About Geology

Geology is the study of the materials of which the Earth is made (rocks, minerals, water, oil, natural gas, and magmas), the structures that are produced (Earth layers, mountains, volcanoes, basins), the processes acting upon them (earthquakes, volcanism, landslides, floods, magnetic fields), and the evolution of Earth and its materials over time (Earth formation, early history, ice ages, and climate change).

Geology courses are recommended for anyone interested in understanding and living with the natural world around us and in making informed decisions on matters pertaining to interactions between natural Earth processes and society.

Geology, an interdisciplinary science, requires expertise in chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, and critical thinking. It requires skill in problem-solving, analysis, scientific inquiry, and communication. This Associate's of Science Transfer in Geology is specifically designed to prepare you for transfer to a CSU geology program at the upper-division level. It may also be appropriate for transfer into programs in geology, oceanography, earth sciences, and environmental sciences. To accomplish this goal, majors will complete transferable lower-division courses in geology, math, and chemistry.

Explore Potential Careers

Studying Geology can lead to a variety of different jobs or career paths. Below are just some of the many options you will have.

Industries hiring geology majors include:

  • Energy and Mineral Industries (exploration, modeling, environmental mitigation, engineering)
  • Environmental Clean Up and Hazard Mitigation Companies
  • Federal Government (local and regional planning, state and Federal environmental regulation and protection, geological engineering, state geological surveys, U.S. Geological Survey, National Park Service, state parks, E.P.A.)
  • Nonprofits (environmental, planning, education)
  • Academia
  • Secondary Education (Earth Science Teachers)

For additional resources, review:

Program Options 

Click on the degree below to see a sample map of courses to take to complete your goal from start to finish. 

Please note that the course map provided is just an example to help you get started. Please meet with a counselor to personalize the plan to you and your Academic goals. 

View Requirements in College Catalog

Semester 1 

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
CHEM 40 Introduction to Chemical Principles 5  
ENGL 1A + 1AS University-Parallel Reading and Composition + Support 4-6  
MATH 90 + 90S Pre-Calculus Algebra + Support 5-8  

Total Units: 14-19

Semester 2

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
CHEM 101A General College Chemistry 6  
MATH 95 Trigonometry 3  
GEOL 10 Physical Geology 3  
GEOL 10L Lab for Physical Geology 2  
CSU GE Area E Lifelong Learning and Self-Development 3  

Total Units: 17

Semester 3

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
CHEM 101B General College Chemistry 5  
MATH 110A Calculus I 5  
CSU GE Area A3 Critical Thinking 3-4  
CSU GE Area C2 Humanities 3-5  

Total Units: 16-19

Semester 4

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
GEOL 11 Historical Geology 3  
GEOL 11L Historical Geology Lab 1  
MATH 110B Calculus II 5  
CSU GE Area B2 Life Science 3-6  
CSU GE Area A1 Oral Communication 3  

Total Units: 15-18

 

Semester 5

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
CSU GE Area C1 Arts 3  
Additional Area C1 or C2 (See Counselor) 3-5  
POLS 1 U.S. Government 3  
CSU GE Area D Social Sciences 3  
CSU GE Area D Social Sciences 3  

Total Units: 15-17

Transfer Options

The program coursework you complete at City College will satisfy lower-division requirements for related majors at several colleges and universities. Start planning your transfer by exploring Geology programs at the following institutions: 

  • San Francisco State University –  (includes Geology, Oceanography, Meteorology, Geography, Environmental Science, and Environmental Studies)
  • San Jose State University – 
  • University of California, Berkeley – 
  • University of California, Davis – 
  • University of California, Santa Cruz – 
  • California State University East Bay –
  • Humboldt State University â€“ 

Have questions about transfer?