Geology

50% or more of this program can be completed online.

Let MCC Geology rock you into your future!

Geology is a rewarding profession with high earning potential and job growth projected to increase substantially over the next decade. Geologists work with specialized agencies to protect the public from natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanoes, and floods. The need for energy has spurred demand for oil and gas exploration and development of alternative energies such as geothermal and wind power. Geologists are also needed to apply scientific reasoning and technical skills to environmental problems like water, soil and air pollution. Additionally geologists discover mineral resources on Earth and investigate landscapes on other planets for future exploration!

  • Geoscientist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Mining and Exploration Geologist
  • Hydrologist
  • Urban and Regional Planner
  • High school or Post-Secondary Teacher
  • Conservation Scientist
  • Seismologist
  • Researcher
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School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)The School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) prepares you for in-demand careers that solve problems and drive innovation.

Study a subject 4.5 billion years in the making; Transfer in just two

MCC offers one of the few Geology A.S. degrees in the nation. It will prepare you for successful transfer to a wide range of four-year programs at colleges like SUNY Geneseo and New Mexico Tech. By completing a sequence of traditional geology courses and related requirements, you will leave MCC with hands-on field experience, a broad knowledge of multiple scientific disciplines and strong quantitative background.

Choose from statewide SUNY programs at:

  • Geneseo
  • Potsdam
  • Binghamton
  • Buffalo
  • Brockport
  • Empire State College
  • College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Or national programs at:

  • Washington State University
  • University of South Florida
  • Northern Arizona University

Get in touch with Monroe Community College’s admissions office to learn more about the opportunities you can create with an associate degree in Geology. Contact us at (585) 292-2200 or admissions@monroecc.edu.

GEOLOGY

A.S. Degree - Transfer Program

Department:Chemistry and Geosciences

School(s): Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)

MCC Program Code: GS01

50% or more of this program can be completed online.

This program's design is based on: New MCC General Education

Description
Students who earn degrees in geology have careers in a variety of fields, including natural resource exploration, environmental remediation, regulatory enforcement, education, and water resources. Geologists study earth processes such as earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, groundwater flow, and landscape evolution.

The Geology A.S. degree prepares students to transfer and successfully complete a bachelor’s degree in geology or a closely related field in 2 years. Curriculum is designed to transfer with ease to schools nationwide and provide a broad and in-depth understanding of geology and geologic processes.

Program Learning Outcomes
1.Identify Earth-forming rocks and minerals.
2.Analyze data from topographic and geologic maps.
3.Apply geologic techniques in the collection of data.
4.Use appropriate technology to solve geologic problems.
5.Interpret geologic data from collected samples, direct observation, published resources, or digital media.
6.Use observations in a field setting to answer geologic questions.
7.Discuss relationship between geology, the environment, and society in the Earth’s System.

Employment Potential
For related jobs: Career Coach
Occupational Resource: https://www.onetonline.org

Requirements for Program Entrance
Intermediate Algebra (MTH 104 at MCC) OR MCC Level 8 Mathematics placement
High School Earth Science, Precalculus, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Physics, Biology are recommended.

Distribution Requirements

Credit Hours
FIRST SEMESTER: 15 Credit Hours
ENG 101 College Composition OR
ENG 200 Advanced Composition
3
MTH 210 Calculus I
4
CHE 151 General College Chemistry I
4
GEO 101 Physical Geology
4
First Semester Total:
15
SECOND SEMESTER
MTH 211 Calculus II OR
MTH 160 Statistics I
3-4
CHE 152 General College Chemistry II
4
GEO 102 Historical Geology
4
PROGRAM ELECTIVE*
4
Second Semester Total:
15-16
THIRD SEMESTER:
GEG 130 - Digital Earth OR
MCC-GENERAL EDUCATION-TECHNOLOGICAL LITERACY (MCC-TL) ELECTIVE
3
SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION - SOCIAL SCIENCES ELECTIVE
3
OPEN ELECTIVE
3
PROGRAM ELECTIVE*
4
MCC GENERAL EDUCATION - HEALTH AND WELLNESS (MCC-HW) ELECTIVE
2-3
Third Semester Total:
15-16
FOURTH SEMESTER: Credit Hours
SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION - AMERICAN HISTORY (SUNY-AH) OR
SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION - THE ARTS (SUNY-A) OR
SUNY GENERAL GENERAL EDUCATION - FOREIGN LANGUAGES (SUNY-FL) ELECTIVE
3
SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION - OTHER WORLD CIVILIZATIONS (SUNY-OWC) OR
SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION - WESTERN CIVILIZATION (SUNY-WC) ELECTIVE
3
SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION - HUMANITIES (SUNY-H) ELECTIVE ***
3
OPEN ELECTIVE**
3-4
OPEN ELECTIVE
3
Fourth Semester Total:
15-16
TOTAL CREDITS:
60 - 63

*Choose from: GEO 200, 203, 204, 210, 220, 295; if GEO 295 is chosen, it must be designed as a 4-credit course.
**Recommended electives for students transferring to SUNY institutions: PHY 145; MTH 160.
***Choose any SUNY-H course that also fulfills MCC-VE outcome.

revised: 06/23/2021