Geology, A.S.

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Geologists study the Earth, the processes that shape it, the resources we get from it, and the impact of human action on it. Geologists work in petroleum and mineral exploration, researching and predicting natural disasters, and teaching. An increasing number of geologists focus on environmental work, ensuring adequate water supplies and reducing pollution. In the typical four-year curriculum, the first two years are spent studying basic sciences, including mathematics, chemistry, and physics. The last two years emphasize advanced science courses. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the Associate in Science degree prior to transfer.

Suggested Curriculum

I. General Education Core (33-34)

Area A: Communication (9 credits)

ENG 101 Composition I 3 hrs transfer credit - with a grade of C or better
ENG 102 Composition II 3 hrs transfer credit - with a grade of C or better
COMM 101 Principles of Communication 3 hrs transfer credit

Area B: Humanities and Fine Arts (6 credits)

Select two courses from the list for Area B with one course selected from the humanities area and one course from the fine arts area.

Area C: Mathematics (5 credits)

MATH 171 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I 5 hrs transfer credit

Area D: Physical and Life Sciences (7-8 credits)

GEOLO 101 Physical Geology 4 hrs transfer credit
Select one life science course (3-4)

Area E: Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)

Select two courses in two different disciplines from the list for Area B .

II. Area of Concentration/Major Field (22-23)

Select one MATH course and one ASTRO, BIOL, CHEM, ENGR, GEOG (not GEOG 101), GEOLO, METEO, PHYSC, or PHYSI course from the list for Courses Approved for Transfer to qualify for an A.S. degree. Each course must be 3 credits or more. The courses below are recommended to meet this requirement as they are typically taken by freshmen and sophomores at universities for this specific major.

CHEM 110 General Chemistry I 5 hrs transfer credit
CHEM 130 General Chemistry II 5 hrs transfer credit
MATH 172 Calculus with Analytic Geometry II 5 hrs transfer credit
MATH 173 Calculus with Analytic Geometry III 5 hrs transfer credit
PHYSI 120 College Physics I 4 hrs transfer credit *
PHYSI 130 College Physics II 4 hrs transfer credit *
PHYSI 210 University Physics I 4 hrs transfer credit *
PHYSI 220 University Physics II 4 hrs transfer credit *
Check with the university you plan to transfer to before selecting courses in this area.

Required A.S. Degree Program Total: 62 credits

*Some universities require algebra-based physics (PHYSI 120 , PHYSI 130 ). Others require calculus-based physics (PHYSI 210 ,PHYSI 220 )

Each college and university has its own major requirements and transfer policies. Consult the schools you are considering and a PSC advisor to discuss courses and their transferability.