Geology · California

Geology colleges in California

CampusPin lists 263 U.S. colleges in California that offer Geology programs. Compare tuition, acceptance rate, and enrollment in the table below, every figure links back to the institution's official IPEDS data.

Geology studies the Earth's materials, structure, and history, suiting students drawn to fieldwork, lab analysis, and questions about natural resources, hazards, and deep time.

Schools in California that offer Geology

Geology programs in California: by the numbers

A quick comparison of the 50 schools (of 263 total) listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.

Schools listed

263

Public / private

26 / 24

Universities / 2-year

44 / 6

Cities represented

39

In-state tuition range

$1,104–$63,255

Median in-state tuition

$7,989

Lowest published in-state tuition

Barstow Community College

$1,104

Most selective

California Institute of Technology

3% acceptance

Largest by enrollment

California State University-Fullerton

41,793 students

Figures reflect the schools currently listed and each institution's most recent reported data. Verify current tuition and admissions details with the school before applying.

What you'll study in a Geology program

  • Mineralogy and petrology (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks)
  • Structural geology and plate tectonics
  • Sedimentology and stratigraphy
  • Geomorphology and surface processes
  • Geochemistry and geophysics
  • Paleontology and historical geology
  • Field mapping and field-camp methods
  • GIS, remote sensing, and geologic map interpretation

Where a Geology degree can lead

  • Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers
  • Environmental Geologist
  • Geotechnical Consultant
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Exploration / Mining Geologist
  • GIS Analyst

Typical pay: Informational only (BLS, 2024 geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers median $99,240)

A Geology major covers mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, sedimentology and stratigraphy, paleontology, geochemistry, and geophysics, built on a core of chemistry, physics, and calculus. Most bachelor's programs include a required summer field camp where students map rock units and structures in the field, plus lab work with rock and mineral samples, thin sections, and geologic maps. Many programs let students lean toward a track such as environmental geology, hydrogeology, economic/resource geology, or geophysics.

Graduates work in environmental and geotechnical consulting, energy and mineral exploration, water-resource management, hazard assessment (earthquakes, landslides, volcanoes), and government surveys such as the USGS and state geological surveys. The work typically combines field data collection, sample and instrument analysis, and GIS-based mapping and modeling.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 2024 median annual wage of $99,240 for geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers, with a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education and projected employment growth of 3.2% from 2024 to 2034. Some research and senior roles favor or require a master's degree, and several states license practicing geologists.

Geology in other states

Other majors in California

Find more Geology schools

Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 263+ Geology programs in California by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.

Search Geology schools in CaliforniaAbout the Geology majorAll colleges in California

Related majors in California