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Prospective Geology Transfer Students

Van under rainbow

UC Davis is a wonderful place to study Geology, with plenty of opportunities for transfer students and a thriving transfer community. Watch this presentation to California Community College students for more information about applying, joining the Geology major, and resources for success as a Geology major at UC Davis.

Don't rush to get here. UCD isn't going anywhere. Take all of your lower division prerequisites at your Community College before transfer. This frees up time to take more of the awesome geology electives UCD offers, to work on research projects or a thesis - all of which are great opportunities." -Geology major, 2016

UC Davis: a Best Value College

In 2019, money.com ranked UC Davis 5th in the nation for Best Value Colleges; over half of our students graduated debt-free.

Prior to transferring into UC Davis, students must meet the Transfer Admission requirements. For the Bachelor of Science degree program in Geology at UC Davis, we strongly recommend that transfer students complete preparatory coursework equivalent to the following:

  • Calculus with Linear Algebra (MAT 016A-016B-016C-022A or 017A-017B-017C or 019A-019B-019C or 021A-021B-022A or MAT 021A-021B-021C)
  • Three quarters of Chemistry (CHE 002A-002B-002C).
  • Three quarters of Physics (PHY 007A-007B-007C or 009A-009B-009C).
  • Physical Geology with Laboratory (GEL 050, 050L)
  • History of Life (GEL 003) or Geobiology (GEL 053; only offered at UC Davis)
  • Statistics (STA 013)
  • IGETC, or the full General Education requirement

Students who transfer in with all this coursework done will be well prepared to finish the degree in two years. Students who are missing some or all of chemistry, math, or physics cannot be guaranteed a two-year plan. Our core Geology classes have strict prerequisites, are only taught in sequence, and are offered every other year.

Please feel free to contact the geology major advisor if you would like to discuss your specific preparation for transfer.

Transfer Credit Evaluation

Geology major two-year roadmap

The following are sample academic plans for 2-year transfer Geology B.S. majors. A.B. plans will have fewer classes. They assume you've completed the preparatory coursework. This information is provided for your convenience, but should be adjusted to each student's specific needs. These plans are not meant to replace a consultation with a major advisor, who can help you create a personalized academic plan. Classes are subject to change. 

The full structure series (101/L-103-110A) is offered in the 2025-2026 year, or the 2027-2028 year, etc. Take these classes junior year if you’ve completed the physics prerequisites by then. The full petrology series (60-105-109/L-110B) is offered in the 2024-2025 year, or 2026-2027, etc. Take these classes junior year if you’ve completed the chemistry prerequisites by then. Split up taking the structure and petrology series to keep a balanced schedule.

Junior Year

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Upper Div GEL Elective (3)GEL 101 (3)GEL 103 (4)GEL 110A (4)
Upper Div GEL Elective (3)GEL 101L (2)Upper Div GEL Elective (3)Units for financial aid (2+)
UWP 101/102/104/UDCE (0-4)GEL 108 (3)Upper Div GEL Elective (3)
Total: 4+ units
Total: 12-15 units
Upper Div GEL Elective (3)
Total: 12+ units
 
 
Total: 12+ units
 
 
  • Junior Year Goals

  • Welcome to UC Davis as a transfer student! Your path through the major involves jumping right in and taking advantage of opportunities right away. Here are some sample goals for transitioning effectively to UC Davis and then getting even more involved throughout the year:

    Academic Goals
    • Finish any remaining preparatory (lower division) science coursework
    • Visit the College of Letters and Science advising in Winter quarter to check in on your IGETC or General Education
    • See your major advisor to create a four-year academic plan
    • Transition into taking Upper Division coursework for your major. Check which geology major classes are offered this year: either the petrology series or the structure series.
    • Attend office hours and get to know your professors
    • Attend study skills and time management workshops
    • Explore what undergraduate research is like by talking to your advisors, professors, and the Undergraduate Research Center (URC). Approach faculty members about research opportunities
    • Learn what a Senior Thesis is like. If you want to pursue one, set that up with a faculty member this year.
    • Learn about gaining a global education through the Global Learning Hub and their Study Abroad programs, the UC Davis Washington Program, or UC Center Sacramento
    Career Goals
    • Visit the Career Center to learn about career preparation workshops, Handshake, and career advising
    • Create a resume
    • Visit your major advisor or faculty advisors to find out more about getting an internship
    • Create a LinkedIn account and use it to network
    • Attend a meeting of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG), especially the meeting on how to become a Professional Geologist (January)
    • Research graduate or professional schools and prepare to apply, with help from your advisors, professors, and Pre-Graduate Advising
    • Are you interested in teaching? Consider taking a CalTeach/Math and Science Teaching (CalTeach/MAST) course
    • Visit Health Professions Advising (HPA)
    Extracurricular Goals

Senior Year

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
GEL 060 (4)GEL 105 (4)GEL 109 (3)GEL 110B (4)
GEL 107 (3)Upper Div GEL Elective (3)GEL 109L (2)Units for financial aid (2+)
GEL 107L (2)Upper Division units (4)Upper Division units (0-4)
Total: 4+ units
Upper Division units (4)
Total: 12+ units
Total: 12+ units
 
Total: 12+ units
   
Total graduation units: 180 (64 upper division)
  • Senior Year Goals

  • All the opportunities you’ve created for yourself over the past few years have shaped you into the person you are today. Continue to develop skills, recognize your strengths, and set long-term goals for yourself with some of these resources during your senior year:

    Academic Goals
    • Take discipline-specific courses like GIS, classes recommended for the Professional Geologist license, and classes to help you get into graduate school. Also consider practical courses outside of your major like writing, communication, computer programming, personal finance, etc
    • Complete your fourth-year mandatory advising requirement with your major advisor
    • Check My Degree and plan for any remaining degree requirements with your academic advisors
    • Think about if a minor is right for you. See the advisor for that minor to fit it into your academic plan.
    • Complete a senior thesis
    • Consider presenting your research at the Undergraduate Research Conference in Spring
    • Register for Graduation and Commencement
    Career Goals
    • Attend Career Center workshops on how to write a resume, how to interview, and how to find internships and jobs
    • Update your resume with each new experience
    • Complete an internship
    • Attend a Career Fair
    • Attend academic conferences
    • Use your AIPG contacts to network
    • Apply to jobs for after graduation
    • Research and apply to graduate or professional schools
    Extracurricular Goals
    • Take on a leadership role in a class, project, or club
    • Volunteer for campus or community service
    • Work at a part-time job to build transferable skills and a professional network
    • Prepare for the transition from your undergraduate career to graduate school or the professional world

Updated April 2025