Associate of Science Degree in Geological Science
San Mateo, USA
Associate of Science
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 4,512 / per semester *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for a 12-unit semester | 376 USD per unit | non-inclusive of miscellaneous fees
Fast-track counseling
By contacting the school, you'll get access to free priority counselling for any study and application questions.
Key Summary
About: An Associate of Science in Geological Science at College of San Mateo prepares you to transfer to a baccalaureate geology degree. CSM supports hands-on learning and transfer pathways; 74% of students transfer to UC San Diego and other top US universities. Some technician roles accept associates, but a Bachelor's is required for exploratory geology, minerals management and engineering. Courses run in-person and through the Global Online Learning (GOL) program.
Career Outcomes: Engineering geologist, environmental geologist, geochemist, geology assistant, geophysicist, hydrologist, mining geologist, marine geologist, oceanographer, paleontologist, petroleum geologist, petrologist, seismologist, soils technician, teacher/professor, volcanologist, waste management geologist, and consultant.
An Associate degree in Geological Science prepares the student for transfer to a baccalaureate institution for a four-year degree in Geology. While some jobs are available for technicians with Associate degrees in Geological Science, a Bachelor's degree in Geology is a minimum requirement for employment in exploratory geology, minerals management, and engineering.
Approximately 40% of geologists work for oil and gas companies, either in service or exploration. Some work for mining and quarrying companies, while others work as consultants or are self-employed. Government agencies provide employment opportunities with the Bureau of Mines, U.S. Geological Survey, and Bureau of Reclamation.
In addition to in-person studies, most programs are available through the Global Online Learning (GOL) Program, which allows students to take classes fully online from their home countries.
Major Requirements
| Required Core Courses: 18 units | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 210 | General Chemistry I | 5 units |
| CHEM 220 | General Chemistry II | 5 units |
| GEOL 100 | Survey of Geology | 3 units |
| GEOL 101 | Geology Laboratory | 1 unit |
| PALN 110 | General Paleontology | 3 units |
| PALN 111 | Paleontology Laboratory | 1 unit |
| Additional recommended preparation (not required): | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 241 | Applied Calculus I | 5 units |
| AND | ||
| MATH 242 | Applied Calculus II | 3 units |
| AND | ||
| PHYS 210 | General Physics I | 4 units |
| AND | ||
| PHYS 220 | General Physics II | 4 units |
| OR | ||
| MATH 251 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | 5 units |
| AND | ||
| MATH 252 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | 5 units |
| AND | ||
| PHYS 250 | Physics with Calculus I | 4 units |
| AND | ||
| PHYS 260 | Physics with Calculus II | 4 units |
Total Required Major Units: 18
And required General Education coursework and electives as needed to meet the minimum 60 units required for the Associate degree.
Specific career opportunities include engineering geologist, environmental geologist, geochemist, geology assistant, geophysicist, hydrologist, mining geologist, marine geologist, oceanographer, paleontologist, petroleum geologist, petrologist, seismologist, soils technician, teacher/professor, volcanologist, and waste management geologist.
Students completing this program will be able to:
- Apply tools, practices, and quantitative reasoning to collect, analyze, and interpret geologically relevant data in laboratory and field settings.
- Apply concepts, models, and quantitative techniques from mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology to solve complex geologic problems.
- Apply scientific inquiry and investigation of evidence to formulate and critically evaluate scientific arguments, especially as relates to geologic phenomena.
- Evaluate quantitative and qualitative evidence for how humans impact Earth processes and how Earth processes impact humans.
The San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley (SMCSV) offer more than 50 institutional scholarships each year, and all enrolled students are eligible to apply. Award amounts range from $300 to $7,000, helping make college more affordable. Students can also apply for external scholarships, such as the $1,000 Study in California Scholarship, to further support their educational journey.