Geology - The Scientific Study of the Earth
Fall 2026: What's new in Geology @ MCC?
- GEO 101/Physical Geology explores Earth's resources (water, minerals, energy, etc.), hazards (volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides, etc.), composition (rocks, mountains, glaciers, etc.), and has field trips (during lab meetings & transportation is provided)! Geo 101 fulfills the SUNY Natural Science Gen Ed requirement and is offered on-campus, as well as online.
- GEO 109/General Astronomy explores the solar system, planetary geology, stellar evolution, celestial models, and constellation identification. Students will gain valuable experience in observational techniques and data analysis, fostering a deeper understanding of the cosmos and the scientific methods used in astronomy. Geo 109 fulfills the SUNY Natural Science Gen Ed requirement and is offered on-campus, as well as online.
- GEO 210/Environmental Geology centers around an in-depth discussion about the environment as related to resources, wastes, pollution, and geologic hazards. The consequences of use and misuse of our geologic environment will be stressed and explored in more depth in weekly laboratories. Prerequisite is GEO 101 (or permission of the instructor for students in related STEM degrees or previous coursework). Several field trips take place during lab time (transportation provided)!
What will I learn about in MCC geology courses?
MCC Geology students can study volcanoes, minerals, rocks, fossils, oceans, stars, planets, natural disasters, mountain formation, water resources, local and global landforms, and how all of these are connected to humans, society, and the environment.
Where can I learn geology?
MCC offers geology courses that allow students to learn in the classroom (on-campus, remote, and/or online) and also in the field - which can be anywhere from an outcrop of 450 million year old rocks along the Genesee River to a wind and solar farm along the Lake Ontario shoreline to the slopes of the Adirondack Mountains to the supervolcano in Yellowstone National Park!
How can I start my geology journey?
Enroll in Geology 101 - Physical Geology on-campus or online!
From there, pursue the A.S. in Geology and/or take any additional geology courses of interest offered at MCC.
What can I do after MCC?
Many MCC Geology A.S. graduates transfer to complete a Bachelor’s degree. Upon completion of their undergraduate degree, they are then are employed in the environmental industry, resource exploration, hazard assessment, education, and many additional career paths.
Location & Contacts
Jessica Barone
Department Chair
Brighton Campus
Building 8, Room 214
M thru F, 8:45am to 4:45pm
(585) 292-2448
jbarone@monroecc.edu