Read below for sample academic plans and the list of elective courses for the Geology major. Please visit academic advising to plan your specific path to a Geology degree.
The information here is provided for your convenience; classes are subject to change. Please speak with a geology major advisor for the latest information on a geology major study plan. These are just major classes, so be sure to check MyDegree.ucdavis.edu for any additional degree requirements, including General Education and your College English Composition Requirement (UWP 104E is recommended).
Classes in italics must stay in the quarter they’re listed, although not always in the year listed.
The following classes are recommended for those who intend to pursue graduate degrees but are not necessarily required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Geology: MAT 21D, MAT 22A, MAT 22B, PHY 9D.
There are 2 Options for Years 3 and 4:
Option 1: Structure Coursework first | Option 2: Petrology Coursework first
*Choose two; can be taken over multiple summers or during same summer
*Choose two; can be taken over multiple summers or during same summer
Updated April 2020
The following are sample study plans. They assume you've completed the preparatory coursework.
The information here is provided for your convenience; classes are subject to change. Please speak with a geology major advisor for the latest information on a geology major study plan. These are just major classes, so be sure to check MyDegree.ucdavis.edu for any additional degree requirements, including General Education and your College English Composition Requirement (UWP 104E is recommended).
Classes in italics must stay in the quarter they’re listed, although not always in the year listed.
The following classes are recommended for those who intend to pursue graduate degrees but are not necessarily required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Geology: MAT 21D, MAT 22A, MAT 22B, PHY 9D.
There are 2 Options for Transfer Students
Option 1: Structure Coursework first | Option 2: Petrology Coursework first
GEL Transfer Options (pdf)
Transfer Option 1 focuses on the structure coursework first, like Structural Geology, Spring Field Geology, and Sediments and Strata. It allows students to take GEL 110A: Summer Field: Structure and Neotectonics their first summer. This option may be preferable to students who enjoy these topics, and want to participate in further coursework, research, or internships in structural geology their senior year.
*Choose two; can be taken over multiple summers or during same summer
Transfer Option 2 focuses on the petrology coursework first, like Igneous Petrology. That class, along with Mineraology and Sediments and Strata allows students to take GEL 110B: Summer Field: Volcanology their first summer. This option may be preferable to students who enjoy hard rock petrology, and want to participate in further coursework, research, or internships in this area their senior year.
*Choose two; can be taken over multiple summers or during same summer
Updated April 2020
[ UC Davis General Catalog ] [ UC Davis General Catalog Geology section ]
The upper division electives are not restricted to geology (GEL) courses but must be chosen to provide a relevant, coherent, and in-depth program of study. Last updated 12/2020
