Field of Interest
Geology plays a role in every aspect of your life. Materials that you use every day, oil, metals, soaps, etc., all come from natural resources that have been discovered and mined by geologists. The understanding of how the interior and exterior of the planet works helps geologist locate these resources. In addition, many of the hazards facing the world today, including earthquakes, volcanoes and the changing climate are better understood through geology.
The Geology program at MCC is ideal for the student who wants to major in geology at a four-year university or simply wants to expand their knowledge in this discipline. Contact the Physical Science Department for more information, advising, and to get started today.
Transfer Degree
Want to pursue a bachelor’s degree? Save money by starting at MCC in manageable, small classes taught by renowned faculty. Our transfer pathways with Arizona universities help you achieve two goals: completing an associate’s degree while also staying on track to earn a bachelor’s degree at your transfer destination. MCC’s university partnerships throughout the nation assure your seamless transition toward a four-year degree.
A list of available transfer degree options for the Geology program
| At MCC, get an... |
Emphasis in... |
Transfer to... |
To get a... |
Courses |
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Associate in Science, Emphasis in Geology
| Geology |
A transfer partner |
Bachelor's Degree |
Pathway Map |
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of the Geology program may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages*. Some occupations may require additional education or training. You can click on any occupation to view more detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$36.68
Annual Median Wage
$76,302
Number of People Employed
649
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 10.8%
Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$30.65
Annual Median Wage
$63,768
Number of People Employed
933
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 10.7%
Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$13.52
Annual Median Wage
$28,133
Number of People Employed
147
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 2.7%
Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, crystallographers, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$42.13
Annual Median Wage
$87,647
Number of People Employed
218
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 14.2%
Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation, its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and its return to the ocean and atmosphere.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$33.53
Annual Median Wage
$69,763
Number of People Employed
128
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 7.0%
Conduct sub-surface surveys to identify the characteristics of potential land or mining development sites. May specify the ground support systems, processes and equipment for safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction or underground construction activities. May inspect areas for unsafe geological conditions, equipment, and working conditions. May design, implement, and coordinate mine safety programs.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$38.96
Annual Median Wage
$81,051
Number of People Employed
157
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 8.3%
Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$33.59
Annual Median Wage
$69,870
Number of People Employed
130
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 9.2%
Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$31.92
Annual Median Wage
$66,408
Annual Job Openings
1,309
Number of People Employed
14,404
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 5.3%
Plan or develop coordinated practices for soil erosion control, soil or water conservation, or sound land use.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$33.59
Annual Median Wage
$69,870
Number of People Employed
130
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 9.2%
* Career and wage information provided by Emsi using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Emsi’s proprietary analytical processes. Emsi’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer
Financial Aid
You can get a high-quality, affordable education. MCC’s low tuition rates and various financial aid opportunities make it possible. Explore federal and state grants, Federal Work-Study, scholarships, student loans, and other options today.
Meet with an Advisor
Click here for MCC’s easy-to-use Enrollment Steps.
Before signing up for classes, you’ll want to meet with an academic advisor. Together, you’ll lay out an academic plan that suits you best. This step is essential to your academic success.
Advising for the Geology program is available through the Physical Science department. They will help you determine the exact courses you need to get the education you’re looking for.
