Geology

Associate of Science - Transfer, Track 1 (LRST1AS)

This pathway meets requirements for the Associate of Science - Transfer, Track 1 degree with a concentration in Geology. Completion of this degree prepares you to transfer into a Geology major at a four-year college or university, which opens doors to a variety of professional careers ...

This pathway meets requirements for the Associate of Science - Transfer, Track 1 degree with a concentration in Geology. Completion of this degree prepares you to transfer into a Geology major at a four-year college or university, which opens doors to a variety of professional careers in private and government service including subdisciplines like mining, petroleum, engineering, hydrology, geophysics and environmental geology. 

Students in this pathway develop skills in oral and written communication, critical thinking and problem solving, systems analysis, research design and planning, digital technology, collaboration, leadership, and intercultural fluency. 
 

Estimated Length of Completion

Degree Quarters Units
Associate of Science - Transfer, Track 1 (LRST1AS) Full time : 6 90-93

You may need more or fewer units depending on your transferred credits, individual situation, and goals.

Before Quarter One

Step 1: Apply and register at North Seattle College anytime (the application is always free). Once you become a student, register for classes using the online class schedule and go to the academic calendar for registration dates and tuition deadlines.

Step 2: See an advisor to create a personalized educational plan by the end of your second quarter. Your plan will include prerequisites, graduation requirements, and transfer preparation if you plan to transfer to another college or university to earn a bachelor's degree.

Sample Schedule and Quarterly To-Do List

90-93 Units

A sample schedule and quarterly to-do list are below. The schedule and to-do list will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The guide assumes a fall quarter start, but you can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level.

Note about the sample schedule: Courses are offered in various formats and may not be offered each quarter. Click the button with arrows throughout the map to expand the section and view detailed information.

Click to see details

Quarter 1
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
ART211 or ART222 or ART281
Choose a course
5 units
MATH&141
Precalculus I
5 units
CHEM&139
General Chemistry Prep
5 units
Quarter 2
To-Do List
17 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Create an educational plan with your assigned advisor.
  • Apply for financial aid for the upcoming academic year in Winter or Spring quarter to maximize your funding options.
  • Research and develop a list of four-year colleges and universities.
  • Attend transfer events at North and universities of interest.
  • Visit North's Transfer webpage for transfer information.
  • Attend the Northwest Geological Society and Association of Engineering and Environmental Geologists (AEEG) professional societies meetings.
ENGL&101
English Composition I
5 units
MATH&142
Precalculus II
5 units
CHEM&161
General Chem W/Lab I
6 units
GEOL111
Geology Field Day
1 units
Quarter 3
To-Do List
17 UNITS
To-Do List
GEOL&103 or ENVS&100
Choose a course
5 units
MATH&151
Calculus I
5 units
CHEM&162
General Chem W/Lab II
6 units
GEOL118
Volcano Field Day
1 units
Quarter 4
To-Do List
21 UNITS
To-Do List
  • .Update your educational plan and confirm your program of study with your assigned advisor.
  • Contact Geology departments and investigate geology subdisciplines at potential universities. 
  • Write your personal statement for university applications.
  • Attend transfer fair and workshops.
  • Research major-related scholarships such as: Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) and Association for Women Geoscientists (AWG) scholarship.
MATH&152
Calculus II
5 units
BIOL&211
Majors Cellular Biology
5 units
CHEM&163
General Chem W/Lab III
6 units
UGR294
Independent Research
5 units
Quarter 5
To-Do List
20 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Apply for the Associate of Science - Transfer, Track 1 degree in ctcLink. Check with your assigned advisor to be sure you are meeting degree requirements.
  • Update your educational plan with your assigned advisor.
  • Explore possible Geology Internships and/or undergraduate research projects.
  • Apply for financial aid for the upcoming academic year in Winter or Spring quarter to maximize your funding options.
  • Apply to universities or colleges and scholarships.
MATH&146 or MATH&163 or MATH211
Choose a course
5 units
UGR294
Independent Research
5 units
BIOL&212
Majors Animal
5 units
PHYS&114
General Phys I W/Lab
5 units
Quarter 6
To-Do List
20 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Check in with university for transfer plan.
  • Order cap and gown for commencement and join alumni association.
  • Attend on-campus graduation fair and commencement ceremony.
  • Attend Undergraduate Research Symposium at University of Washington.
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts or Individuals/Cultures/Societies
5 units
UGR294
Independent Research
5 units
BIOL&213
Majors Plant
5 units
ENVS&100 or GEOL&103
Choose a course
5 units

More Information

Tuition and Funding

It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing
either the FAFSA or the WASFA 2024-25.

Need help paying for college?

To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit North's Financial Aid Department for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.

Learn more about the estimated cost of attendance and general fees to attend college.

Career Opportunities

A Geology pathway can lead to various career opportunities. Examples include: 

  • Geologist 
  • Educator 
  • Natural Science Manager 
  • Surveyor 
  • Environmental Scientist 
  • Natural Science Manager 
  • Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) Technician 
  • Hydrologist / Geohydrologist 
  • Surveying and mapping technician 
  • Science technician 
  • Mining technician 
  • Land Use Planner 
  • Soil Specialist 

Most professional positions in this field require a Masters degree, although there are entry-level and technician positions filled by those with Bachelors degrees. Particularly in industry, entry-level positions can sometimes offer valuable experience and mentorship which create opportunities for advancement. Teaching at a 2- year College will require a Masters Degree, teaching at a 4-year college or university will require a Doctorate Degree. 

In the petroleum industry, most exploration geologists have Doctorate Degrees. Note that many engineering geologist positions require a degree in civil engineering. For current employment and wage estimates, please visit and search at www.bls.gov/oes.

Future Education Opportunities

Once you complete this associates degree, additional education opportunities include, but are not limited to: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Earth and Space Science, Environmental Science, or related field at a four-year college or university.
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree at one of the Seattle Colleges.

North Seattle College has direct transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Washington state, including the University of Washington, Washington State University, and Seattle University. Geology graduates from North have also transferred to out-of-state institutions. Program and admissions requirements vary from college-to-college. For example, Students wanting to go into the mining industry should tailor their studies to meet the requirements for a mining college such as: Colorado, South Dakota, Montana, Nevada, and the University of British Columbia. Contact a North advisor to create an educational plan tailored to transfer to the institution of your choice. You can use the College Navigator search engine found at http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to find Geology programs in Washington state or around the country. 

Additional Information

Learn more about the Transfer process, Transfer agreements, and Bachelor’s degrees including transferring to top universities around the state and nation, such as Historically Black Universities and Colleges.

Area of Study

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

Program Contact

John Figge
email

Math & Science Division

Location
IB 2429 

Division Contacts
email
(206) 934-3746
(206) 934-3748 (fax)

Mailing Address
NSC Math & Science Division
9600 College Way N
3N2429
Seattle, WA 98103

Advising Contact

Contact the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Area of Study advisor.

Phone: (206) 934-3658