Geology - AS
From climate change to the energy crisis, our planet faces major problems which Geoscience professionals are uniquely qualified to help solve. Geology is the study of the Earth, its history, and the scientific processes that have occurred over time to shape it. Geologists are tasked with expanding our understanding of the Earth, from crust to core, and identifying solutions to important problems, like how to protect and sustain our natural resources. Career opportunities in geology exist in the public sector and in private industries, like mining. Geologists often split their days between the laboratory and the field, looking for new mineral deposits, identifying sources of water pollution, or investigating natural disasters like earthquakes and landslides. They can also be found in offices, helping to shape environmental policy. Civil engineer, hydrologist, and environmental field technician are just a few of the professional roles in this hands-on field.
In an associate program in Geology, you will explore physical and historical geology, chemistry, and physics. This degree is transferable to universities offering a bachelor’s degree in Geology, Geosciences, or Earth Sciences.
Students should work closely with their advisor and contact their transfer institution choices for more specific transfer information.
The first year of a Geology program will include math and English courses to meet general education requirements. The completion of introductory math and English courses in your first year is proven to greatly increase the likelihood of crossing the graduation stage, boosting your momentum along the academic pathway you select. Other general education courses on your pathway will cover topics in Arts and Humanities, History, and Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Natural and Physical Sciences.
Program-specific courses may begin as soon as your first semester. These courses will become more advanced as you move along your degree pathway. Through this sequence of courses, your knowledge of geology will grow and deepen. Coursework will include Physical Geology, Historical Geology, and Calculus. After completing a 60-credit associate degree, your degree pathway can continue with guaranteed transfer to a college that offers bachelor’s degrees.
| Required Courses that Fulfill General Education Requirements (36 Credit Hours) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours | Course Number and Title | |
| (Written) Communication | 6 | ENG 121/1021 English Composition I and ENG 122/1022 English Composition II OR ENG 122/1022 English Composition II and a GT Pathways approved CO3 course |
| Mathematics | 5 | MAT 201/2410 Calculus I |
| Arts & Humanities | 6 | Two GT Pathways Arts & Humanities courses (GT-AH1, GT- AH2, GT-AH3, or GT-AH4) |
| History | 3 | One GT Pathways History course (GT-HI1) |
| Social & Behavioral Sciences | 6 | Two GT Pathways Social & Behavioral Sciences courses (GT-SS1, GT-SS2, GT-SS3) |
| Natural & Physical Sciences |
5 | CHE 111/1111 General College Chemistry I with lab |
| 5 | CHE 112/1112 General College Chemistry II with lab | |
| *Additional Required Courses (24 Credit Hours) | |
|---|---|
| Credit Hours | Course Number and Title |
| 4 | GEY 111/1111 Physical Geology with lab |
| 4 | GEY 112/1112 Historical Geology with lab |
| 5 | MAT 202/2420 Calculus II |
| 5 | PHY 211/2111 Physics: Calculus-based I with lab |
| 3 | PHY 212/2112 Physics: Calculus-based II with lab |
| Electives - 1 credit hour | |
* If these credits are not required for the major at a receiving 4-year institution,
they will be applied to the Bachelor’s degree as elective credit towards graduation. Please check with the receiving institution
to determine in which way these courses will be applied.
PLEASE NOTE: In addition to meeting the requirements listed here, contact the department
at the school to which you want to transfer for program-specific information.
Otero College is a part of a Statewide Transfer Articulation Agreement between Colorado community colleges and universities. These agreements allow you to graduate from a community college with a 60-credit Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree with designation; enroll with junior status at a university; and complete your bachelor’s degree. If you attend full-time and follow the structured schedule, you can complete your bachelor’s degree in 4 years.
The following Colorado public four-year institutions will accept your completed Geology AS degree from Otero College.
Adams State University
[B.A./B.S. Earth Sciences, Geology emphasis]
Colorado Mesa University
[B.S. Geosciences; Geology concentration]
Colorado State University-Ft Collins
[B.S. Geology; Geology concentration]
Fort Lewis College [B.S. Geology; Geology option]
Metropolitan State University of Denver
[B.S. Applied Geology]
University of Colorado Boulder
[B.A. Geology]
University of Northern Colorado
[B.S. Earth Sciences; Geology emphasis]
Western Colorado University [B.A. Geology; Geology emphasis]