Geology Associate in Science Degree Program
Program Overview
Geology Associate in Science Degree Program
Program Overview
An Associate degree in Geological Science prepares the student for transfer to a baccalaureate institution for a four-year degree in Geology. While some jobs are available for technicians with Associate degrees in Geological Science, a Bachelor's degree in Geology is a minimum requirement for employment in exploratory geology, minerals management, and engineering.
Career Opportunities
Specific career opportunities include engineering geologist, environmental geologist, geochemist, geology assistant, geophysicist, hydrologist, mining geologist, marine geologist, oceanographer, paleontologist, petroleum geologist, petrologist, seismologist, soils technician, teacher/professor, volcanologist, and waste management geologist.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students completing this program will be able to:
- Apply tools, practices, and quantitative reasoning to collect, analyze, and interpret geologically relevant data in laboratory and field settings.
- Apply concepts, models, and quantitative techniques from mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology to solve complex geologic problems.
- Apply scientific inquiry and investigation of evidence to formulate and critically evaluate scientific arguments, especially as relates to geologic phenomena.
- Evaluate quantitative and qualitative evidence for how humans impact earth processes and how earth processes impact humans.
Recommended High School Preparation
Coursework in Chemistry, biology, Mathematics
University Transfer Program
Use Assist to identify lower division major preparation for the California State University and the University of California systems. For independent or out-of-state colleges and universities use their catalogs to locate this information. Transfer Services can assist you to gather this information.
Program Requirements
Major Requirements
Required Core Courses: 18 units
- CHEM 210 | General Chemistry I | 5 units
- CHEM 220 | General Chemistry II | 5 units
- GEOL 100 | Survey of Geology | 3 units
- GEOL 101 | Geology Laboratory | 1 unit
- PALN 110 | General Paleontology | 3 units
- PALN 111 | Paleontology Laboratory | 1 unit
Additional recommended preparation (not required):
- MATH 241 | Applied Calculus I | 5 units
- AND
- MATH 242 | Applied Calculus II | 3 units
- AND
- PHYS 210 | General Physics I | 4 units
- AND
- PHYS 220 | General Physics II | 4 units
- OR
- MATH 251 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | 5 units
- AND
- MATH 252 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | 5 units
- AND
- PHYS 250 | Physics with Calculus I | 4 units
- AND
- PHYS 260 | Physics with Calculus II | 4 units
Total Required Major Units: 18
And required General Education coursework and electives as needed to meet the minimum 60 units required for the Associate degree.
Please refer to the AA/AS Degree Requirements for more information.