Earth Science Degrees and Careers

Pre-Major: Earth Sciences

Program Description

The Science Department at SCC offers courses in the fields of physical geology, historical geology, environmental geology, and Pacific Northwest geology. These courses would enable students to pursue interests in the earth sciences either as a major area of study, part of the liberal arts curriculum, or to satisfy a broadened interest of study.

Earth Science Careers

Employment opportunities in the earth sciences are considerably varied. A four-year or graduate-level degree in the earth sciences can lead to careers as science educators at the K/12 and collegiate levels as well as researchers in a variety of subdisciplines such as volcanology, marine geology, paleontology, seismology, tectonics, mineralogy, hydrology, soils, engineering geology, and geologic hazards. Earth science careers within industry include natural resource exploration and development (minerals and energy), and numerous options in the field of environmental assessment and remediation. Public agency positions for earth scientists range from local, city and county to the state and federal levels.

For more information on earth science careers, go to:

• University of North Carolina's Very Long List of Careers for Geology Majors
• U.S. Dept. of Labor's Occupational Outlook for Environmental and Geoscientists
• EnviroEducation's Educational and Career Outlook for Geology
• Links to the Latest Jobs Available in Geosciences
• Women in Geology
• What do Earth Scientists do?
• Profiles of Geoscientists
• Careers in the Geosciences
• Buffalo State University's Info on Careers in the Geosciences and Salaries
• Geological Society's Info on Geoscience Careers

Because of the nature of their work, earth scientists are often required to travel to unique and diverse locations worldwide; relocation for job prospects, depending on the branch of earth science pursued, should be considered. Future employment trends in the earth sciences will focus on an increasing awareness to environmental systems including water, soil, and biological resources. The understanding of pollutants and contamination of earth systems will continue to be a challenge for future generations.

Course of Study for Earth Science Majors

1. Complete A. A. degree requirements as set by the Community Colleges of Spokane.

2. Carefully check the science and foreign language requirements for the degree and college for which you plan on pursuing. If possible, complete these requirements while enrolled at the community college.

3. Completion of recommended courses in a pre-major for transfer does not necessarily assure a student admission to a four-year institution or specific program.

4. Suggested courses in your program of study that you should consider completing before transfer are outlined below.

Geology Course Work

Non-Geology Science Course Work

The following courses should be considered before transfer. These courses are typically required for a Bachelor of Science degree. Each four-year institution will have specific degree requirements for non-geology science courses and these requirements should be investigated by the student completely before registration.