Geology

Associate in Science for Transfer Earth Sciences · Shasta College · 2026-2027 Catalog

Program description

The Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer degree provides the foundation for students interested in the study of the earth and provides breadth in both geologic processes and earth history. Field-based experiences and investigations are critical to geology and, within this degree, core courses and recommended transferable electives prepare the transfer student for university studies that expound upon such experiences. The Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer degree is designed to provide students with a common core of lower division courses required to transfer and pursue a baccalaureate (4-year) degree in geology in the CSU system.

This degree is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of all degree requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect completion of this degree.

Program learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this degree, the student should be able to:

  1. Describe major concepts and provide theoretical perspectives in geology utilizing appropriate vocabulary.
  2. Develop and apply basic research methods as required in field and laboratory studies in geology.
  3. Practice critical thinking to evaluate internal and surface Earth processes and their results.
  4. Utilize geologic concepts and theory to analyze and interpret field situations supported by lab and field-collected evidence.

In addition to the 34-unit general education pattern for Cal-GETC, students must complete the core courses listed below for the Associate in Science in Geology Degree. Students must also obtain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 and a C or better in each major course, or a "P" if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis..

Requirements

CourseTitleUnits
Required core
CHEM-1AGeneral Chemistry5
CHEM-1BGeneral Chemistry5
ESCI-1The Active Earth4
ESCI-2Earth: The History of Our Planet4
MATH-C2210Calculus I: Early Transcendentals4
MATH-C2220Calculus II: Early Transcendentals5
Additional Recommended Preparation

While these additional courses are not required for this degree, completing these courses will better prepare students for upper division coursework in geology. Some of these may be required for the Bachelor’s degree. Check the catalog for the CSU campus to which you plan on transferring.

CourseTitleUnits
BIOL-1Principles of Biology
ESCI-3Mineralogy and Crystal Optics
ESCI-14Meteorology
ESCI-15Oceanography
STAT-C1000Introduction to Statistics
PHYS 2A/B General College Physics PHYS 4A/B Physics (Mechanics)/ (Electricity and Magnetism)

Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer Degree Requirements

CourseTitleUnits
Major27
General Education (Cal-GETC)34
Additional Electives6
Degree Total Will Not Exceed 60 Units60
Number will vary depending on units that double count.

View in the original catalog

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