Geology

Geology AS-T Degree

The Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer Degree is designed to provide students a seamless transfer to the California State University system. The degree is designed to prepare students for a baccalaureate degree in Geology or similar major.

A degree in geology provides individuals with training in the physical aspects and history of the earth. These individuals are then able to locate resources (e.g., fossil fuels and minerals) and manage and mitigate human impacts on ecosystems. They are employed as research scientists, teachers and geologists by educational institutions, construction companies, government agencies, mining and petroleum industries, surveying and engineering companies, and environmental consulting firms. Geologists are generally analytical, inquisitive and creative. They are required to work well individually or as team members and to communicate effectively.

Program student learning outcomes:

  1. Students will identify and explain the central role of plate tectonics as the unifying theory of geology.
  2. Students will identify and discuss the Earth as a system with many separate but interacting parts. 
  3. Students will apply knowledge of geologic processes and principles to propose solutions to current environmental problems. 
  4. Students will apply the scientific method and explain how scientific hypotheses are formulated and tested. 

Students must meet the following requirements to qualify for an Associates for Transfer Degree (ADT):

  • Complete 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University (CSU), including both of the following:
    • The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education (CSU GE) Breadth Requirements
    • A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
  • Obtain a minimum grade point average of 2.0
  • Minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major, and
  • Completion of the IGETC and/or CSU GE-Breadth
Course # Title Units
Required Core Courses (28 Units)
GEOL 001 Physical Geology 4
GEOL 003 Historical Geology 4
CHEM 001A General Chemistry I 5
CHEM 001B General Chemistry II 5
MATH 001A Introduction to Calculus 5
MATH 001B Calculus With Applications 5
Total Major Units 28
Units to be double-counted as General Education 7
CSU GE Breadth or IGETC Units 39
Transferable Elective Units 0
Total 60