for California State University, Fresno.
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
The College of Science and Mathematics
FREDERIKA J.M. HARMSEN, Chair
EVANGELINA (VENGIE) BALLI, Administrative Support Coordinator
Science II Building, Room 114
559.278.3086
http://www.csufresno.edu/ees/
B.S. in Environmental
Sciences
(Jointly offered with the University of California, Riverside)
B.A. in Natural
Sciences
Earth Science Option
Faculty
Frederika J.M. Harmsen, Chair
D. Keith Putirka, Graduate Adviser
Arthur H. Barabas
Roland H. Brady
Stephen D. Lewis
P. Graham Mortyn
C. John Suen
Zhi (Luke) Wang
Robert G. Dundas, Lecturer
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at California State
University, Fresno offers courses leading to the Bachelor of Science and
Master of Science in Geology -- as well as the Bachelor of Arts in Natural
Sciences and the Minor in Geology -- which are especially well-suited for
primary and secondary teachers.
Collaborating with the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University
of California, Riverside, the department also offers a special program leading
to the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences. The degree is jointly
conferred by California State University, Fresno and the University of California,
Riverside.
Coursework and research emphasize field and laboratory investigations
of geologic and environmental problems. Our field orientation takes advantage
of the university's proximity to the Sierra Nevadas, the California Coast
Ranges, coastal California, and the desert provinces. This unique location
gives faculty and students access to an unparalleled outdoor laboratory,
all within short trips from the university.
The department's close relationship with state agencies and the private
sector enables many students to pursue internships or part-time employment
in geologic and environmental work while they complete their degrees.
The Bachelor of Science in geology prepares students for employment in petroleum
geology, mineral exploration, land-use planning, environmental assessment,
hydrology, and engineering geology, or for teaching earth science or physical
science at the secondary level. The Master of Science program provides a
graduate degree for students who want to work in industry or government
on the professional level, for students who want to teach earth science
in junior college, or for students who wish to pursue further graduate study.
Our applied geology option specializes in engineering geology, hydrogeology,
or exploration geology fields, which have the strongest employment potential.
Students may also participate in coursework and research in marine geology
and oceanography offered through Moss Landing Marine Laboratories in Monterey
Bay. Consult the chairs of the Earth and Environmental Sciences and Biology
departments. See Moss Landing Marine
Laboratories, Biology Department.
Facilities and Support
Department equipment includes:
- X-ray fluorescence laboratory
- Microscope equipment for petrography study
- Rock preparation laboratory for preparing thin and polished sections
- Remote Sensing/Geo Information
Systems (GIS) - SUN engineering workstations for modeling and seismic data processing
- Electronic mapping lab
- Fully equipped distance learning instructional lab
- Water research analytical laboratory including mass spectrometer for isotope analysis
- Field geophysical instruments
- Microfossil processing equipment
- Field vehicles
Career Opportunities
Career pathways in earth and environmental sciences can lead to the following occupations:
- Professional geologist
- Earth science educator
- Environmental scientist/ecologist
- Environmental manager/planner
- Hydrogeologist/hydrologist
- Public administrator
Earth and Environmental Sciences Courses