In Cascadia College’s Geology pathway, you willstudy the earth, the materials of which it is made, the structure of those materials, and the processes acting upon them. Geologists may work in interdisciplinary and collaborative settings on diverse issues such as climate change, natural disasters, mining, and water security. A strong foundation in Math, Chemistry, and Physics is required for admission into an Earth and Space Sciences Bachelor of Science degree.
Modalities
Coursework may be completed through a combination of in-person (web enhanced), hybrid and online modes, though not every course is offered in the same modality each quarter. Specific courses may be offered at certain times of the year. Consult the current Class Schedule.
Placement
Many courses at Cascadia College have placement prerequisites for reading, writing and math ability. The courses that you will place into determine how you progress through your pathway and how long your degree will take. There are a variety of ways to find your English and Math placement level.
You will need to consult with an academic advisor after placement to be sure to enroll in a course that is consistent with your planned course of study.
You will take math through MATH& 163 Calculus 3. You will have the option of taking either CHEM& 162 General Chemistry with Lab II or MATH 238 Differential Equations. This major map assumes CHEM 162. See an advisor to plan for MATH 238 instead. You will also take 3 Calculus-based Physics classes.
If you have any questions about this pathway, contact: advising@cascadia.edu.
Planning Your Courses:
Advisors are here for you. Academic Advisors will help you develop the skills to make sound academic decisions. Through advising, Advisors will support you to make connections between academic interests, long-term goals, and career opportunities. Advisors help with educational planning, university transfer options, college application processes, and graduation requirements. You will have touchpoints with Advisors to ensure you are on track to success. Connect with the Advising, Career, and Transfer team!
The Annual Course Planning Guide show Cascadia’s tentative plan for classes and the quarters in which they are offered. It is intended for planning purposes only and should not be considered a guarantee of class offerings. Actual quarterly sections may be changed, added, or removed. Students should use the Searchable Quarterly Class Schedule to see up to date class offerings.
0-30 credits
30-60 credits
60-90 credits
Choice Classes: Distribution and Elective Requirements - Explore and align your interests.
The recommended choice classes listed below were thoughtfully chosen to help you gain the necessary skills in this pathway. You are welcome to choose other choice classes outside the recommended list, but consult with an academic advisor to be sure that the classes meet the specific requirements for this pathway.
150 Equity, Diversity, and Power (10 credits)
To meet the Equity, Diversity, and Power completion requirement, you must complete one 150-series EDP course, and at least one additional EDP-designated course for a total of ten (10) credits. EDP courses in the 150-series ground students in the needed cognitive tools and background to critically analyze their position in our increasingly interconnected, complex, and diverse world so they can pursue further study and seek out their careers more intentionally. EDP designated courses may also apply toward Humanities, Social Science, Natural Science, or General Elective distribution requirements as indicated.
Transfer Opportunities
Associate in Integrated Studies-Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) The Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) associate degree is designed to transfer to most Bachelor of Arts degrees at all four-year colleges and universities in Washington state. The DTA is sometimes called an Associate in Arts or an Associate in Arts and Sciences. DTA degrees provide students: Priority consideration in the admissions for most humanities and social science majors at public universities in Washington ahead of students without a degree. Completion of lower division general education requirements. Credit for all courses completed within the DTA up to and in some cases beyond 90 credits. Opportunity to explore several fields of study through the category of up to 30 credits of elective courses. Opportunity to complete prerequisites for a future major. Cascadia College’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Practices (BAASP) Cascadia College's Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Practices provides a pathway to careers in the green industry. Graduates will learn the skills necessary to plan and implement sustainability approaches to how we live and work by managing complex projects for government agencies, companies and non-profit organizations, environmental water, energy, and agriculture industries, construction management firms, and educational institutions.Cascadia College's Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Practices provides a pathway to careers in the green industry. Graduates will learn the skills necessary to plan and implement sustainability approaches to how we live and work by managing complex projects for government agencies, private companies, non-profit organizations, environmental water, energy, and agriculture industries, construction management firms, and educational institutions.
University of Washington, Seattle
The University of Washington-Seattle has two degree options: a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. The Bachelor of Arts is designed for undergraduates who wish to study earth sciences as a background for other careers, such as teaching, science journalism, environmental law, or policy. The Bachelor of Science degree is designed for students interested in coursework in geology and geophysics and a career path in graduate studies or the private sector where field and technology experiences and problem-solving skills will be an important asset. Students are encouraged to contact the Department of Earth and Space Sciences early at essadv@uw.edu to discuss the best pathway. This major map assumes students are pursuing Bachelor of Science.
View Cascadia’s Transfer Agreements for details of our partnerships with other colleges and universities.
University admissions requirements may vary – consult with the Career and Transfer Center for transfer assistance to plan your career and future educational goals.
Geologists work in a variety of settings. These include: natural resource companies, environmental consulting companies, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and universities. Many geologists do field work at least part of the time. Others spend their time in laboratories, classrooms, or offices. All geologists prepare reports, do calculations, and use computers.
Although a bachelor's degree is required for entry-level employment, many geologists earn master's or doctorate degrees. The advanced degrees provide a higher level of training, often in a geology specialty area such as geomorphology, paleontology, mineralogy, hydrology, or volcanology. Advanced degrees will often qualify geologists for supervisory positions, research assignments, or teaching positions at the university level. These are some of the most sought-after jobs in the field of geology.
You can learn more about career possibilities related to your interests in this pathway through O*Net Online. O*Net Online shares information about related careers, salary, skills related to the industry and more.
Connect with Cascadia’s Career and Transfer Center for assistance as you go through the process of planning career and future educational goals.
Some job opportunities may also exist in business corporations, non-profits, and Tribal Enterprises.