# Geology for Transfer (AS-T Degree)

Sierra College · 2025-2026 Catalog · Department: Earth Science

Source: https://catalog.sierracollege.edu/archive/2025-2026/departments/earth-science/#Transfer

Geology investigates our planet Earth from diverse perspectives, spanning from the smaller scale study of its building blocks (minerals) to the larger scale study of its dynamism (Theory of Plate Tectonics), as well as its history and the relationship between the physical environment and the evolution of life. This is accomplished by viewing the planet as a system, where there are interactions between the lithosphere, the atmosphere, the hydrosphere and the biosphere. Within this context, students develop strong critical thinking, problem solving, communication and technical skills to work in a relatively large set of career fields beyond that of Geology, such as Hydrology, Geophysics, Oceanography, Meteorology and Environmental Science. The required curricular sequence also provides the necessary skills in the physical sciences and mathematics required for junior standing at baccalaureate institutions. Thus, future Earth Scientists acquire both a global and sequential way to approach topics, with an emphasis on the interdisciplinary nature of the field and also enhance their expertise through hands-on laboratory work, readying themselves for the applied nature of the workforce (industry, consulting and government agencies).

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 or a major deemed similar by a CSU campus. 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, but not to a particular campus or major. Upon transfer, students will be required to complete no more than 60 additional prescribed units to earn a bachelor’s degree.

To earn the Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer degree, students must complete 60 CSU-transferable semester units with a minimum grade point average of 2.0, including both of the following:

-   completion of all courses required for the major with grades of “C” or better; and
-   California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)

The exact wording of the law pertaining to associate degrees for transfer may be found in Education Code Section 66746.

It is highly recommended that, prior to transferring, students complete courses that satisfy the CSU United States History, Constitution and American Ideals graduation requirement. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

**RESTRICTION:** International coursework from non-United States regionally accredited institutions cannot be applied to associate degrees for transfer.

**Required Courses**

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ESCI 0001 | Physical Geology | 3 |
| ESCI 0001L | Physical Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| ESCI 0003 | Historical Geology | 3 |
| ESCI 0003L | Historical Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 0001A | General Chemistry I (OR) | 5-6 |
| or ↳ CHEM 0003A & CHEM 0003B | General Chemistry I - Part 1and General Chemistry I - Part 2 |  |
| CHEM 0001B | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| MATH 0030 | Analytical Geometry and Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 0031 | Analytical Geometry and Calculus II | 4 |
| **Total Units** | | **26-27** |

While the following courses are not required for this degree, completion of these courses will better prepare students for upper-division geology courses.

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ↳ PHYS 0205 & PHYS 0205L | Principles of Physics: Mechanicsand Principles of Physics Laboratory: Mechanics | 5 |
| ↳ PHYS 0210 & PHYS 0210L | Principles of Physics: Electricity and Magnetismand Principles of Physics Laboratory: Electricity and Magnetism | 4 |
| ↳ PHYS 0215 & PHYS 0215L | Principles of Physics: Heat, Waves and Modern Physicsand Principles of Physics Laboratory: Heat, Waves and Modern Physics | 4 |