Geology pre-Major

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Spokane Community College (SCC) Programs:

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Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) Programs:

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Winter 2018

Enrollment:

Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Degrees and Certificates

Program Description

Geology is the study of the Earth, its landforms, and formative processes. Geology involves both field-based and laboratory-based research and is one of the most interdisciplinary of the sciences because it involves virtually all of the scientific disciplines to understand and solve problems related to the Earth. Geologists study a wide variety of Earth features and processes from the identification of minerals and rocks to the processes of their formation. Geoscientists are also involved with mapping the earth utilizing a wide range of field and laboratory-based methods including remote sensing via satellites. Geologists are involved in the study of hazards associated with volcanism, earthquakes, flooding, and slope stability. Geologists work closely with engineers in the development of large construction projects as well as the environmental cleanup and remediation associated with various types of waste disposal. Geologists research Earth's ancient past including the evolution of the continents and oceans, life, the atmosphere and climate change. Finally, they study, explore, and manage a wide array of water, energy, and mineral resources that are critical to modern societies.

Career and employment opportunities for geologists are quite varied. A four-year graduate-level degree in geology can lead to careers in science education at the K-12 and collegiate levels as well as research in a variety of subdisciplines such as volcanology, marine geology, paleontology, seismology, tectonics, mineralogy, hydrology, soils, engineering geology, and geologic hazards. Earth science careers within industry include natural resource exploration and development (minerals and energy), and numerous options in the field of environmental assessment and remediation. Public agency positions for geoscientists range from local to city and county, to the state and federal levels. Students with geology degrees can go on to work in the fields of Parks and Outdoor Recreation as park rangers, guides, and interpretive professionals.

Consult a counselor or academic adviser for recommended courses specific to the student's choice of transfer institution.

Course of Study

  1. Complete AS-T degree requirements, or consult a college counselor/adviser for AA degree requirements.
  2. Carefully check the foreign language requirements of the college to which you plan to transfer. If possible, complete these requirements while enrolled at the community college.
  3. Completion of recommended courses in a pre-major for transfer does not necessarily assure a student admission to a four-year institution or a specific program.

College Transfer Information

While students attend college for a variety of reasons, most attend for the purpose of acquiring the knowledge and skills needed for entering a particular field of work, occupation or profession. Because the first two years of college are frequently spent meeting general college or university requirements, many options are available to students who plan to complete their freshman and sophomore years at SCC or SFCC.

Students should always check the requirements of the four-year institution from which they intend to graduate. Careful planning is necessary, as transferability of specific courses or programs is determined solely by the college to which the student transfers. Transfer guides, available in counseling centers at SCC and SFCC, should be consulted by all students planning to transfer.

Students who have not made a decision regarding a transfer institution should follow the Community Colleges of Spokane requirements for the associate of arts degree. These requirements will satisfy most of the general course requirements for graduation from other institutions. Requirements for the associate of arts degree and a complete listing of courses available will be found in the college catalog.

Counseling Services

Educational, vocational and personal counseling services are available to all students through the counseling centers at SCC or SFCC. Students may obtain professional counseling services prior to registration to plan their program of study. In addition, faculty advisers are assigned to each student to provide further assistance during the year.