Geology

Choose a Degree Designed for a Career or Transfer

A geology degree from El Camino will prepare you to transfer. Or you can use your degree to enter a career after graduating. We can help you achieve either goal.

Geology Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) Degree

The AS-T degree in geology sets you on a direct path to complete a bachelor's degree in a similar major at a California State University (CSU) campus. You will also get priority consideration for admission to the California State University (CSU) system.

• Join one of the largest community college geology programs in the state as you learn about materials, structures, and processes that compose and shape Earth.
• Study plate tectonics and the forces that create volcanoes, earthquakes, and mountains.
• Investigate renewable and non-renewable resources.
• Explore regions of the West and gain valuable field experience with classes that focus on Death Valley, Owens Valley, Sierra Nevada, southeastern California, and coastal California.
• Complete most lower-division requirements for a bachelor’s degree.

Pursue an Entry-Level Job or Further Education

With a geology degree from El Camino, you’ll be set to transfer immediately to begin working on a bachelor’s degree at another school. Your critical-thinking and problem-solving skills and scientific knowledge will also serve you well for any career you choose.

• Explore careers in environmental geology, teaching, engineering, environmental remediation, oil and mining companies, state or regional government, education, geological surveying, geochemistry, volcanology, field seismology and geotechnical engineering.
• Learn to lead, innovate, and work in careers with professional advancement opportunities.
• Pursue higher education levels for additional career options.
• Careers associated with this degree have a salary range from $45,000 to over $208,000 with an average salary of $105,000.

Take Your Education Outside of the Classroom

Get hands-on career experience and opportunities to study geology in the field.

• Be a part of the Geology Club, participating in research field trips and volunteering with the South Bay Lapidary and Mineral Society, which also supports geology scholarships.
• Find opportunities to conduct and present scientific research.
• Attend interesting workshops designed for geology majors.
• Join the active Science Club and participate in faculty-led field trips to state/national parks that focus on geology, topography, and other scientific disciplines.
• Explore the sciences in multiple lab settings, in addition to an on-campus planetarium and observatory with several telescopes.
• Find support from tutoring to the successful Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program that provides a peer-based academic community.