Associate of Science - Geology - Transfer Degree

Students completing the program will be able to... • Identify, describe, and classify earth materials, formations, and structures and interpret them in terms of geologic processes. • Synthesize information from a variety of physical science disciplines to solve geologic problems. • Develop and demonstrate analytical and critical thinking skills required for transfer into a four-year geologic science program.

The associate in science in geology for transfer at Diablo Valley College (DVC) prepares students to transfer to a California State University (CSU) or other four-year college or university to earn a bachelor’s of science degree in geology, geological science, or similarly named earth science field. In addition, the course work prepares students for a wide range of professional opportunities across many scientific disciplines.

The associate in science in geology for transfer consists of 28 units of study, including eight units of geology where students will learn the fundamentals of geologic science and gain hands-on experience in geology laboratories. In addition, students will complete a year of calculus courses and a year of chemistry courses. Though not specifically required by this transfer major, it is highly recommended that students also take a year of physics courses that are typically required for a bachelor’s degree at four-year institutions.

The associate in science in geology for transfer is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major.

In order to earn the degree, students must: • Complete 60 CSU-transferable units. • Complete the California State University-General Education pattern (CSU GE); or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern, including the Area 1C requirement for Oral Communication. • Complete a minimum of 18 units in the major. • Attain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. • Earn a grade of “C“ or higher in all courses required for the major.

Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the degree will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree. This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system, or those students who do not intend to transfer.

Some courses in the major satisfy both major and CSU GE/IGETC general education requirements; however, the units are only counted once toward the 60 unit requirement for an associate degree. Some variations in requirements may exist at certain four-year institutions; therefore, students who intend to transfer are advised to refer to the catalog of the prospective transfer institution and consult a counselor.