Geology is the scientific study of the planet earth. Geologists study the origin and evolution of the earth and various life forms, the composition of the earth, its structures, and the many processes which modify the earth’s crust. Geology is an interdisciplinary science with many applied aspects including: the study of natural resources such as water, petroleum, and minerals; the mitigation of earth’s hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and volcanoes; and land use planning. Students who are curious about our planet and its environment, and want to meet the challenges presented by the interaction of humans with the earth should consider geology as a major.

The curriculum leads to the Associate in Science degree in Geology and will prepare students for upper division coursework at a baccalaureate institution. However, it is recommended that students consult the catalog of the transfer institution for specific course requirements.

Career Opportunities

https://www.grossmont.edu/student-support/career-center/resources.php

Engineering Geologist¹
Environmental Geologist¹
Geochemist¹
Geology Assistant
Geophysicist¹
Hydrogeologist¹
Marine Geologist¹
Mineralogist¹
Oceanographer¹
Paleobotanist / Paleontologist¹
Petroleum Geologist¹
Petrologist¹
Seismologist¹
Soils Technician
Teacher / Professor¹
Volcanologist¹
Waste Management Geologist¹

¹

Bachelor’s Degree or higher required.

The Program-level Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) below are outcomes that students will achieve after completing specific degree / certificate requirements in this program. Students will:

1. Recognize and explain the role of fundamental geologic principles, such as plate tectonic theory and deep time, in the interpretation of observed geologic phenomena.
2. Research, evaluate, and cite scientific information in order to formulate coherent summaries of earth processes.
3. Define the scientific method and apply it to observed geologic phenomena.
4. Interpret geologic processes using underlying chemical properties and physical laws.
5. Measure, manipulate, and interpret scientific data.

Associate Degree Major Requirements

Note: All courses must be completed with a letter grade of “C” or higher or “Pass.”

Course List

Code	Title	Units
CHEM-141	General Chemistry I	5
CHEM-142	General Chemistry II	5
GEOL-110	Planet Earth	3
GEOL-111	Planet Earth Laboratory	1
GEOL-121	Earth History	4
MATH-180	Analytic Geometry and Calculus I	5
Select two of the following:		8-10
BIO-120	Principles of Biology
MATH-280	Analytic Geometry and Calculus II
PHYC-201	Mechanics and Waves
PHYC-202	Electricity, Magnetism, and Heat
Select a minimum of six units from the following:		6
GEOG-104	Introduction to Geographic Information Science
ASTR-110	Descriptive Astronomy
GEOG-120	Physical Geography: Earth Systems
GEOG-140	Meteorology: Weather and Climate
GEOL-150	Field Study of the Natural History of the Greater San Diego Region
GEOL-162	Geologic Field Studies: Southern California Mountain Areas
GEOL-163	Geologic Field Studies: Mojave Desert and Adjacent Areas
GEOL-164	Geologic Field Studies: Southern California Coastal Areas
GEOL-165	Geologic Field Studies: Colorado Desert/Salton Trough Area
GEOL-172	Field Exploration: Colorado Plateau
GEOL-173	Field Exploration: Cascade Range/Modoc Plateau
GEOL-174	Field Exploration: Basin and Range Province
GEOL-175	Field Exploration: California Coastal Mountains
GEOL-176	Field Exploration: Sierra Nevada
GEOL-210	Geology of California
GEOL-220	Geology of the National Parks
GEOL-230	Natural Disasters
OCEA-112	Introduction to Oceanography
OCEA-113	Oceanography Laboratory
Total Units		37-39

Plus General Education and Elective Requirements