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
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.
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
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.
Full-time Sequence
Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.
Awareness Areas |
---|
|
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 | Critical course | FYC | 3 | |
MAT220 or MAT221 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I or Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | 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 |
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 | OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment | L | 0–3 | |
ENG102 or ENG108 | First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC | 3 | ||
MAT230 or MAT231 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II or Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | MA | 4–5 | ||
COM100 or COM110 or COM225 or COM230 | Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication | 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 |
Term 3
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
PHY115 or PHY121 | University Physics I or University Physics I: Mechanics | SQ | 4–5 | ||
MAT240 or MAT241 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry III or Calculus with Analytic Geometry III | 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 | SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ or SQ | 4–5 | ||
HU | Humanities, Fine Arts & Design | HU | 3 |
Term 4
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
PHY116 or PHY131 | University Physics II or University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism | SQ | 4–5 | ||
(CHM152 and CHM152LL) or CHM152AA | (General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory) or General Chemistry II | 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.
Awareness Areas |
---|
|
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 | 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
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 | MA | 4–5 |
Term 3
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ENG101 or ENG107 | First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | Critical course | FYC | 3 | |
MAT240 or MAT241 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry III or Calculus with Analytic Geometry III | MA | 4–5 |
Term 4
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CRE101 | College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking | OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment | L | 0–3 | |
ENG102 or ENG108 | First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC | 3 | ||
PHY115 or PHY121 | University Physics I or University Physics I: Mechanics | SQ | 4–5 |
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 | 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 | SQ | 4–5 |
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 | SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ or SQ | 4–5 | ||
HU | Humanities, Fine Arts & Design | HU | 3 |
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 | SQ | 4 | ||
SB | Social & Behavioral Sciences | SB | 3 |
Term 8
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | 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 |
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
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.