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 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
- Pre-College or Transitional Studies Math (if needed).
- Pre-College or Transitional Studies English (if needed).
- Apply for Financial Aid and other funding before your first quarter. Visit the Financial Aid Office to explore how to pay for college.
- Transfer previous college credits to North if applicable.
- Attend New Student Orientation.
- Explore placement options: take the math and English placement tool if needed.
- Make an informed choice on the number of units to take each quarter.
- F-1 international students must enroll full time (12+ units) each quarter and check in with the International Programs office before the start of the quarter if enrolling in less than 12 units and/or before starting any work or volunteer experience.
- If you need academic accommodations for a documented disability, please contact Disability Services.
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 UnitsA 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
- Schedule an advising appointment with your assigned advisor or retention specialist in Starfish to meet and discuss your goals. Learn more about Starfish.
- Explore careers and majors through workshops, counseling and career services.
- Come to the Library to get help with research; check out resources; access computers and study space; and create media projects.
- Visit the Student Learning Center to learn about tutoring services offered in-person and online.
- Check out campus life: Student Clubs and Affinity Groups, AANAPISI, TRIO, Community & Welcome Center, Wellness Center, etc.
- Apply to LSAMP.
- Create an education plan with your assigned advisor or retention specialist.
- Apply for the Seattle Colleges Foundation Scholarship and other scholarships.
- 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 workshops and a transfer fair.
- Attend the Northwest Geological Society and Association of Engineering and Environmental Geologists (AEEG) professional societies meetings.
- Update your education plan with your assigned advisor or retention specialist.
- Connect with potential universities' admission offices at transfer fairs and info sessions and determine application procedures and deadlines.
- Consider Student Leadership positions and other on-campus jobs.
- Attend the University of Washington Undergraduate Research Symposium.
- Explore summer course offerings from your second year classes.
- Consult geology instructor on volunteer opportunities or field work in the summer.
- Update your education plan and confirm your program of study with your assigned advisor or retention specialist.
- Contact Geology departments and investigate geology subdisciplines at potential universities.
- Write your personal statement for university applications.
- Attend transfer workshops and connect with universities if you haven't already.
- Research major-related scholarships such as: Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) and Association for Women Geoscientists (AWG) scholarship.
- Apply to graduate for the Associate of Science – Transfer, Track 1 (LRST1AS) degree in ctcLink. Check with your assigned advisor or retention specialist to be sure you are meeting degree requirements.
- 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.
- Check in with university for transfer plan.
- Order cap and gown for commencement and join alumni association.
- Attend graduation celebrations and commencement ceremony.
- Attend Undergraduate Research Symposium at University of Washington.
More Information
Tuition and Funding
It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing
either the
FAFSA or the
WASFA 2025-26.
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 MathProgram 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
Dean
Alissa Agnello
Advising Contact
Contact the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Area of Study advisor.
Phone: (206) 934-3658