Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Geology program at North Seattle College is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the field of geology, preparing them for transfer to a four-year college or university and eventual careers in geology and related fields.

Program Details

The program is an Associate of Science - Transfer, Track 2 degree with a concentration in Geology. Completion of this degree prepares students to transfer into a Geology major at a four-year college or university, opening doors to a variety of professional careers in private and government service, including subdisciplines like mining, petroleum, engineering, hydrology, geophysics, and environmental geology.

Skills and Outcomes

Students in this pathway develop skills in:

• Oral and written communication
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Systems analysis
• Research design and planning
• Digital technology
• Collaboration
• Leadership
• Intercultural fluency

Estimated Length of Completion

The program is designed to be completed in 6 quarters (full-time) or more (part-time), with a total of 90-97 units required for graduation.

Sample Schedule and Quarterly To-Do List

A sample schedule and quarterly to-do list are provided to help students explore courses and complete tasks on time. The guide assumes a fall quarter start, but students can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level.

Course Requirements

The program includes a range of courses, such as:

• GEOL&101: Intro Physical Geology
• MATH&141: Precalculus I
• ENGL&101: English Composition I
• ENVS&100: Survey of Environmental Science
• MATH&142: Precalculus II
• MATH&151: Calculus I
• PHYS&114: General Physics I With Lab
• CHEM&139: General Chemistry Prep
• MATH&152: Calculus II
• PHYS&221: Engineering Physics I
• UGR294: Independent Research

Career Opportunities

A Geology pathway can lead to various career opportunities, including:

• Geologist
• Educator
• Natural Science Manager
• Surveyor
• Environmental Scientist
• Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) Technician
• Hydrologist/Geohydrologist
• Surveying and mapping technician
• Science technician
• Mining technician
• Land Use Planner
• Soil Specialist

Future Education Opportunities

Once students complete this associate's degree, additional education opportunities include, but are not limited to:

• Bachelor's degree in Geology, Earth and Space Science, Environmental Science, or related field at a four-year college or university.
• Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree at one of the Seattle Colleges.

Additional Information

Learn more about the transfer process, transfer agreements, and Bachelor's degrees, including transferring to top universities around the state and nation, such as Historically Black Universities and Colleges.