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Earth Science

Associate in Science



Program Details

The earth sciences major is interdisciplinary and designed to introduce the lower-division student to the various disciplines which focus on the earth and its physical environment. It is divided into two basic areas: earth science classes (geology, geography and anthropology) and supporting science classes (chemistry and physics). An Associate in Science Degree may be earned by completing a minimum of 60 units of degree credit coursework, including the major requirements and breadth requirements, with a minimum grade point average of 2.0. Students must complete all courses for the major with a grade of C or better.

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Earth Science Pathways

Pathways listed below are for the catalog year 2025-2026. Maps for previous years are available on each pathway page. What is a catalog year?

Featured Careers

Find your calling. Explore high-earning careers with entry-level data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

  • Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

    Master's degree, Doctoral degree

    • Job growth: Stable
    • Low salary: 53,310
    • High salary: 199,260
    • Average salary: 101390
    Stable Job Growth $ 101,390 Average Salary $53,310 $199,260

  • Clinical Research Coordinators

    Bachelor's degree, Certificate after high school

    • Job growth: Rising
    • Low salary: 79,830
    • High salary: 0
    • Average salary: 161180
    Rising Job Growth $ 161,180 Average Salary $79,830 $0

  • Geographers

    Bachelor's degree, Doctoral degree

    • Job growth: Stable
    • Low salary: 62,390
    • High salary: 133,680
    • Average salary: 97200
    Stable Job Growth $ 97,200 Average Salary $62,390 $133,680

All Careers in Earth Science (9)

Clinical Research CoordinatorsBachelor's degree, Certificate after high schoolRising161,180
Natural Sciences ManagersBachelor's degree, Post-doctoral trainingRising161,180
Water Resource SpecialistsBachelor's degree, Master's degreeRising161,180
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, PostsecondaryMaster's degree, Doctoral degreeStable101,390
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and GeographersMaster's degree, Bachelor's degreeRising99,240
GeographersBachelor's degree, Doctoral degreeStable97,200
HydrologistsMaster's degree, Bachelor's degreeStable92,060
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical EducationBachelor's degree, Master's degreeDeclining64,580
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians- n/aStable48,390

Program Pathways Mapper incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes help you work towards your educational goals.

  1. Describe the structure of the earth
  2. Differentiate between igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks
  3. Explain how the structure of the earth produces volcanoes, earthquakes, mountains, and other landforms
  4. Explain weathering and mass wasting processes