Geology
Interested in learning how our planet works and helping to solve some of today’s most pressing environmental problems? A degree in geology may be just what you are looking for. In Highline’s geology classes you will study the science of Earth including its history, internal processes, surface features, and natural systems. You can explore how geology impacts your daily life, from the formation, extraction and use of mineral, rock and energy resources to geologic hazards like earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides. You will also explore how humans impact the planet through depletion of natural resources to ocean acidification and climate change. Whether you want to research volcanoes or earthquakes, work in the environmental field, or pursue a career in private industry, government or as a teacher, this program will lay the groundwork for a variety of geology-related career options.
An Associate of Arts (AA-DTA) or Associate of Science (AS/Geology) will prepare you to transfer as a junior into a four-year college or university for a degree in geology or environmental science.
Career
Geologists work in many fields, depending on their personal interests. Some work to find and maintain important natural resources like clean drinking water, the materials (rocks, minerals, metals) we use to build our communities and support our way of life, or the petroleum and energy resources society needs to function. Other geologists work to understand and solve environmental problems, from groundwater pollution to climate change or to help to mitigate/prevent the damage caused by natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes, and landslides. Whatever your particular interest, a 4-year degree in geology can lead to rewarding and well-paid careers in industry, government, and education.
Associates Degrees
An Associate of Arts (AA-DTA) demonstrates to future colleges or universities that you are serious about your course of study, and have taken the steps to complete many general and some major pre-requisite courses prior to enrolling at a 4- year school.
PDF Program Map
GPA Requirement:
Minimum 2.0 cumulative college-level G.P.A.
Number of Credits:
Minimum 90 credits of courses numbered 100 and above
Degree or Certificate Learning Outcomes:
- (A) General Core Competencies (from Highline College):
Critical Thinking
Quantitative Reasoning
Effective Communication
Information and Visual Literacy
Community and Social Responsibility
Globalism - Geology- Specific Learning Outcomes:
Express hypothesis-based critical thinking that demonstrates a knowledge of the scientific method
Develop a working knowledge of the fundamentals of geology, including plate tectonics, the formation and importance of minerals and rocks, and geologic hazards
An understanding of geologic time and how geologic principles are used interpret Earth’s history
Understand and describe the plate tectonic setting of the Pacific Northwest, and consequences of this setting with respect to the region’s topography, geologic features, and geologic hazards
Articulate the impacts of geology on everyday life
Develop the ability to discuss geologic events and processes using appropriate terminology and in a clear, factually correct manner
Gain sufficient knowledge of geologic processes and features to continue successfully in future Geology classes at a 4- year institution
Top Transfer-To institutions
- University Of Washington
- Western Washington Univeristy
- Central Washington University
Important Dates or Milestones Specific to Degree/Certificate
No dates specific to Geology outside of the general Highline College AA-DTA or AS-DTA dates and milestones.
Completing the pre-requisites for or testing into this series early in their course of study would be advisable.
Key Advisors
An Associate of Science (AS) demonstrates to future colleges or universities that you are serious about your course of study, and have taken the steps to complete many general and some major pre-requisite courses prior to enrolling at a 4- year school.
PDF Program Map
GPA Requirement:
Minimum 2.0 cumulative college-level G.P.A.
Number of Credits:
Minimum 90 credits of courses numbered 100 and above
Degree or Certificate Learning Outcomes:
- (A) General Core Competencies (from Highline College):
Critical Thinking
Quantitative Reasoning
Effective Communication
Information and Visual Literacy
Community and Social Responsibility
Globalism - Geology- Specific Learning Outcomes:
Express hypothesis-based critical thinking that demonstrates a knowledge of the scientific method
Develop a working knowledge of the fundamentals of geology, including plate tectonics, the formation and importance of minerals and rocks, and geologic hazards
An understanding of geologic time and how geologic principles are used interpret Earth’s history
Understand and describe the plate tectonic setting of the Pacific Northwest, and consequences of this setting with respect to the region’s topography, geologic features, and geologic hazards
Articulate the impacts of geology on everyday life
Develop the ability to discuss geologic events and processes using appropriate terminology and in a clear, factually correct manner
Gain sufficient knowledge of geologic processes and features to continue successfully in future Geology classes at a 4- year institution
Top Transfer-To institutions
- University Of Washington
- Western Washington University
- Central Washington University
Important Dates or Milestones Specific to Degree/Certificate
No dates specific to Geology outside of the general Highline College AA-DTA or AS-DTA dates and milestones.
Completing the pre-requisites for or testing into this series early in their course of study would be advisable.