Humboldt Geology students learn the field, lab, and scientific reasoning skills necessary to mitigate a variety of geological and environmental challenges. Our North Coast location near the Mendocino triple junction and the Klamath and Cascade mountains provides unique opportunities to study active geological processes like tectonics, volcanoes, glaciers and climate change, and rivers in an inclusive and fun learning environment.
Cal Poly Humboldt is the only CSU located along the active Cascadia subduction zone and south Cascades volcanic arc, as well as near the Six Rivers National Forest and Trinity Alps, giving student researchers unique opportunities to study diverse geologic activity and formations.
You’ll get the support you need to succeed at Humboldt through mentorship by our faculty members, who are experts in their fields, ranging from tectonics to climate change.
Our program is recognized internationally, and employers and graduate programs routinely seek out our students for a range of careers in geology.
It's easy to support Humboldt Geology's committment to a hands-on, field-based, and student-centered geological education. Your generous support will be used to fund field work and research opportunities for our students. We sincerely appreciate your support of Humboldt Geology. We look forward to seeing you out in the field!
Studying our physical landscapes and the processes that form them gives you an understanding of our planet’s most pressing problems, and how to remedy them.
Our program offers two majors, a BS in Geology and a BA with a Geology–Geosciences concentration.
Our graduate program is a Master of Science degree in Environmental Systems—Geology Concentration which is offered under the Environmental Systems Graduate Program in the College of Natural Resources and Sciences.
We partner with local state agencies, consulting firms, and nonprofit organizations. Undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to get involved through faculty-advised research, internships, and outreach to local elementary schools.
I work for the Seismology, Geomorphology, and Geophysics Group of the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) Technical Service Center. My group and I classify fault characteristics for use in seismic hazard assessment of USBR critical infrastructure.
Here are a few examples of possible career fields:
Geologist
Environmental Scientist
Petrologist
Volcanologist
Consultant
Journalist/Technical Writer
Seismologist
Geophysicist
Emergency Manager
Hazards Mitigation Specialist
Field Geologist
Marine Geologist
Hydrologist
Geomorphologist
Museum Curator
Science Teacher
Find out what our students, faculty, and staff are being recognized for.
Submitted: June 10, 2024
Submitted: February 8, 2024
Geology
1 Harpst St.
Arcata, CA 95521
Phone: (707) 826-3931
geology@humboldt.edu
