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Geology A.S. Degree

Geology is the study of the origin and evolution of the earth, utilizing the principles of mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology.  The concept of geologic time and uniformitarianism principles help geologists understand the processes that shape the earth and its environments.  This degree is designed to meet common lower-division requirements for a major in Geology.

Total Units:
59

First Year

Semester 1

15 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered* GE Area
GEOL 300
Physical Geology
3
Co-req: GEOL 301
F, S
CRC Area L5
GEOL 301
Physical Geology Laboratory
1
Pre- or co-req: GEOL 300
F, S
CHEM 300 1
Beginning Chemistry
4
Elementary Algebra or higher
F, S, Su
MATH 372 2
College Algebra for Calculus
4
F, S, Su
CRC Area L2
CRC Area 1A-English Composition
3
Recommend meeting with a counselor
F, S, Su
CRC Area L1A

1 CHEM 300 may be waived with 1 year of HS CHEM w/ lab and MATH 120 or equivalent. CHEM 300 is pre-req for CHEM 400. Recommend meeting with a counselor to see which course you need to start with.

2 MATH 372 and 373 are pre-reqs for MATH 400; Recommend meeting with a counselor regarding Math sequences.


Semester 2

14 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered* GE Area
GEOL 310
Historical Geology
3
Advisory: GEOL 300 or 305
Su
GEOL 311
Historical Geology Laboratory
1
Co-req: GEOL 310; Advisory: GEOL 300 & 301
Su
CHEM 400
General Chemistry I
5
Elementary Algebra and CHEM 300, 305, 309 or 1 yr of HS Chem with Lab
F, S, Su
MATH 373 1
Trigonometry for Calculus
4
F, S, Su
CRC Area L2
Local Area 7A-Living Skills (PE)
1
F, S, Su
CRC Area L7A

1 MATH 372 and 373 are pre-reqs for MATH 400; Recommend meeting with a counselor regarding Math sequences.


Year 2

Semester 3

16 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered* GE Area
CHEM 401
General Chemistry II
5
CHEM 400
F, S
MATH 400
Calculus I
5
MATH 370
F, S
Local Area 7B-Living Skills
3
F, S, Su
CRC Area L7B
Local Area 3-Arts & Humanities
3
F, S, Su
CRC Area L3

Semester 4

14 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered* GE Area
MATH 401
Calculus II
5
MATH 400
F, S
Local Area 1B-Oral Communications and Critical Thinking
3
F, S, Su
CRC Area L1B
Local Area 4-Social & Behavioral Sciences
3
F, S, Su
CRC Area L4
Local Area 6-Ethnic Studies
3
F, S, Su
CRC Area L6

^You must have passed the prerequisite course(s) with a ā€œCā€ or better; Corequisite must be taken during the same semester; Advisory means it is recommended but not required to enroll in the course.

*(O) = online available (P) = partially online


Career Options/Outlook:

Geological Sample Test Technicians test or analyze geological samples, crude oil, or minerals to detect the presence of petroleum, gas, or mineral deposits indicating the potential for exploration or production or to determine physical or chemical properties to ensure that products meet quality standards. Career opportunities require more than an associate degree.

A sample of reported job titles:

Core Inspector, Electron Microprobe Operator, Environmental Field Services Technician, Environmental Sampling Technician, Laboratory Technician, Materials Technician, Organic Section Technical Lead, Physical Science Technician, Quality Control Technician (QC Technician), Research Associate

Projected job openings in California (2020-2030):

150

Projected growth in California (2020-2030):

9% growth

Median Salary in California with advanced degree (2021):

$61,930/yr

Transfer notes:

Please meet with a counselor for specific transfer course evaluation or transferring to a specific 4-year institution.

General Education (GE):

Non-specified GE courses identified by CRC Area, CSU Area or IGETC Area without pre- or co-requisite can be taken at any semester.

Honors option:

The CRC Honors Program is designed specifically for academically accomplished students and for students with the potential for high achievement. Students who complete 15 units or more in honors-designated courses will earn special recognition as an Honors Scholar, a distinction that may entitle the student to guaranteed transfer and scholarship opportunities at select transfer colleges and universities.

About this program map:

This program map represents one possible pathway to complete the program. Please see a counselor to create an education plan customized to meet your needs. This map is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability.

Zero Textbook Costs (ZTC):

The Zero Textbook Costs designation and logo are added to any course that provides free access to all required instructional materials. These are typically shared with students through Canvas. Courses that are designated as ZTC may still require students to purchase supplemental materials such as lab coats, a calculator, art supplies, etc. See full definitions and searching tips on the Zero Textbook Costs page of the college website.

Catalog Year: 2026-2027

Published September 24, 2026

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