Earth Science
Associate in Science Degree Geology · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
This Associate in Sciences Degree is designed to introduce the student to the multidisciplinary field of Earth Science. Students who complete this degree will be prepared for further study in Earth Science or related disciplines, for transfer to B.A./B.S. programs in Earth Science, or as preparation to teach Earth Science at a primary or secondary grade level . This degree requires a total of 24 units of which 16 units are in required courses. An additional 8 units must be chosen from the list of restricted electives.
Program Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how the scientific method is used to explore topics in earth science and geology.
- Students will be able to apply earth science/geology concepts to better understand current issues of environmental and/or geologic concern.
- Students will be able to demonstrate concept mastery.
Requirements
Review Graduation Requirements and General Education.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ASTR A100/ASTR A100H | Introduction to Astronomy | 3 |
| ASTR A100L/ASTR A100M | Introduction to Astronomy Laboratory | 1 |
| GEOL A105/GEOL A105H | General Geology | 3 |
| GEOL A105L/GEOL A105M | General Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| GEOL A185/GEOL A185H | Evolution of the Earth | 3 |
| GEOL A185L/GEOL A185M | Evolution of the Earth Lab | 1 |
| MRSC A100/MRSC A100H | Oceanography | 3 |
| MRSC A100L/MRSC A100M | Oceanography Laboratory | 1 |
| Restricted Electives - Select at least eight units of the following: | 8 | |
| ESEC A100/ESEC A100H | Introduction to Environmental Science | |
| GEOL A115 | California Geology | |
| GEOL A131 | Weather and Climate | |
| GEOL A132 | Geologic Field Studies - Death Valley | |
| GEOL A133 | Geologic Field Studies - Colorado Plateau | |
| GEOL A134 | Geologic Field Studies - Cascade Range | |
| GEOL A135 | Geology of the Natural Parks and Monuments | |
| GEOL A136 | Geologic Field Studies - San Andreas Fault | |
| GEOL A137 | Introductory Field Geology | |
| GEOL A138 | Geologic Field Studies - Yosemite National Park | |
| GEOL A139 | Geologic Field Studies - Eastern Sierra Nevada | |
| GEOL A141 | Geologic Field Studies - Mojave Desert | |
| GEOL A142 | Geologic Field Studies - Hawaii Volcanology | |
| GEOL A160 | Environmental Geology | |
| GEOL A165 | Natural Disasters | |
| GEOL A280 | Introduction to Mineralogy | |
| GEOL A285 | Petrology | |
| MRSC A185 | Coastal Oceanography | |
| MRSC A185L | Coastal Oceanography Lab | |
| Total Major Units | 24 | |
| OCC AS General Education | up to 21 | |
| Transferable electives as needed to satisfy unit requirements | varies | |
| Total Minimum Degree Units - OCC AS GE | 60 | |
- Some program major units may also meet GE requirements.
- Cal-GETC pattern (up to 34 units) may be substituted.
Program Sequence
Program Sequence
These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Units |
|---|---|
| ASTR A100or ASTR A100H | Introduction to Astronomy 1or Introduction to Astronomy Honors |
| ASTR A100Lor ASTR A100M | Introduction to Astronomy Laboratoryor Introduction to Astronomy Laboratory Honors |
| OCC AS GE AREA 1A- CHOOSE ONE | 3 |
| OCC AS GE AREA 2 - CHOOSE ONE | 3-4 |
| OCC AS GE AREA 3 - CHOOSE ONE | 3 |
| Units |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| GEOL A105or GEOL A105H |
| GEOL A105Lor GEOL A105M |
| OCC AS GE AREA 1B - CHOOSE ONE |
| OCC AS GE AREA 6 - CHOOSE ONE |
| ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 2 |
| Summer |
|---|
| ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) |
Year 2
| Semester 1 |
|---|
| MRSC A100or MRSC A100H |
| MRSC A100Lor MRSC A100M |
| OCC AS GE AREA 4 - CHOOSE ONE |
| AS RESTRICTED ELECTIVE (See Requirements) - CHOOSE ONE 3 |
| ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 2 |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| GEOL A185or GEOL A185H |
| GEOL A185Lor GEOL A185M |
| AS RESTRICTED ELECTIVE (See Requirements) - CHOOSE ONE 3 |
| ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 2 |
- Satisfies OCC AS GE, Area 5
- VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 DEGREE APPLICABLE UNITS
- 8 units total required