Geology
A.S. - Transfer Degree
Geology is the study of the earth. The geology department emphasizes a process-oriented approach to studying phenomena which shape the earth’s surface, and ultimately impacts all of our lives. This program articulates with the BS degree in Environmental Science-Geology Emphasis as part of AWC’s “2+2” partnership with NAU-Yuma Branch Campus. Students may also be interested in the A.S. degree in Environmental Sciences with an Applied Geology Emphasis.
Program Purpose
Graduates will demonstrate (1) basic knowledge in geology that will prepare them for transfer to the university and (2) critical thinking skills in AWC’s General Education focus areas.
Learning Outcomes
- Collect and correlate geologic data.
- Prepare and interpret graphs 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.
- Identify and recognize major fossils of animals and plants and understand their evolution.
- Write reports from field data and compiled maps.
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 (recommended) | 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 (recommended) | 4 | Departmental Requirement |
| MAT 230 | Calculus II with Analytical Geometry | 5 | Major Requirement |
| PHY 121 | University Physics I | 4 | Departmental 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLG 240 | Introduction to Field Methods/Report Writing | 2 | Departmental Requirement |
| PHY 131 | University Physics II (recommended) | 4 | Departmental Requirement |
| MAT 241 | Calculus III with Analytical Geometry (corequisite for PHY 131) |
4 | corequisite |
| 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 |
| 16-17 |
Milestones:
- Apply for Graduation
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Etiquette Lunch
- Meet with Career Services
- Apply for university scholarship opportunities
Transfer Information
| UNIVERSITY | DEGREE | MAJOR | LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | BS, BA, BAE | Earth & Space Exploration (multiple program options) | None |
| Northern Arizona University | BS | Geology (multiple program options) | None |
| University of Arizona | BS | Geosciences (multiple program options) | 2nd Semester Proficiency |
Transfer Tools
AZTransfer will provide you with more information and tools on how to transfer to ASU, NAU, and UofA.
Need help with transferring? The AWC Transfer Services office can provide you with individualized help to explore degree pathways and specific university requirements. Visit their website or schedule an appointment with a transfer specialist.