Science that serves the planet 

At Pacific, you’ll study Earth’s systems up close: how they’ve changed over time and how they impact our future. Our hands-on approach means you won’t just sit in class; you’ll head into the field and lab to work alongside professors on real research. And because we’re in California, you’ll have access to some of the most geologically and environmentally diverse landscapes in the country—plus strong connections to career-building opportunities. 

Career outlook

With a degree in geological and environmental sciences, you can work in fields like environmental consulting, natural resource management or government at the local or federal level.  In 2024, geoscientists’ median pay was $100,000 with jobs expected to grow 5% by 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  

Get outdoors

Outdoor experiences are built into your classes and open the door to travel opportunities. You’ll get to explore a broad range of destinations and work closely with faculty on research projects in amazing geologic locales. Past destinations include Ireland, Japan, the Marshall Islands and the high Sierra Nevada. 

Careers in geological and environmental sciences

Pacific geology graduates have entered the field exploring natural phenomena. Here are some of the organizations where our alumni are making a difference: 

  • Placer County Air Pollution Control District 

  • CalTrans  

  • Alameda County Water District 

  • Woodward Diversified Capital 

  • Arcadis 

  • EA Engineering, Science & Technology, Inc. 

  • Wallace Group in Bend, Oregon 

  • Odin Environmental Solutions 

 

Outstanding Student
Jesse Thornton

Fieldwork, small class sizes and epic road trips through California’s diverse terrain—Jesse shares how Pacific’s geology degree program offers hands-on experiences you won’t get in a giant lecture hall. Get a closer look at his journey. 

Geology major Jesse Thornton

Choose Your Concentration

Pacific’s geology degree offers you a range of options that support high-demand career paths. To ensure you have a competitive edge in the workforce, our classes also integrate career-oriented professional development, including leadership training and advanced certifications in wilderness first aid. 

The geology concentration blends physics, chemistry and math with advanced coursework to give you a strong scientific foundation for understanding Earth’s systems. It’s a versatile degree that prepares you for careers in everything from environmental consulting and energy exploration to law, policy, business and education. 

The environmental science concentration takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining geology, biology, chemistry and math with courses in policy and the humanities. It prepares you for careers in areas like pollution control, ecosystem protection, environmental restoration and emerging fields such as science communication and sustainable tech. 

Pacific’s Environmental Law Advantage program enables you to earn both a Bachelor of Arts in Geological and Environmental Sciences and a Juris Doctor (JD) from McGeorge School of Law in six years. This accelerated path prepares you for law school with a strong foundation in earth science. With expert faculty and specialized offerings like the Water and Environmental Law Certificate, you’ll be ready to make an impact on local and global issues. 

Teaching credential track

If you wish to qualify to teach Geosciences at the secondary level, you should complete the Single Subject Credential in Geological and Environmental Sciences. Ask you adviser or the department chair for information on specific course requirements.  For other credential requirements, you should consult faculty in Benerd College.

Geo Sciences
Noyce Scholars
Pacific Noyce Scholars Program

The PacNoyce Scholars Program provides scholarships and other support for STEM majors at Pacific who become teachers in high-needs school districts, such as Stockton.

You could be eligible for the Robert Noyce Teachers Scholarship worth up to $13,750 a year, for juniors and seniors or $20,000 for the final MA/teaching credential year.

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Arts in Geological and Environmental Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Geological and Environmental Sciences
Bachelor of Arts in Geological and Environmental Sciences and Law
Minor in Environmental Science
Minor in Geology

Contact Us

Student studying rocks in classroom
Department of Geological & Environmental Sciences

Geosciences Building 111