Geology

Associate of Science - Transfer, Track 1 (LRST1AS)

This two-year pathway is designed for students who wish to complete an Associate of Science - Track 1 degree with a concentration on Geology.  Students in this program will learn about Earth processes, plate tectonics, and the origin and evolution of the Earth.  This pathway will provide students with a ...

This two-year pathway is designed for students who wish to complete an Associate of Science - Track 1 degree with a concentration on Geology.  Students in this program will learn about Earth processes, plate tectonics, and the origin and evolution of the Earth.  This pathway will provide students with a foundation of Geology, Mathematics, Environmental Science, and Physics.

  Completion of this program prepares students to transfer at the junior level to a Geology or related field of study at a four-year college or university, as well as opening doors to a wide variety of related careers.

Estimated Length of Completion

Degree Quarters Units
Associate of Science - Transfer, Track 1 (LRST1AS) Full time : 6 90-96

You may need more or fewer units depending on your transferred credits, individual situation, and goals.

Before Quarter One

Step 1: Apply and register at Seattle Central College anytime (the application is always free). Once you become a student, register for classes using the online class schedule and go to the academic calendar for registration dates and tuition deadlines.

Step 2: See an advisor to create a personalized educational plan by the end of your second quarter. Your plan will include prerequisites, graduation requirements, and transfer preparation if you plan to transfer to another college or university to earn a bachelor's degree.

Sample Schedule and Quarterly To-Do List

90-96 Units

A sample schedule and quarterly to-do list are below. The schedule and to-do list will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The guide assumes a fall quarter start and college placement, but you can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level.

Note about the sample schedule: Classes are offered in various formats such as online (e-learning) and may not be offered each quarter. Click the button with arrows throughout the map to expand the section and view detailed information.

Click to see details

Quarter 1
To-Do List
18 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Schedule an appointment with your assigned advisor in Starfish to discuss your academic goals and to create a short-term educational plan
  • Visit the Learning Support and Tutoring Center for tutoring
  • Drop by the Library to get help with research; check out resources; access computers and study space; and create media projects
  • Apply to the Ready Set Transfer (RST) Academy
GEOL&101
Intro to Physical Geol W/ Lab
5 units
ENGL&101
English Composition I
5 units
MATH&146
Introduction to Statistics
5 units
HDC101
Orientation to College
3 units
Quarter 2
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
MATH&141
Precalculus I
5 units
Individuals/Cultures/Societies
Choose a Course
5 units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts
Choose a Course
5 units
Quarter 3
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Consider Student Leadership positions and other on-campus jobs
  • Visit potential universities and determine application deadlines
  • Meet with Transfer Center advisor to determine transfer eligibility
  • Attend the University of Washington Undergraduate Research Symposium
OCEA&101 or ENVS&101
Choose a course
5 units
MATH&142
Precalculus II
5 units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts or Individuals/Cultures/Societies
Choose a course
5 units
Quarter 4
To-Do List
16 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Create long-term educational plan with your assigned advisor
  • Research and contact Earth Sciences departments at potential universities
  • Attend transfer workshops and a transfer fair
  • Attend transfer day at prospective university
  • Write your personal statement for university applications
PHYS&114 or PHYS&221
Choose a course
5 units
CHEM&161
General Chem W/Lab I
6 units
MATH&151
Calculus I
5 units
Quarter 5
To-Do List
16 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Apply to universities or colleges and scholarships
  • Look for summer internships such as Research Experience for Undergraduates (REUs).
  • Plan to participate in the transfer student events at prospective universities
  • Apply for FAFSA or WASFA at transfer university
PHYS&115 or PHYS&222
Choose a course
5 units
CHEM&162
General Chem W/Lab II
6 units
MATH&152
Calculus II
5 units
Quarter 6
To-Do List
16 UNITS
To-Do List
PHYS&116 or PHYS&223
Choose a course
5 units
CHEM&163
General Chem W/Lab III
6 units
ENGL&102 or CMST&101 or CMST&220
Choose a course
5 units

More Information

Tuition and Funding

It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing
either the FAFSA or the WASFA 2024-25.

Need help paying for college?

To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit Central's Financial Aid Department for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.

Learn more about the estimated cost of attendance and general fees to attend college.

Career Opportunities

A Geology pathway can lead to various career opportunities. Examples include: 

  • Geologist
  • Educator
  • Natural Science Manager
  • Surveyor
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Natural Science Manager
  • Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) Technician
  • Hydrologist / Geohydrologist
  • Surveying and mapping technician
  • Science technician
  • Mining technician
  • Land Use Planner
  • Soil Specialist

Most professional positions in this field require a Masters degree, although there are entry-level and technician positions filled by those with Bachelors degrees. Particularly in industry, entry-level positions can sometimes offer valuable experience and mentorship which create opportunities for advancement. Teaching at a 2- year College will require a Masters Degree, teaching at a 4-year college or university will require a Doctorate Degree. 

In the petroleum industry, most exploration geologists have Doctorate Degrees. Note that many engineering geologist positions require a degree in civil engineering. For current employment and wage estimates, please visit and search at www.bls.gov/oes.

  • Environmental Lawyer
  • Environmental Consultant

A bachelor’s degree or higher degree may be required for some careers listed above. For current employment and wage estimates, please visit and search at www.bls.gov/oes.

Future Education Opportunities

Once you complete this Associate degree, additional education opportunities include:

  • A bachelor’s degree in Geology or a related field at a four-year college or university. 

Seattle Central College has direct transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Washington state, including University of Washington, Washington State University and Seattle University. Geology graduates from Central have also transferred to out-of-state institutions. Program and admissions requirements vary from college to college. Contact an advisor to create an educational plan tailored to transfer to the institution of your choice. You can use the College Navigator search engine found at http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to find Geology programs in Washington state or around the country. 

Additional Information

Learn more about the Transfer process, Transfer agreements, and Bachelor’s degrees including transferring to top universities around the state and nation, such as Historically Black Universities and Colleges.

Area of Study

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

Program Contact

For more information, contact
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Business Division
206.934.3858
STEMB.Central@seattlecolleges.edu

Advising Contact

Advising hours and services: seattlecentral.edu/campus-life/student-support-and-services/transfer-and-career-advising/meet-advisor

Schedule phone and Zoom appointments: Starfish

Email and phone: AdvisorCentral@seattlecolleges.edu/ 206.934.4068/ 206.934.4068

Location: Broadway Campus BE1102D