Associate in Science, Emphasis in Geology

The Associate in Science (AS), Emphasis in Geology provides the first two years of a four-year curriculum for students who wish to specialize in geological sciences and/or are preparing for application to graduate programs in related fields. With a bachelor`s degree, students may pursue a career as a research lab or field technician in environmental geology, mining, petroleum exploration, geological engineering, forestry, conservation, and hydrology. With a graduate degree, students may pursue a number of careers, including but not limited to secondary school (grades 7-12) teachers and university professors, geologic consultants, seismologists, volcanologists, paleontologists, and geologists in a variety of areas.

Details

Field of Interest

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Degree Type

Associate in Science (AS)

Academic Plan

Associate in Science, Emphasis in Geology (DEG)

Academic Plan Code

8608

Total credits required

60-64

Catalog Year

2023-2024

Effective Term

Fall 2022

Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.

What You'll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

Identify and interpret different rock and mineral groups, and associate the rocks with specific rock-forming processes.
Explain the role of plate tectonics in geology.
Relate geologic time to Earth processes.
Critically evaluate fundamental earth science literature and spatial data.
Observe, interpret, and communicate data as it relates to Earth processes.
Use evidence to outline the broad history of the planet and explain how the past can be used to anticipate future changes.
Determine causes and impacts of natural hazards.
Interpret the origin, distribution, and uses of geological resources.
Synthesize field information and spatial relationships to create geologic maps and cross-sections.
Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field.

Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based annual median wages* for this program. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information.

Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

$100,550 Show expanded career information for Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Conservation Scientists

$70,620 Show expanded career information for Conservation Scientists

Environmental Engineers

$88,260 Show expanded career information for Environmental Engineers

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

$64,090 Show expanded career information for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Foresters

$59,000 Show expanded career information for Foresters

Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians

$40,970 Show expanded career information for Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

$74,250 Show expanded career information for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

Hydrologists

$79,350 Show expanded career information for Hydrologists

Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers

$97,290 Show expanded career information for Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers

* Wage information sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Program. Updated May 2022.

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Pathway Planner tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.

Pathway Map Options

There are multiple options available for this pathway map. These options vary depending on the available transfer institutions and what degrees you may be able to transfer into.

These pathway map options may share some common coursework. To explore what additional coursework may be required, select your desired option from the list below. Once selected, the list of courses and any associated details will be automatically updated in the course sequence below. The differences between individual pathway map options may only be a few courses.

Associate in Science, Emphasis in Geology
Arizona State University (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Earth and Space Exploration (Geological Sciences), Bachelor of Science
University of Arizona, Geosciences (Geology Emphasis), Bachelor of Science

Pathway Map Option Details

No pathway map option has been selected. Please select from the pathway map options listed above.

Full-time
Part-time

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Awareness Areas
In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below, students must complete the following awareness areas if not otherwise met by other program requirements: Cultural [C] and Global [G] or Historical [H] Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.

Term 1 Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1 Term 1
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
(GLG101 and GLG103) or GLG101IN	(Introduction to Geology I - Physical Lecture and Introduction to Geology I - Physical Lab) or Introduction to Geology I - Physical		Critical course Gateway course	SQ in combo w/ GLG103 or SQ	4
ENG101 or ENG107	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+).	Critical course	FYC	3
MAT220 or MAT221	Calculus with Analytic Geometry I or Calculus with Analytic Geometry I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT187, or an appropriate District placement. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT187, or an appropriate District placement.	Critical course	MA	4–5
SB	Social & Behavioral Sciences			SB	3
FYE101 or FYE103	Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success				1–3
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 101 Level		See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 101 Level		If proficient at this level, see your program advisor to select an elective.		0–5

Term 2 Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2 Term 2
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
(GLG102 and GLG104) or GLG102IN	(Introduction to Geology II - Historical Lecture and Introduction to Geology II - Historical Lab) or Introduction to Geology II - Historical		Critical course Gateway course	H; SG in combo w/ GLG104 and SG in combo w/ GLG102 or H, SG	4
CRE101	College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (ENG101 or ENG107) and (RDG095 or RDG100 or RDG111 or RDG112 or RDG113 or an appropriate district placement or permission of Instructor).	OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment	L	0–3
ENG102 or ENG108	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG107.		FYC	3
MAT230 or MAT231	Calculus with Analytic Geometry II or Calculus with Analytic Geometry II	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in MAT220, or MAT221, or equivalent. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220, or MAT221, or equivalent.		MA	4–5
COM100 or COM110 or COM225 or COM230	Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication	No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent. or No requisites	Recommend selecting a course that satisfies COM and SB or COM and L requirements simultaneously	SB or L	3
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 102 Level		See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 102 Level		If proficient at this level, see your program advisor to select an elective.		0–5

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
PHY115 or PHY121	University Physics I or University Physics I: Mechanics	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220 or MAT221 or permission of Department or Division. Corequisites: MAT230 or MAT231. One year High School physics or PHY111 and PHY112 is strongly recommended. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220 or MAT221 or permission of Department or Division. One year of High School physics or PHY111 and PHY112 suggested but not required.	SQ	4–5
MAT240 or MAT241	Calculus with Analytic Geometry III or Calculus with Analytic Geometry III	Prerequisites: Grade of "C" or better in MAT230 or MAT231. or Prerequisites: Grade of "C" or better in MAT230 or MAT231.	MA	4–5
(CHM150 and CHM151LL) or CHM150AA or (CHM151 and CHM151LL) or CHM151AA	(General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I or (General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: C or better in [(CHM130 & CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or 1 yr of high school chemistry taken within the last 5 yrs] & C or better in MAT151 or higher or satisfactory score on placement exam or permission of the Instructor or Dept or Div Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL) or CHM130AA or one year of high school chemistry taken in the last five yrs] and (MAT151 or higher or satisfactory placement) or permission of the Instructor or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.	SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ or SQ	4–5
HU	Humanities, Fine Arts & Design		HU	3

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
PHY116 or PHY131	University Physics II or University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism	Prerequisites: (MAT230 or MAT231) and PHY115. Prerequisite or Corequisites: MAT240 or MAT241 or permission of Instructor. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department or Division and PHY121. Corequisites: MAT241 or permission of Department or Division.		SQ	4–5
(CHM152 and CHM152LL) or CHM152AA	(General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory) or General Chemistry II	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM150 or CHM151) and CHM151LL], or CHM150AA, or CHM151AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in CHM152 or Corequisites: CHM152. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM150 or CHM151) and CHM151LL], or CHM150AA, or CHM151AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.		SQ	4
SB	Social & Behavioral Sciences			SB	3
HU	Humanities, Fine Arts & Design			HU	3
L	Literacy & Critical Inquiry		Recommend selecting a course that satisfies [L] and [SB] or [L] and [HU] or [L] and (COM) or [L] and CRE101 requirements simultaneously.	L	0–3

Part-time Sequence

Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.

A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Awareness Areas
In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below, students must complete the following awareness areas if not otherwise met by other program requirements: Cultural [C] and Global [G] or Historical [H] Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
(GLG101 and GLG103) or GLG101IN	(Introduction to Geology I - Physical Lecture and Introduction to Geology I - Physical Lab) or Introduction to Geology I - Physical		Critical course Gateway course	SQ in combo w/ GLG103 or SQ	4
MAT220 or MAT221	Calculus with Analytic Geometry I or Calculus with Analytic Geometry I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT187, or an appropriate District placement. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT187, or an appropriate District placement.	Critical course	MA	4–5
FYE101 or FYE103	Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success				1–3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
(GLG102 and GLG104) or GLG102IN	(Introduction to Geology II - Historical Lecture and Introduction to Geology II - Historical Lab) or Introduction to Geology II - Historical		Critical course Gateway course	H; SG in combo w/ GLG104 and SG in combo w/ GLG102 or H, SG	4
MAT230 or MAT231	Calculus with Analytic Geometry II or Calculus with Analytic Geometry II	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in MAT220, or MAT221, or equivalent. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220, or MAT221, or equivalent.		MA	4–5

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
ENG101 or ENG107	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+).	Critical course	FYC	3
MAT240 or MAT241	Calculus with Analytic Geometry III or Calculus with Analytic Geometry III	Prerequisites: Grade of "C" or better in MAT230 or MAT231. or Prerequisites: Grade of "C" or better in MAT230 or MAT231.		MA	4–5

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
CRE101	College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (ENG101 or ENG107) and (RDG095 or RDG100 or RDG111 or RDG112 or RDG113 or an appropriate district placement or permission of Instructor).	OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment	L	0–3
ENG102 or ENG108	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG107.		FYC	3
PHY115 or PHY121	University Physics I or University Physics I: Mechanics	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220 or MAT221 or permission of Department or Division. Corequisites: MAT230 or MAT231. One year High School physics or PHY111 and PHY112 is strongly recommended. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220 or MAT221 or permission of Department or Division. One year of High School physics or PHY111 and PHY112 suggested but not required.		SQ	4–5

Term 5

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 5
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
SB	Social & Behavioral Sciences			SB	3
COM100 or COM110 or COM225 or COM230	Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication	No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent. or No requisites	Recommend selecting a course that satisfies COM and SB or COM and L requirements simultaneously	SB or L	3
PHY116 or PHY131	University Physics II or University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism	Prerequisites: (MAT230 or MAT231) and PHY115. Prerequisite or Corequisites: MAT240 or MAT241 or permission of Instructor. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department or Division and PHY121. Corequisites: MAT241 or permission of Department or Division.		SQ	4–5

Term 6

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 6
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
(CHM150 and CHM151LL) or CHM150AA or (CHM151 and CHM151LL) or CHM151AA	(General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I or (General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: C or better in [(CHM130 & CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or 1 yr of high school chemistry taken within the last 5 yrs] & C or better in MAT151 or higher or satisfactory score on placement exam or permission of the Instructor or Dept or Div Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL) or CHM130AA or one year of high school chemistry taken in the last five yrs] and (MAT151 or higher or satisfactory placement) or permission of the Instructor or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.		SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ or SQ	4–5
HU	Humanities, Fine Arts & Design			HU	3

Term 7 Term 7

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 7 Term 7
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 101 Level		See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
(CHM152 and CHM152LL) or CHM152AA	(General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory) or General Chemistry II	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM150 or CHM151) and CHM151LL], or CHM150AA, or CHM151AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in CHM152 or Corequisites: CHM152. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM150 or CHM151) and CHM151LL], or CHM150AA, or CHM151AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.		SQ	4
SB	Social & Behavioral Sciences			SB	3
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 101 Level		If proficient at this level, see your program advisor to select an elective.		0–5

Term 8 Term 8

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 8 Term 8
Course Number	Course Name	Notes	Area	Credits
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 102 Level	See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
HU	Humanities, Fine Arts & Design		HU	3
L	Literacy & Critical Inquiry	Recommend selecting a course that satisfies [L] and [SB] or [L] and [HU] or [L] and (COM) or [L] and CRE101 requirements simultaneously.	L	0–3
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 102 Level	If proficient at this level, see your program advisor to select an elective.		0–5

Course Area Key

Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.

Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.

C = Cultural Diversity in the US
CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
FYC = First Year Composition
G = Global Awareness
H = Historical Awareness
HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design

L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
MA = Mathematics
SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
SG = Natural Sciences General
SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative

Disclaimer

Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm10?id=176449).

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.