Geology Associate in Science Degree for Transfer

Related Degrees & Certificates

Program	Units
AS Associate in Science Degree Program
Geological Science	60 units

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be able to:

Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the basic concepts and principles of physical and historical geology, including: the internal and external processes that shape and form the Earth the materials of the Earth, Geologic Time and Dating Methods Ecology, Evolution, Extinction and the Fossil Record
Apply the principles of the scientific method and geologic concepts to identify minerals, rocks and fossils interpret rocks and fossils interpret geologic maps, cross sections and stratigraphic columns analyze geologic and paleontologic data

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.

About the Program

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.

Approximately 40% of geologists work for oil and gas companies, either in service or exploration. Some work for mining and quarrying companies, while others work as consultants or are self-employed. Government agencies provide employment opportunities with the Bureau of Mines, U.S. Geologic Survey, and Bureau of Reclamation. 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.

Meet with a CSM counselor to discuss how to achieve academic goals and to develop a comprehensive student educational plan (SEP).

University Transfer Program
60–70 transferable units

California State University
University of California
Independent Colleges and Universities

Program Overview

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Required Core Courses: 28 units		Units
GEOL 100	Survey of Geology	3 units
GEOL 101	Geology Laboratory	1 unit
PALN 110	General Paleontology	3 units
PALN 111	Paleontology Laboratory/Field Studies	1 unit
MATH 251	Calculus with Analytic Geometry I	5 units
MATH 252	Calculus with Analytic Geometry II	5 units
CHEM 210	General Chemistry I	5 units
CHEM 220	General Chemistry II	5 units

Additional recommended preparation (not required):		Units
PHYS 250	Physics with Calculus I	4 units
PHYS 260	Physics with Calculus II	4 units

Total Required Major Units: 28

General Education - certified completion of one of the following:

California State University General Education-Breadth pattern (CSU GE Breadth),
OR
Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC/CSU) pattern

Elective courses: If applicable, additional courses to meet the minimum 60 CSU transferable units requirement.

Please refer to Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) Requirements for more information.