This curriculum is designed to provide an opportunity for the Geology major to achieve an Associate in Science Degree in Geology for Transfer (AS-T in Geology) which completes the first and second year requirements for transfer to a four-year public California institution. Students with a degree in geology may pursue careers in education, consulting, research or work in industry as an entry geologist or geotechnician in fields such as engineering geology, environmental geology, petroleum and mining geology, hydrogeology, seismology, paleontology, geophysics, marine geology and volcanology. While at least a baccalaureate degree is recommended preparation for those considering professional careers, completion of this curriculum will demonstrate commitment to the field and provide comprehensive preparation for further academic study through upper-division course work.
This curriculum specifically prepares the prospective transfer student for upper division course work in Geology or a similar major at a California State University (CSU) campus. Students should consult a counselor, the Transfer Center and the catalog of the transfer college or university to plan a specific program of study to meet the college or university’s requirements.
A.S.-Transfer Degree Level Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing the Geology A.S.-Transfer Degree will:
1. Demonstrate scientific literacy by defining and explaining the major steps in the scientific method such as empirical data, testable hypothesis, and theory, applying general math skills such as metric unit conversion, solving rate problems, and producing and interpreting data in tables and graphs.
2. Identify and classify the earth materials, such as most common minerals, rocks, and major groups of fossils in the lab and the field and their basic relationship to common natural resources.
3. List, explain, and evaluate global and local geological hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and seismic sea waves in terms of appropriate geological processes and the theory of plate tectonics.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the geologic time scale and relative and numerical methods of measuring geologic time, age of the Earth, and major events in its history
Students receiving this transfer degree must meet the following requirements:
- Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
- The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC).
- A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
- Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
- Meet the 12-unit residency requirement.
ADTs also require that students must earn a "C" (or "P") or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| ESCI 120 | Physical Geology | 4 |
| ESCI 121 | Historical Geology and Paleontology | 4 |
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHEM 112 | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| MATH 190 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry l 1 | 5 |
| MATH 191 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry ll | 5 |
| Total Units | 28 | |
- 1
MATH 190 is degree applicable with or without MATH 090. If taken with MATH 090, only the units for MATH 190 will be counted towards the degree.
Additional recommended preparation for transfer-bound students (not part of the Geology Degree)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 201 | Physics A: Mechanics | 5 |
| PHYS 202 | Physics B: Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism | 5 |
| PHYS 203 | Physics C: Waves, Optics & Modern Physics | 5 |
| BIOL 124 | Molecular and Cellular Biology | 5 |
| BIOL 125 | Evolution, Ecology & Biodiversity | 5 |
2-Year Curriculum Map Example
This map represents one possible pathway through the program and is only for reference.
*It is highly recommended that you make an appointment to create a customized education plan that fits your needs.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Term 1 | Units | |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing or Academic Reading and Writing or Academic Reading and Writing - Honors | 4-5 |
| MATH 190 | Calculus I: Late Transcendentals | 5 |
| ESCI 120 | Physical Geology | 4 |
| Cal-GETC Area 3A: Arts | 3 | |
| Units | 16-17 | |
| Spring Term 1 | ||
| CHEM 110 | Beginning General Chemistry | 5 |
| ESCI 121 | Historical Geology and Paleontology | 4 |
| MATH 191 | Calculus II: Late Transcendentals | 5 |
| Cal-GETC Area 1B: Critical Thinking and Composition | 4 | |
| Units | 18 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Term 2 | ||
| BIOL 124 or BIOL 125 | Molecular and Cellular Biology or Evolution, Ecology & Biodiversity | 5 |
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| HIST C1001 | United States History to 1877 or United States History to 1877 - Honors or United States History since 1865 or United States History since 1865 - Honors or History of Women in the United States or History of Women in the United States - Honors | 3 |
| Cal-GETC Area 1C: Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Spring Term 2 | ||
| CHEM 112 | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| POLS C1000 or POLS C1000H | American Government and Politics or American Government and Politics - Honors | 3 |
| Cal-GETC Area 3B: Humanities | 3 | |
| Cal-GETC Area 6: Ethnic Studies | 3 | |
| Units | 14 | |
| Total Units | 64-65 | |
Please make an appointment with a counselor to select elective courses and create a Student Educational Plan. Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADTs) are designed for transfer to the California State University (CSU) system. Additional coursework may be needed for students planning to transfer to the University of California (UC), independent or private institutions, or out-of-state colleges or universities.
Career Opportunities
There are a variety of careers you can do with this major.
To explore more about this major, schedule an appointment with a career counselor.