BS Geology at University of California, Davis

Programme overview

“Civilization exists by geological consent—subject to change without notice.” — Will Durant Geology is the study of the Earth, and in particular its history, structure, and the processes that have molded our planet and its biosphere. Geology involves the origin of continents & ocean basins, earthquakes & volcanoes, variations in global climate, and how these physical changes impact the evolution of life.

Faculty: College of Letters & Science | Department: Earth & Planetary Sciences | Duration: 104 units (quarter system) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Davis, CA, United States

What you will study

The major requires a minimum of 104 units. Requirements are organised into preparatory subject matter, depth subject matter, capstone, electives components. Required courses include EPS 050 Physical Geology; EPS 050L Physical Geology Laboratory; EPS 142 Geobiology & Geomicrobiology; EPS 003 History of Life; CHE 002C General Chemistry.

Career pathways

A degree in Geology provides students with knowledge and practical experience needed to pursue careers in the geosciences (government, private sector, research, teaching). The major program includes flexibility to participate in research, internships, and fieldwork to help prepare students for these career paths.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is to UC Davis and the College of Letters & Science; the catalogue entry gives no major-specific admission requirement beyond the major requirements below.

Domestic applicants: USD 14,202 a year (2026-27). Systemwide UC undergraduate Tuition for California residents, cohort first enrolled in 2026-27 (annual, quarter system); rate is the same for all undergraduate majors. Excludes Student Services Fee, campus-based fees, and Nonresident Supplemental Tuition. Source

First-year and transfer students enter in the fall term (quarter system); the UC application opens Aug. 1 and the filing period is Oct. 1 to Nov. 30 for admission the following year.

The UC application filing period is Oct. 1 to Nov. 30 for admission the following year, and a single application covers all UC campuses.

The UC application filing fee is $80 per campus for domestic applicants and $95 per campus for international applicants, payable by credit card or mail; fee waivers are available for up to four campuses.

Transfer applicants submit the UC application by Nov. 30; Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) applications are due Sept. 1-30; the priority deadline for the Transfer Academic Update is Jan. 31.

Apply through the official page: https://www.ucdavis.edu/admissions

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