Earth Systems Science
A.S. - Transfer Degree
This program provides a dedicated path to an Earth Science degree that focuses more on the physical processes.
Program Purpose
Earth Science is an interdisciplinary field offering opportunities to work on practical problems that are important for life as we know it on planet Earth. Because the Earth and its environment are all around us, job opportunities related to the Earth and our environment will always be plentiful. Top industries that hire earth scientists are engineering/surveying, research, and education. Successful completion of the associates degree will result in a strong foundation in several key aspects of earth science, which prepare the student to continue on in the field to study geologic hazards, GIS, climate science, meteorology, oceanography, the environment, resource management, or any number of other related subfields.
Learning Outcomes
- Collect and correlate geologic data.
- Prepare and interpret graphs, maps, and diagrams of geologic data.
- Identify and explain the origins of minerals and rocks.
- Describe the inter-relationships between geology and the other areas of science.
- Become informed of the one-world concept of geological processes affecting humanity.
- Explain the fundamentals of a GIS, including what they are, how they are used, and what is required to develop and maintain them
- Develop scientific hypothesis regarding climate processes and design simple tests to test the hypothesis.
Program Map
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
This program map has been updated for new students starting in Fall 2025 (or after) to reflect the new Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) requirements. Students following previous catalogs can find corresponding program maps in Self-Service/Student Planning. For official requirements, refer to the AWC Catalog.
The recommended plan below meets all program requirements. If the classes listed as recommended don’t align with your schedule or interests, alternative options are available. Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan or schedule an appointment with your Faculty Advisor or the Advisement Services Office.
Program Requirements Based on Fall/Spring rotation (AGEC certificate also included)
First Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLG 101 | Introduction to Geology 1 (Physical) | 4 | Major Requirement |
| MAT 187 or MAT 150 & 183 or MAT 151 & 183 |
Precalculus or College Algebra w/ Review & Plane Trigonometry or College Algebra: Standard & Plane Trigonometry |
5 or 5+2 or 4+2 |
*see note below |
| ENG 101 or ENG 107 |
Freshman Composition I/GE | 3 | GE-Written Communication |
| ART/HUM | Choose one course from Arts & Humanities | 3 | GE-Arts & Humanities |
| SOC/BEH | Choose one course from Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| *This requirement can be waived for students with appropriate ACT/SAT/GPA scores or by completing the Next Generation Advanced Algebra & Functions Placement Test. Visit AWC Testing Services for more information (please note that additional elective credits may be required for those students waived from this requirement) | 13-20 |
Milestones:
- Meet professors one-on-one
- Research University Degree Program options
- Plan with your advisor after midterm grades posted
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend AWC Majors Fair & Career Expos
- Register with Jobs 4 Matadors
Second Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLG 102 | Introduction to Geology 2 (Historical) | 4 | Major Requirement |
| MAT 220 | Calculus I with Analytic Geometry | 5 | GE-Quantitative Reasoning |
| ENG 102 or ENG 108 |
Freshman Composition II/GE | 3 | GE-Written Communication |
| CHM 151 | General Chemistry I/GE | 4 | GE-Natural Sciences |
| ART/HUM | Choose one course from Arts & Humanities | 3 | GE-Arts & Humanities |
| 19 |
Milestones:
- Join a club
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Transfer Services Events
- Apply for Scholarships
Third Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHM 152 | General Chemistry II/GE | 4 | GE-Natural Sciences |
| MAT 230 | Calculus II with Analytical Geometry | 5 | Major Requirement |
| PHY 111 | College Physics I | 4 | Major Requirement |
| SOC/BEH | Choose one course from Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| 16 |
Milestones:
- If transferring, apply to universities
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Visit universities campus
- Apply for internship or volunteer opportunities
Fourth Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPH 213 | Introduction to Climate Science | 4 | Departmental Requirement |
| OCN 110 | Oceanography | 4 | Departmental Requirement |
| PHY 112 | College Physics II (recommended) | 4 | Departmental Requirement |
| ORAL COMM | Choose one course from Oral Communication | 3-4 | GE-Oral Communication |
| INST/AME | Choose one course from Institutions in the Americas | 3 | GE-Institutions in the Americas |
| 18-19 |
Milestones:
- Apply for Graduation
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Etiquette Lunch
- Meet with Career Services
- Apply for university scholarship opportunities