Associate of Science - Geology

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 geology major at Diablo Valley College (DVC) prepares students to transfer to a University of California, California State University, or other baccalaureate-granting college or university to earn a bachelor’s degree in geology or other earth science.

The geology major at DVC consists of at least 38 units of study, including 8 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, a year of chemistry courses, and a year of physics courses that are typically required for a bachelor’s degree at baccalaureate-granting institutions. A list of electives including courses such as California Geology, Maps and Cartography, or Introduction to Field Geology allows the student to explore specific fields of greater interest.

The DVC geology major is intended for transfer. Students who intend to transfer must consult with a program advisor or counselor to ensure that the requirements for transfer to baccalaureate-granting institutions of their choice are met. Students who intend to transfer are advised to select General Education Option 2 (IGETC) or Option 3 (CSU GE). Option 1 (DVC General Education) is not generally advised.

To earn an associate in science degree with a major in geology, students must complete each course used to meet a major requirement with a “C” grade or higher and maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher in the coursework required for the major. Certain courses may satisfy both major and general education requirements; however, the units are only counted once.