparation for the major;
Complete a minimum of 60 transferable semester units;
Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.

To complete the major, students must fulfill the degree requirements for the major described in the catalog in effect at the time they are accepted into the premajor at SDSU (assuming continuous enrollment).

Major Academic Plans (MAPs)

Visit http://www.sdsu.edu/mymap for the recommended courses needed to fulfill your major requirements. The MAPs website was created to help students navigate the course requirements for their majors and to identify which General Education course will also fulfill a major preparation course requirement.

Geological Sciences

The Rollin and Caroline Eckis Chair in Seismology

A gift from Rollin and Caroline Eckis, combined with matching funds from the Atlantic Richfield Company and contributions from SDSU faculty and staff, established The Rollin and Caroline Eckis Chair in Seismology at SDSU. The late Rollin Eckis was former president of Richfield Oil Company and vice chairman of the board of Atlantic Richfield Company.

The first appointee to the chair, Dr. Steven M. Day, conducts research on the mechanics of earthquakes and earthquake hazards. The current appointee, Dr. Kim Bak Olsen, conducts research on seismic wave propagation as well as earthquake source description and hazards.

The Major

Geological sciences is the study of the earth, its past, present, and future. 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 16 percent from 2012 to 2022, 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 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).

Impacted Program

The geological sciences major and emphases are impacted programs. To be admitted to the geological sciences major or an emphasis, students must meet the following criteria:

Complete preparation for the major;
Complete a minimum of 60 transferable semester units;
Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.

Major Academic Plans (MAPs)

Oceanography

San Diego State University provides preparation for ocean-oriented careers by offering marine-related coursework and oceanographic experience within regular degree programs in the Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Economics, Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, Geography, Geological Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, and Physics. Master’s degrees with specialization in marine problems may also be earned in these departments. The Ph.D. degree is offered in biology, chemistry, and ecology, jointly with the University of California. Degrees in general oceanography or marine studies are not offered by the university. The Coastal and Marine Institute coordinates work in the area of marine studies and provides special supporting services to the faculty, staff and students, including student advising, assistance in research and publication, operation of the university’s marine laboratory at San Diego Bay, and a boat operations program.

Courses in general oceanography are offered by faculty from the Departments of Biology and Geological Sciences. Advanced coursework and research in geological and physical oceanography are conducted in the Geological Sciences Department. Advanced courses and research in biological oceanography, marine biology, marine botany, and marine zoology are conducted in the Department of Biology. Similar marine-related coursework and research are offered in the Departments of Economics and Geography and in the College of Engineering. Students who require advising in these areas should inquire at one of the departments listed above or the Coastal and Marine Institute. (See section of this catalog on Colleges, College of Sciences Research Centers and Institutes .)

Graduate Information

Faculty

Allen M. Gontz, Ph.D., Professor of Geological Sciences, Chair of Department
Steven M. Day, Ph.D., Professor of Geological Sciences, Emeritus, The Rollin and Caroline Eckis Chair in Seismology
Eric G. Frost, Ph.D., Professor of Geological Sciences
David L. Kimbrough, Ph.D., Professor of Geological Sciences
Kim Bak Olsen, Ph.D., Professor of Geological Sciences, The Rollin and Caroline Eckis Chair in Seismology
Stephen A. Schellenberg, Ph.D., Professor of Geological Sciences, Assistant Vice President for Educational Effectiveness, Division of Academic Engagement and Student Achievement
Shuo Ma, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Geological Sciences (Graduate Adviser)
Kathryn W. Thorbjarnarson, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Geological Sciences, Emeritus
Jillian M. Maloney, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Geological Sciences
Barry B. Hanan, Ph.D., Resident Isotope Geochemist

The Rollin and Caroline Eckis Chair in Seismology

Associateships

Graduate teaching associateships in geological sciences are available to a limited number of qualified students. Application forms and additional information may be secured from the graduate adviser of the department. The program is designed to (1) prepare students for careers in consulting, domestic and multinational firms, and government agencies, (2) provide students with university-level teaching experience and access to community college teaching positions, and (3) provide advanced training in the earth sciences for students planning on entering a Ph.D. program.

Section I. Master’s Degree Programs

General Information

The Department of Geological Sciences offers graduate study leading to the Master of Science degree in geological sciences. The program emphasizes research and an advanced set of courses. Faculty research activities comprise a broad spectrum of expertise, including both theoretical and applied interests. Opportunities exist for integrated field and laboratory research. The department is equipped to support research in geophysics, groundwater hydrology, oceanography, and geochemistry as well as the classic areas of mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, stratigraphy and paleontology. Laboratories devoted to geochronology, isotopes, clay mineral analysis, soils, paleomagnetism, and whole rock analysis, as well as the Allison Center (paleontology), support the graduate research program.

The San Diego area enjoys a mild climate which permits year round field activity. An interesting and diverse geological environment provides many opportunities for research in the local area. Many graduate students are supported in their work by grants and contracts from government and industry.

Admission to Graduate Study for M.S. Degree

All students must satisfy the general requirements for admission to classified graduate standing as described in Admission and Registration . In addition, all students should satisfy the following requirements in order to achieve classified standing and enroll in graduate courses.

Have preparation in geological sciences, mathematics, chemistry, and physics deemed equivalent to the bachelor’s degree in geological sciences at San Diego State University. Candidates whose preparation is deemed insufficient by the master’s program committee will be required to complete specified courses in addition to the minimum 30 units required for the degree. Undergraduate grade point average should be at least 2.5, with a 2.85 in the last 60 units.
Have successfully completed all courses listed as deficiencies.
Have a minimum GRE General Test combined verbal and quantitative score of 1000. Students with a verbal score of less than 450 may be required to take a writing course.
Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in any courses taken as a postbaccalaureate student at San Diego State University.

Students applying for admission should electronically submit the university application available at http://www.calstate.edu/apply along with the application fee.

All applicants must submit admissions materials separately to SDSU Graduate Admissions and to the Department of Geological Sciences.

Graduate Admissions

The following materials should be submitted as a complete package directly to:

Graduate Admissions
Enrollment Services
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA 92182-7416

Official transcripts (in sealed envelopes) from all postsecondary institutions attended;

NOTE:
- Students who attended SDSU need only submit transcripts for work completed since last attendance.
- Students with international coursework must submit both the official transcript and proof of degree. If documents are in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
GRE scores (http://www.ets.org SDSU institution code 4682);
English language score, if medium of instruction was in a language other than English (http://www.ets.org SDSU institution code 4682).

Department of Geological Sciences
The following materials should be mailed or delivered to:

Department of Geological Sciences
(Attention: Graduate Adviser)
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-1020

Department application available at: http://www.geology.sdsu.edu/gradprogram/applicants.htm;
Two letters of reference.

All student applications are evaluated competitively and no fixed numerical standards automatically qualify or disqualify a student for graduate study in the Department of Geological Sciences. Students will be admitted on the basis of merit in relation to space and faculty availability.

Section II. Doctoral Program

WEBSITE: http://sci.sdsu.edu/geology/jdp/opportunity/

Oceanography and Marine Studies

Faculty Committee for Marine Studies

Todd W. Anderson, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Director of Coastal and Marine Institute
Stephen A. Schellenberg, Ph.D., Professor of Geological Sciences, Assistant Vice President for Educational Effectiveness, Division of Academic Engagement and Student Achievement

General Information

San Diego State University provides preparation for ocean- oriented careers by offering marine-related coursework, research opportunities and oceanographic experience within regular degree programs in the Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Economics, Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Geography, Geological Sciences, and the School of Public Health. Degrees in general oceanography or marine studies are not offered by the university. However, a Master of Arts or Master of Science degree may be earned as an Interdisciplinary Studies major (see the appropriate section in this bulletin).

Specific courses in oceanography (listed below) are offered with the cooperation of faculty from the participating departments. Advanced coursework and research in geological and physical oceanography are conducted in the Geological Sciences Department. Advanced courses and research in biological oceanography, marine biology, marine botany, marine ecology, and marine zoology are in the Department of Biology. The School of Public Health also offers a Master of Science degree with a concentration in Environmental Health Science with a focus on water and soil contamination and management of hazardous wastes. Marine-related coursework and research are offered in the Departments of Economics, Geography and in the College of Engineering. Students who require advising in these areas should inquire at the Coastal and Marine Institute or the appropriate department.

The Coastal and Marine Institute coordinates work in the area of marine studies and provides special supporting services to the faculty, staff, and students which includes student advising, assistance in research and publication, and a boat operations and research diving program. The director of the Coastal and Marine Institute reports to the dean of the College of Sciences. (For additional information, refer to College of Sciences.)

Courses Acceptable for Oceanography and Marine Studies

Biology Courses (BIOL)
(Adviser: Todd W. Anderson, Ph.D.)

BIOL 515 (4)
BIOL 517 (3)

Economics Course (ECON)

ECON 696 (3)*

Civil Engineering Courses (CIV E)

CIV E 632 (3)
CIV E 641 A(3)

Geography Courses (GEOG)

GEOG 592  (3)
GEOG 592L  (1)
GEOG 670  (3)
GEOG 770  (3)

Public Health Courses (P H)

P H 634 (3)
P H 639 (3)

*Acceptable when of relevant content.