Earth Science
A.A. Degree Earth Science · Santa Ana College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Program Code: SAC.ES.AA
Program Control Number: 31980
The Associate degree curriculum in Earth Science prepares students to transfer to a four-year institution leading to a baccalaureate degree in Earth Sciences or Geology. Please consult a SAC counselor for information about course requirements for particular four-year institutions. A baccalaureate degree in Earth Sciences may provide the recommended content preparation for students interested in teaching science at the middle school level or are planning to go to law school in the area of Environmental Law or Public Policy. Students may also gain necessary opportunities with Geotechnical or Environmental consulting firms or with government agencies such as the National Park Service.
Learning Outcome(s):
- Students will demonstrate proficiency and knowledge with regards to the physical structure of the Earth through the paradigm of plate tectonics.
- Students will demonstrate proficiency and knowledge regarding the operations and interrelations of Earth systems.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | 22 | |
| ASTR 110 | Introduction to Stars and Galaxies | 3 |
| ASTR 140 | Astronomy Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 209 | Introductory Chemistry | 4 |
| orPSC 115 | Concepts in Physical Sciences for Educators | 4 |
| orCHEM 115 | Concepts in Physical Sciences for Educators | 4 |
| ERTH 115 | Earth Science for Educators | 4 |
| orGEOL 101 | Dynamic Earth: Introduction to Geology | 3 |
| GEOL 101L | Dynamic Earth: Introduction to Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| GEOL 140 | Environmental Geology | 3 |
| GEOL 150 | Introduction to Oceanography | 3 |
| orGEOL 150H | Honors Introduction to Oceanography | 3 |
| GEOL 201 | Introduction to Historical Geology | 4 |
| Electives | 2 | |
| GEOL 112 | Earthquakes | 1 |
| orGEOL 162 | Geologic Field Studies of the Mojave Desert | 1 |
| orGEOL 164 | Geologic Field Studies of the Eastern Sierra Nevada | 2 |
| orGEOL 168 | Geologic Field Studies of the Owens Valley | 1 |
| orGEOL 169 | Geologic Field Studies of San Diego County | 1 |
| orGEOL 170 | Geologic Field Studies of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | 1 |
| orGEOL 171 | Geology Field Studies of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks | 1 |
| orGEOL 172 | Geologic Field Studies of the California Coast | 2 |
| orGEOL 173 | Geologic Field Studies of Death Valley | 1 |
| orGEOL 174 | Geologic Field Studies of Joshua Tree National Park | 1 |
| Total | 24 | |