Geology, AS

Program Description

The Associate of Science, Geology is a two-year transferable program that will teach you the fundamental skills of an Earth scientist. You will explore the physical and biological processes that shape the Earth, examine the distribution of resources humanity relies on, and learn the skills to interpret our planet's past, present, and future. The degree includes courses in science, math, and general education that will partially satisfy the bachelor of science in Geology at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). It will also partially  meet the requirements for the following bachelor of science degrees at UNR: Geological Engineering, Geophysics, and Hydrogeology. 

Geology Career Map

Recommended Course Schedule

Program Requirements

Associate of Science degrees are designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university.  

To earn an AS degree, students must:

1. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (see requirements for graduation.)
2. Complete a minimum of 15 units within the college.
3. Satisfy General Education requirements for the AS.
4. Have no financial or library obligation to the college.

¹

If you place into ENG 102 or ENG 114 the additional 3 required units will become elective units.

²

MATH 181 and MATH 182 are required of Geology majors at UNR prior to graduation.

³

Course may also count toward degree requirements. Please consult with Academic Advisement.

Program Outcomes

Students completing the degree will:

PSLO 1: describe tectonic processes and relate them to rock formation and deformation.

PSLO 2: identify common minerals and rocks and interpret their origins.

PSLO 3: apply basic relative and absolute dating techniques to evaluate the ages of events in the geologic record.

PSLO 4: explain how physical processes, such as climate change, tectonic activity, and extraterrestrial events affect the evolution of the Earth system including the biosphere.

PSLO 5: operate basic geotechnical software and hardware to collect, analyze, and display geospatial data.

PSLO 6: demonstrate understanding of the occurrence of mineral, energy, and water resources, including their extraction and its associated problems.

PSLO 7: interpret the geologic history of a selected region, applying appropriate field observation techniques and literature review.

Transfer Agreements

AA/AS degrees are designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university. General information about general transfer agreements can be found on the Academic Advisement website. Students who intend to transfer to another college or university should speak with a TMCC Academic Advisor and consult with that institution. The transfer institution determines how TMCC courses will transfer. TMCC has agreements with the following institutions towards a bachelor's degree in the same or similar discipline.

• University of Nevada, Reno