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Geology
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Contact: Julie Bray-AliTitle: DepartmentContact: jbray-ali@mtsac.edu
Career Outlook Geology

Natural Sciences Division
Degree S0670

Mt. San Antonio College Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer degree includes such topics as mineral and rock identification, earthquakes, plate tectonics, history of geological and evolutionary change, volcanism, climate change and geomorphology. The Associate in Science in Geology prepares students with the foundational knowledge necessary to pursue post-secondary degrees in geology and careers with a variety of specializations in the geosciences. The Associate in Science in Geology is designed to assist students in seamlessly transferring to a CSU major in Geology.
To earn an Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer, a student must complete a minimum of 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to the CSU system that consist of the IGETC pattern or CSU GE breadth and a major of at least 18 units more. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework to receive an associate degree for transfer and all courses in the major must be completed with a C or better. Students earning an associate degree for transfer will not be required to complete any other local graduation requirements.

Required Courses 

Industry StatisticsJob Titles & Salaries
Select a related job title below to view demand & salary information
    • Geothermal Production Managers

      Geothermal Production Managers

      SOC Career Code: 11-3051.02

      Manage operations at geothermal power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor geothermal plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $46.08

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $126,687.69
      Annual Job Openings
      2,084

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Natural Sciences Managers

      Natural Sciences Managers

      SOC Career Code: 11-9121.00

      Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $74.46

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $198,577.60
      Annual Job Openings
      1,430

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Water Resource Specialists

      Water Resource Specialists

      SOC Career Code: 11-9121.02

      Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $74.46

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $198,577.60
      Annual Job Openings
      1,430

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • GIS Technicians

      GIS Technicians

      SOC Career Code: 15-1299.02

      Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $35.56

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $121,011.90
      Annual Job Openings
      7,737

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Geodetic Surveyors

      Geodetic Surveyors

      SOC Career Code: 17-1022.01

      Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $37.66

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $100,608.31
      Annual Job Openings
      401

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Environmental Engineers

      Environmental Engineers

      SOC Career Code: 17-2081.00

      Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $40.06

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $111,966.40
      Annual Job Openings
      478

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Mining and Geological Engineers

      Mining and Geological Engineers

      SOC Career Code: 17-2151.00

      Conduct subsurface surveys to identify the characteristics of potential land or mining development sites. May specify the ground support systems, processes, and equipment for safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction or underground construction activities. May inspect areas for unsafe geological conditions, equipment, and working conditions. May design, implement, and coordinate mine safety programs.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $46.37

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $132,504.98
      Annual Job Openings
      67

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Petroleum Engineers

      Petroleum Engineers

      SOC Career Code: 17-2171.00

      Devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $38.34

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $133,297.56
      Annual Job Openings
      115

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Soil and Plant Scientists

      Soil and Plant Scientists

      SOC Career Code: 19-1013.00

      Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $30.51

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $78,956.96
      Annual Job Openings
      282

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Conservation Scientists

      Conservation Scientists

      SOC Career Code: 19-1031.00

      Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $28.05

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $76,701.39
      Annual Job Openings
      243

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Atmospheric and Space Scientists

      Atmospheric and Space Scientists

      SOC Career Code: 19-2021.00

      Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $47.67

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $114,899.20
      Annual Job Openings
      110

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Geoscientists

      Geoscientists

      SOC Career Code: 19-2042.00

      Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $37.04

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $101,453.04
      Annual Job Openings
      415

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Hydrologists

      Hydrologists

      SOC Career Code: 19-2043.00

      Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $39.70

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $111,349.20
      Annual Job Openings
      85

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Geological Technicians

      Geological Technicians

      SOC Career Code: 19-4043.00

      Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $24.19

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $65,852.80
      Annual Job Openings
      103

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Postsecondary Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Science Teachers

      Postsecondary Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Science Teachers

      SOC Career Code: 25-1051.00

      Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $40.38

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $109,747.91
      Annual Job Openings
      19,689

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Geothermal Technicians

      Geothermal Technicians

      SOC Career Code: 49-9099.01

      Perform technical activities at power plants or individual installations necessary for the generation of power from geothermal energy sources. Monitor and control operating activities at geothermal power generation facilities and perform maintenance and repairs as necessary. Install, test, and maintain residential and commercial geothermal heat pumps.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $17.73

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $46,673.00
      Annual Job Openings
      3,230

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages

Certificate & Degree Details

Select a certificate below to expand details
  • Geology

    Natural Sciences Division
    Degree S0670

    Mt. San Antonio College Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer degree includes such topics as mineral and rock identification, earthquakes, plate tectonics, history of geological and evolutionary change, volcanism, climate change and geomorphology. The Associate in Science in Geology prepares students with the foundational knowledge necessary to pursue post-secondary degrees in geology and careers with a variety of specializations in the geosciences. The Associate in Science in Geology is designed to assist students in seamlessly transferring to a CSU major in Geology.
    To earn an Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer, a student must complete a minimum of 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to the CSU system that consist of the IGETC pattern or CSU GE breadth and a major of at least 18 units more. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework to receive an associate degree for transfer and all courses in the major must be completed with a C or better. Students earning an associate degree for transfer will not be required to complete any other local graduation requirements.

    Required Courses 

    Course Prefix Course Name Units
    CHEM 50General Chemistry I5
    or CHEM 50H General Chemistry I - Honors
    CHEM 51General Chemistry II5
    or CHEM 51H General Chemistry II - Honors
    GEOL 1Physical Geology4
    GEOL 2Historical Geology4
    MATH 180Calculus and Analytic Geometry I4
    MATH 181Calculus and Analytic Geometry II4
    Total Units26
How to Complete the Program

Guided Pathways

Program Guided Pathways

Contacts

Department Contact

Contact: Julie Bray-AliTitle: DepartmentContact: jbray-ali@mtsac.edu

Office Contact

Location: Building 60Phone: (909) 274-4148