Geology
Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) Earth and Planetary Sciences · Santa Barbara City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Geology is a multi-disciplinary science that applies biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and engineering to the natural world around us. The rich variety of its fields of study includes oceanography, paleontology, geophysics, geochemistry, hydrogeology, engineering geology, environmental geology and more. This is what makes geology an exciting and challenging major for students with broad scientific interests and a love for natural systems, environments, and earth history.
Geology majors gain scientific observational reasoning, communication skills, and an understanding of geological concepts and history. This blend of interpretive scientific ability and historical perspective gives geologists an important role in society. They apply their skills and knowledge to solve complex problems related to human interaction with natural systems, hazards and resources, and to communicate solutions and options to the public.
The Associate in Science for Transfer degree in Geology provides students with the foundational knowledge necessary to make a successful transition into a Baccalaureate Degree at any of the CSU campuses. The Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) is a special degree offered at California Community Colleges. Students who earn an AA-T or AS-T degree are guaranteed admission to a campus within the California State University (CSU) system in a similar major, although not necessarily to a specific campus. Students who complete an AA-T or AS-T are given priority consideration when applying to a particular program that is similar to the student’s community college major and will be given a special GPA advantage when applying to CSU impacted campuses or majors.
Students who are planning to pursue an AA-T or AS-T are strongly advised to meet with a counselor for additional information about this transfer program. Visit https://adegreewithaguarantee.com/ for more information about these degrees.
Requirements
Associate Degree for Transfer Graduation Requirements
Complete all of the following:
- All Major Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or "P" in each course.
- Cal-GETC pattern.
- At least 60 CSU transferable semester units.
- Achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all CSU transferable coursework.
- A minimum of 12 units through SBCC.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| Required Core | ||
| CHEM 155 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHEM 156 | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| ERTH 111 | Dynamic Earth - Physical Geology | 3-4 |
| orERTH 111H | Dynamic Earth - Physical Geology, Honors | |
| ERTH 111L | Dynamic Earth - Physical Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| ERTH 112 | History Of The Earth | 3 |
| ERTH 112L | Historical Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| MATH 150 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | 5 |
| MATH 160 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | 5 |
| Total Units | 28.00-29.00 | |
Students are advised to consult the CSU ADT Major & Campus Search database to determine which bachelor's degree programs offered by the CSU campuses are deemed similar to the AS-T in Geology. Students are also advised to consult ASSIST (www.assist.org) and to meet with an academic counselor to discuss the best combination of courses to take for their AS-T to ensure they receive the admission benefits associated with it, and to meet the requirements of the transfer institution to which they are intending to transfer.
Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate earth processes and/or earth history, using earth materials and geologic principles.
- Classify and interpret rocks, minerals and fossils.
- Recognize and assess geologic processes in the field.
- Read and interpret geologic data.
Recommended Sequence
Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.
How to schedule an Academic Counseling appointment.