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
Effective Term
Fall 2024
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
  • Identify and interpret different rock and mineral groups, and associate the rocks with specific rock-forming processes. (GLG101, GLG101IN, GLG102, GLG102IN, GLG103, GLG104)
  • Explain the role of plate tectonics in geology. (GLG101, GLG101IN, GLG102, GLG102IN, GLG103, GLG104)
  • Relate geologic time to Earth processes. (GLG101, GLG101IN, GLG102, GLG102IN, GLG103, GLG104)
  • Critically evaluate fundamental earth science literature and spatial data. (GLG101, GLG101IN, GLG102, GLG102IN, GLG103, GLG104, MAT206, MAT230, MAT231, MAT240, MAT241, [FYC], [L], [MA])
  • Observe, interpret, and communicate data as it relates to Earth processes. (GLG101, GLG101IN, GLG102, GLG102IN, GLG103, GLG104, CHM140AA, CHM150, CHM150AA, CHM151, CHM151AA, CHM151LL, MAT206, MAT230, MAT231, MAT240, MAT241, PHY115, PHY121, PHY131, (COM), [FYC], [L], [MA])
  • Use evidence to outline the broad history of the planet and explain how the past can be used to anticipate future changes. (GLG101, GLG101IN, GLG102, GLG102IN, GLG103, GLG104, (CRE), [FYC], [L])
  • Determine causes and impacts of natural hazards. (GLG101, GLG101IN, [HU], [SB])
  • Interpret the origin, distribution, and uses of geological resources. (GLG101, GLG101IN, GLG102, GLG102IN, GLG103, GLG104, CHM140AA, CHM150, CHM150AA, CHM151, CHM151AA, CHM151LL, CHM152, CHM152LL, CHM152AA, [HU], [SB])
  • Synthesize field information and spatial relationships to create geologic maps and cross-sections. (GLG101, GLG101IN, GLG102, GLG102IN, GLG103, GLG104, MAT206, MAT230, MAT231, MAT240, MAT241, [FYC], [L], [MA])
  • Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field. (FYE101, FYE103)
Required courses
Course #Course TitleCredits
Credits:17-21
FYE101Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success (1) OR
FYE103Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success (3)1-3
GLG101Introduction to Geology I - Physical Lecture (3) AND
GLG103Introduction to Geology I - Physical Lab (1) OR
GLG101INIntroduction to Geology I - Physical (4)4
GLG102Introduction to Geology II - Historical Lecture (3) AND
GLG104Introduction to Geology II - Historical Lab (1) OR
GLG102INIntroduction to Geology II - Historical (4)4
MAT230Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (5) OR
MAT231Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (4)4-5
PHY115University Physics I (5) OR
PHY121University Physics I: Mechanics (4)4-5

Course Sequence by Term

Restricted Electives
Course #Course TitleCredits
Credits:6-19
Complete requirements in the transfer option that best aligns with your academic and professional goals. If your intended transfer institution is not listed, then select a combination of courses from the transfer options listed in order to meet the minimum credits required in the Restricted Electives section. Consult with an academic, faculty, or program advisor to prevent exceeding your university transfer program`s maximum transferable credits (typically 64).
Transfer Plan 1: Arizona State University (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Earth and Space Exploration (Geological and Planetary Sciences), Bachelor of Science
CHM140AAGeneral Chemistry for Engineers with Lab6
Transfer Plan 2: University of Arizona, Geosciences (Geology Emphasis), Bachelor of Science
CHM150General Chemistry I (4) AND
CHM151LLGeneral Chemistry I Laboratory (1) OR
CHM150AAGeneral Chemistry I (5) OR
CHM151General Chemistry I (3) AND
CHM151LLGeneral Chemistry I Laboratory (1) OR
CHM151AAGeneral Chemistry I (4)4-5
CHM152General Chemistry II (3) AND
CHM152LLGeneral Chemistry II Laboratory (1) OR
CHM152AAGeneral Chemistry II (4)4
MAT206Elements of Statistics (3) OR
MAT240Calculus with Analytic Geometry III (5) OR
MAT241Calculus with Analytic Geometry III (4)3-5
PHY116University Physics II (5) OR
PHY131University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism (4)4-5
Second Language Requirement:
Completion of second language courses at the elementary level (102 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program`s maximum transferable credits (typically 64). Please see the General Electives for more information.
Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC)
AGEC-SCredits: 22-32
A single course with an [HU], [SB], or [L] designation may also be used to satisfy the Oral Communication, Critical Reading, or Awareness Area ([C], [G] and/or [H]) requirement(s).
A single course with both the [HU] and [L] designations may be used to satisfy both of these areas.
A single course with both the [SB] and [L] designations may be used to satisfy both of these areas.

See the AGEC matrix on aztransfer.com for course designations.
 
First-Year Composition [FYC]Credits: 6
ENG101First-Year Composition (3) OR
ENG107First-Year Composition for ESL (3) AND
ENG102First-Year Composition (3) OR
ENG108First-Year Composition for ESL (3)6
 
Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L]Credits: 0-3
Any approved general education course in the Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] area.3
Recommend selecting a course that satisfies ([L] and [SB]) or ([L] and [HU]) or ([L] and COM) or ([L] and CRE101) requirements simultaneously.
 
Mathematics [MA]Credits: 4-5
MAT220Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (5) OR
MAT221Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (4) OR
Higher approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area for which MAT22+ is a prerequisite. (4-5)4-5
 
Humanities, Arts and Design [HU]Credits: 6
Any approved general education courses in the Humanities, Arts and Design [HU] area.6
 
Social-Behavioral Sciences [SB]Credits: 6
Any approved general education courses in the Social-Behavioral Sciences [SB] area.6
 
Natural Sciences [SG]/[SQ]Credits: 0
Met by [(GLG101 and GLG103) or GLG101IN] AND [(GLG102 and GLG104) or GLG102IN] in the Required Courses area.
 
Subject OptionsCredits: 0
Met by (MAT230 or MAT231) AND (PHY121) in the Required Courses area.
 
Awareness AreasCredits: 0-6
These requirements may be shared with other AGEC requirements. See the AGEC matrix on aztransfer.com for course designations.
 
Cultural Diversity in the US [C]Credits: 0-3
0-3
 
Historical/Global Awareness [H]/[G]Credits: 0-3
Any approved general education course with the Historical [H] or Global [G] awareness area designation.0-3
 
MCCCD Additional Requirements
MCCCD Additional RequirementsCredits: 0-6
Some courses in this area have [SB] and [L] designations and may also be applied to the corresponding AGEC requirements. See the AGEC matrix on aztransfer.com for course designations.
 
Oral CommunicationCredits: 0-3
COM100Introduction to Human Communication (3) OR
COM110Interpersonal Communication (3) OR
COM225Public Speaking (3) OR
COM230Small Group Communication (3)0-3
 
Critical ReadingCredits: 0-3
CRE101College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking (3) OR
Equivalent as indicated by assessment (0)0-3
Course Area Key
General Electives
Course #Course TitleCredits
Select additional courses 100-level or higher to complete a minimum of 60 semester credits but no more than a total of 64 semester credits. Consult with a faculty advisor, program director, and/or academic advisor to identify coursework that best aligns with academic and professional goals.
Recommended for Transfer Plan 2: University of Arizona, Geosciences (Geology Emphasis), Bachelor of Science
Complete a language course at the elementary level (102 or equivalent) with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment:
ARB+++ Any ARB Arabic course(s)
ASL+++ Any ASL American Sign Language course(s)
CHI+++ Any CHI Chinese course(s)
FRE+++ Any FRE French course(s)
GER+++ Any GER German course(s)
ITA+++ Any ITA Italian course(s)
JPN+++ Any JPN Japanese course(s)
SPA+++ Any SPA Spanish course(s)

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.