# Geology (A.S. Degree)

Santa Ana College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Geology

Source: https://sac.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/34297/34898/36128/35475/35578

Program Code: SAC.GEOL.AS

Program Control Number: 04246

The associate degree curriculum in geology prepares students for transfer to a four-year institution leading to a baccalaureate degree in geoscience majors. Geoscientists find employment with environmental companies that clean up and monitor pollution problems. Geotechnical companies also employ geoscientists to evaluate risk from earthquakes, landslides, and other geological hazards. Oil and mining companies employ geoscientists to find new resources. The federal, state, county, and city governments also employ geoscientists for many of the same functions, as well as geoscience research, and to monitor compliance with environmental regulations. Universities, colleges, and museums offer opportunities for teaching and/or research.

Please see a counselor for specific course requirements for your transfer university.

**Learning Outcome(s):**

1.  Students will demonstrate proficiency and knowledge with regards to the physical structure of the Earth and the materials that make up the Earth through the paradigm of plate tectonics.

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Required Courses** | | 16 |
| GEOL 101 | Dynamic Earth: Introduction to Geology | 3 |
| GEOL 101L | Dynamic Earth: Introduction to Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| GEOL 140 | Environmental Geology | 3 |
| or GEOL 150 | Introduction to Oceanography | 3 |
| or GEOL 150H | Honors Introduction to Oceanography | 3 |
| GEOL 201 | Introduction to Historical Geology | 4 |
| CHEM 219 | General Chemistry | 5 |
| **Electives: Select a minimum of 8 units from the courses below** | | 8-10 |
| BIOL 211 | Cellular and Molecular Biology | 5 |
| BIOL 212 | Animal Diversity and Ecology | 5 |
| BIOL 214 | Plant Diversity and Evolution | 5 |
| CHEM 229 | General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis | 5 |
| MATH C2210 | Calculus I: Early Transcendentals | 4 |
| or MATH 180H | Honors Single Variable Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH C2220 | Calculus II: Early Transcendentals | 4 |
| **and any course numbered 100 or higher in Earth Science, Geology, or Physics, except Earth Science 110 and 115 or Physics 109.** | |  |
| **Total** | | **24-26** |