The required curriculum includes surficial geology courses (geomorphology, hydrology) not required as part of the B.S. in Geology. The Department of Geological Sciences supports highly regarded undergraduate and graduate (Master of Science) programs. Both undergraduate and graduate students learn from research active faculty and have the opportunity to make their own experiences in scientific experiments and field work.

The B.S. degrees in Geology and Earth Science are rigorous requiring at least two semesters of calculus and calculus based physics and extensive field work. Field mapping is taught in 2 unit lower division course and 4 unit (4 week) summer field course.

Special attention is paid to development of writing skills in these courses, culminating in the final report in the Summer Field Geology course. Undergraduates have the opportunity to double major in Geology and Environmental Science and Policy or to take considerable related course work in Civil Engineering.

Many undergraduate majors work part-time for local geotechnical or environmental geology consulting firms, and most move on to careers with these same companies upon receiving their degrees. Several local companies were founded by and are led by CSULB graduates.