Field of Interest
The Associate in Science (AS), Emphasis in Geology provides the first two years of a four-year curriculum for students who wish to specialize in geological sciences and/or are preparing for application to graduate programs in related fields. With a bachelor's degree, students may pursue a career as a research lab or field technician in environmental geology, mining, petroleum exploration, geological engineering, forestry, conservation, and hydrology. With a graduate degree, students may pursue a number of careers, including but not limited to secondary school (grades 7-12) teachers and university professors, geologic consultants, seismologists, volcanologists, paleontologists, and geologists in a variety of areas.
Details
Important information you’ll need when applying for admission:
- Field of Interest
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
- Type
- Associate in Science (AS)
- Academic Plan
- Associate in Science, Emphasis in Geology (DEG)
- Academic Plan Code
- 8608
- Total Credits Required
- 60-64
- Catalog Year
- 2025-2026
- Effective Term
- Fall 2024
- Notes
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges to earn a degree with this emphasis.
What You’ll Learn
This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:
- Identify and interpret different rock and mineral groups, and associate the rocks with specific rock-forming processes.
- Explain the role of plate tectonics in geology.
- Relate geologic time to Earth processes.
- Critically evaluate fundamental earth science literature and spatial data.
- Observe, interpret, and communicate data as it relates to Earth processes.
- Use evidence to outline the broad history of the planet and explain how the past can be used to anticipate future changes.
- Determine causes and impacts of natural hazards.
- Interpret the origin, distribution, and uses of geological resources.
- Synthesize field information and spatial relationships to create geologic maps and cross-sections.
- Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field.
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of this degree may lead to
employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related
occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for
this degree. Education requirements vary for the
occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some
of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program
director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding
education level, wages, and employment information.
Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$35.60
Annual Median Wage
$74,063
Number of People Employed
114
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 20.2 %
Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$41.00
Annual Median Wage
$85,284
Number of People Employed
456
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 7.5 %
Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$33.87
Annual Median Wage
$70,466
Number of People Employed
832
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 6.7 %
Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$28.82
Annual Median Wage
$59,954
Number of People Employed
92
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 9.8 %
Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$21.21
Annual Median Wage
$44,122
Number of People Employed
81
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 8.6 %
Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$37.61
Annual Median Wage
$78,245
Number of People Employed
278
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 9.4 %
Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$34.79
Annual Median Wage
$72,368
Number of People Employed
205
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 2.4 %
Conduct subsurface surveys to identify the characteristics of potential land or mining development sites. May specify the ground support systems, processes, and equipment for safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction or underground construction activities. May inspect areas for unsafe geological conditions, equipment, and working conditions. May design, implement, and coordinate mine safety programs.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$50.97
Annual Median Wage
$106,036
Number of People Employed
178
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 11.8 %
Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$35.60
Annual Median Wage
$74,063
Number of People Employed
114
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 20.2 %
Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$35.06
Annual Median Wage
$72,944
Annual Job Openings
2,879
Number of People Employed
26,552
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 13.3 %
* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data,
reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s
proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers
including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer
Course Sequence by Term
The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
- The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
- Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
Pathway Map Options
There are multiple options available for this pathway map.
These options vary depending on the available transfer institutions and what degrees you may be able to transfer into.
These pathway map options may share some common coursework. To explore what additional coursework
may be required, select your desired option from the list below. Once selected, the list of
courses and any associated details will be automatically updated in the course sequence below.
The differences between individual pathway map options may only be a few courses.
The list of courses below has been updated
Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.
A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
| Awareness Areas |
- In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below,
students must complete the following awareness areas if not otherwise
met by other program requirements:
- Cultural [C] and
- Global [G] or Historical [H]
-
Students are strongly encouraged to visit
with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all
graduation requirements.
|
Note: Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device,
some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this
page on a device with a larger screen.
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Term 3
Term 3
| Course Number |
Course Name |
Requisites |
Notes |
Area |
Credits |
PHY115 or
PHY121 |
University Physics I or University Physics I: Mechanics |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220 or MAT221 or permission of Department or Division. Corequisites: MAT230 or MAT231. One year High School physics or PHY111 and PHY112 is strongly recommended. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220, or MAT221, or permission of Department or Division. One year of high school physics suggested but not required.View requisites |
|
SQ or SQ |
4–5 |
| HU |
Humanities, Fine Arts & Design |
|
|
HU |
3 |
| CHM140AA |
General Chemistry for Engineers with Lab |
|
|
SQ |
6 |
MAT206 or
MAT240 or
MAT241 |
Elements of Statistics or Calculus with Analytic Geometry III or Calculus with Analytic Geometry III |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT14+, or MAT15+, or MAT187, or MAT188, or equivalent, or an appropriate District placement, or permission of Department/Division Chair. or Prerequisites: Grade of "C" or better in MAT230 or MAT231. or Prerequisites: Grade of "C" or better in MAT230 or MAT231.View requisites |
|
CS or MA or MA |
3–5 |
(CHM150 and
CHM151LL) or
CHM150AA or
(CHM151 and
CHM151LL) or
CHM151AA |
(General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I or (General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I with Lab |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: C or better in [(CHM130 & CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or 1 yr of high school chemistry taken within the last 5 yrs] & C or better in MAT151 or higher or satisfactory score on placement exam or permission of the Instructor or Dept or Div Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL) or CHM130AA or one year of high school chemistry taken in the last five yrs] and (MAT151 or higher or satisfactory placement) or permission of the Instructor or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.View requisites |
|
SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ or SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ |
4–5 |
Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.
A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
| Awareness Areas |
- In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below,
students must complete the following awareness areas if not otherwise
met by other program requirements:
- Cultural [C] and
- Global [G] or Historical [H]
-
Students are strongly encouraged to visit
with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all
graduation requirements.
|
Note: Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device,
some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this
page on a device with a larger screen.
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 6
Term 6
| Course Number |
Course Name |
Requisites |
Notes |
Area |
Credits |
| HU |
Humanities, Fine Arts & Design |
|
|
HU |
3 |
(CHM150 and
CHM151LL) or
CHM150AA or
(CHM151 and
CHM151LL) or
CHM151AA |
(General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I or (General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I with Lab |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: C or better in [(CHM130 & CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or 1 yr of high school chemistry taken within the last 5 yrs] & C or better in MAT151 or higher or satisfactory score on placement exam or permission of the Instructor or Dept or Div Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL) or CHM130AA or one year of high school chemistry taken in the last five yrs] and (MAT151 or higher or satisfactory placement) or permission of the Instructor or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.View requisites |
|
SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ or SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ |
4–5 |
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 7
Term 7
| Course Number |
Course Name |
Requisites |
Notes |
Area |
Credits |
| Second Language |
Second Language Requirement, 101 Level |
|
See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
|
|
|
| SB |
Social & Behavioral Sciences |
|
|
SB |
3 |
| Second Language |
Second Language Requirement, 101 Level |
|
Completion of second language courses at the elementary level (102 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).
|
|
0–5 |
(CHM152 and
CHM152LL) or
CHM152AA |
(General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory) or General Chemistry II with Lab |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM150 or CHM151) and CHM151LL], or CHM150AA, or CHM151AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM152. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM150 or CHM151) and CHM151LL], or CHM150AA, or CHM151AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.View requisites |
|
SQ in combo w/ CHM152LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM152 or SQ |
4 |
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 8
Term 8
| Course Number |
Course Name |
Requisites |
Notes |
Area |
Credits |
| Second Language |
Second Language Requirement, 102 Level |
|
See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
|
|
|
| HU |
Humanities, Fine Arts & Design |
|
|
HU |
3 |
| L |
Literacy & Critical Inquiry |
|
Recommend selecting a course that satisfies [L] and [SB] or [L] and [HU] or [L] and (COM) or [L] and CRE101 requirements simultaneously.
|
L |
0–3 |
| Second Language |
Second Language Requirement, 102 Level |
|
Completion of second language courses at the elementary level (102 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).
|
|
0–5 |
Pathway Map Option Details
No pathway map option has been selected. Please select from the pathway
map options listed above.
Ready to get started?
Follow one of the options below to get started on your personal career pathway.
Click here for MCC’s easy-to-use Enrollment Steps.
Learn more about and find contact information for the Geology program.
Ask general questions over the phone at 480-461-7400 or via online chat.
Course Area Key
Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.
Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.
- C = Cultural Diversity in the US
- CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
- FYC = First Year Composition
- G = Global Awareness
- H = Historical Awareness
- HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
- L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
- MA = Mathematics
- SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
- SG = Natural Sciences General
- SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
Disclaimer
Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.
Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, meet with an academic advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.
View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm10?id=190005).
Previous Catalog Years
The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.
Previous catalog years for Associate in Science (AS) in Associate in Science, Emphasis in Geology
