Geology is an exciting and challenging major for students with broad scientific interests and a love for natural systems, our environment, and our planet’s history. Geology is a multi-disciplinary science that applies chemistry, biology, physics, oceanography, mathematics, and engineering to the natural world around us. The rich variety of its fields of study includes oceanography, paleontology, geophysics, hydrogeology, geochemistry, engineering geology, environmental geology and more. Geology majors apply their skills and knowledge to solve complex problems related to human interaction with natural systems, hazards and resources, and to communicate these solutions and options to the public.

The Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer degree (AS-T) prepares students to transfer into the CSU system to complete a bachelor’s degree in Geology, Geoscience, Earth Science, or a major deemed similar by a CSU campus. For a current list of what majors (and what options or areas of emphasis within that major) have been designated as “similar” to this degree at each CSU campus, please refer to CSU’s Associate Degree for Transfer Major and Campus Search and seek guidance from an Oxnard College counselor. Students earning an associate degree for transfer and meeting the CSU minimum transfer admission requirements are guaranteed admission with junior standing to the CSU system. The AS-T degree also prepares students for transfer to a UC campus in Geology, though additional coursework may be required.

To earn an AS-T in Geology degree, students must complete the following:

1. Complete 60 CSU-transferable semester units.
2. Minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework. While a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some majors may require a higher GPA. Please consult with a counselor for more information.
3. Completion of a minimum of 18 semester units in an “AA-T” or “AS-T” major as detailed in the Course and Program Information section of the catalog. All courses in the major must be completed with a grade of C or better or a “P” if the course is taken on a “pass-no pass” basis (Title 5 § 55063).
4. Certified completion of the California State University General Education-Breadth pattern (CSU GE-Breadth); OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern.

Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the AS-T in Geology degree will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree. This degree may not necessarily 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. Students should consult with a counselor when planning to complete the degree for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• Apply the scientific method to solve earth science problems such as determining the age of the Earth or determining the origin of the oceans.
• Acquire knowledge and skills sufficient to allow one to pursue advanced study in earth science or find employment in earth science related fields.
• Apply general math skills such as unit conversion, ratios and percentages to solving simple rate problems; evaluate data, produce and interpret tables and graphs; apply the metric system of measurement.
• Demonstrate scientific literacy by defining and explaining the major steps in the scientific method of investigation, specifically, the difference between empirical data, interpretation, testable hypothesis, theory, paradigm, speculation, and pseudo-science.
• Display written competency in the description and analysis of earth science subject matter.
• Identify, research, evaluate and integrate scholarly literature within the discipline.
• List and categorize common natural resources and explain their origin, spatial distribution, appropriate exploration methods, and the resulting products, wastes, and contaminants.
• List, explain, and evaluate global and local earth science hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and seismic sea waves.
• Recognize applications of earth science in everyday life.