Geology
The field of geology focuses on the study and understanding of the earth’s physical structure and substance.
The Associate of Science degree with a designation in geology is a two-year program designed for you to graduate and transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree in geology or Earth science.
Academic support is provided through CCD's Excel Zone, which helps students succeed by offering a variety of learning opportunities. We are located on campus on the 4th floor of the Confluence building.
CCD Online offers fully online certificates and degrees, and individual online courses to help match your busy schedule. This program offers 100 percent of its degree either online or through a hybrid program.
Your first step is to see if online learning is right for you. Online and hybrid environments offer much more flexibility but require more self-direction and self-discipline. Certain work habits, learning styles and skills contribute to a successful online or hybrid learning experience.
Online Experience Questions?
303.352.6785 | TLC@ccd.edu
Some programs and/or courses may require additional fees in addition to the base tuition and fees. High-cost course fees are used to support the maintenance and development of the course labs and are embedded within your general tuition.
The following courses have additional fees:
GEY 1111, GEY 1112
View the 2024-2025 Course Specific Fees
This program is eligible for federal financial aid.
Your first step is to connect with the Financial Aid office to discover how you can afford college. Our dedicated staff and support services help you wade through all the legal language and get you past the first hurdle to completing your educational goals.
In addition, CCD has $1,000,000 available in scholarships. Learn More!
This program is a guaranteed transfer (GT) program.
GT programs enable all college students to complete their first two years of college here at CCD and then transfer to any public college in Colorado as a junior. It is called the DWD program (Degrees with Designation). This program saves you money and time.
A Two-Year Degree from CCD Can Lead to a Four-Year Degree from:
- Adams State University
- Colorado Mesa University
- Colorado State University – Ft. Collins
- Fort Lewis College
- University of Colorado Boulder
- University of Northern Colorado
- Western State Colorado University
Please speak with your program chair regarding internship and research opportunities.
What Can I Do with My Major?
Employment of geoscientists is projected to grow 14 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. The need for energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and resource management is projected to spur demand for geoscientists.
Many geoscientists work in oil and gas extraction and related engineering services and consulting firms. Demand for their services in these industries will be dependent on the demand for the exploration and development of oil and gas wells. New technologies, such as horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, allow for the extraction of previously inaccessible oil and gas resources, and geoscientists will be needed to study the effects such technologies have on the surrounding areas.
Geoscientists will be involved in discovering and developing sites for alternative energies, such as geothermal energy and wind energy. For example, geothermal energy plants must be located near sufficient hot groundwater, and one task for geoscientists would be evaluating if the site is suitable.
How Much Can I Expect to Earn?
The median annual wage for geoscientists was $92,580 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $52,500, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $172,600.
The information provided here is by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Geology is important for mineral and hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation, evaluating water resources, understanding natural hazards, remediating environmental problems, and providing insights into past climate change. The objectives of the field of geology are to understand Earth Systems from core to surface. This includes Earth’s origins, structure, and evolution through time. The primary goal of the geology program at CCD is to prepare students to transfer into a geology B.S. degree pathway at a 4-year college or university. At CCD students will acquire knowledge in geology, as well as develop fundamental skills necessary to work in any scientific field; research scientific literature, collect, analyze and evaluate data and communicate scientific findings.
PSLO1: Employ Proper Use of Scientific Method and Tools
- Properly perform both laboratory and field experiments
- Make observations, test hypothesis, collect data, and conduct data analysis
PSLO2: Be an Effective Scientific Communicator
- Perform effective oral and written communication of scientific principles and ideas
- Apply basic scientific principles to interpretations of observations and experimental results
- Demonstrate ability to understand and properly utilize scientific literature.
PSLO3: Develop an understanding of Earth Systems, resources, hazards and implications.
- Understand earth from core to surface, origins, structure, and evolution through time.
- Develop a knowledge and understanding of Earth’s resources and hazards important to thriving communities and civilizations.
- This includes distribution of minerals, water, changing landscapes, and their combined impact on life yesterday, today, and into the future.