Field of Interest
Geoscientists seek to understand the Earth’s composition, natural systems, and history. Our understanding of processes such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, landslides, floods, land subsidence, coastal processes, and climate changes have a tremendous impact on human activity and, indeed, human life! Humans depend on Earth’s resources including surface and ground water, soils for growing crops and building materials, fossil and nuclear fuels, metallic and non-metallic building materials. Geoscientists work to find and manage such resources. Deciphering Earth’s long history may provide us with potential insights into our own future.
In addition to natural resource companies including the mining and fossil fuel industries, Geologists are routinely employed by research agencies including those in federal, state and local governments as well as non-profit organizations; geologic engineering, hydrological, and environmental consulting firms; and secondary schools, colleges and universities. Most entry level work requires a bachelor’s degree. Graduate degrees are often required for research and supervisory geologists as well as post-secondary faculty positions. Most graduate degrees focus on specialties including but not limited to geochemistry, geophysics, paleontology, planetary geology, geological/mining/petroleum engineering, and hydrology. Other fields/majors such as civil engineering, forestry, sustainability, and environmental sciences either require or strongly recommend some background courses in geology.
Many geoscientists spend some time in the field gathering samples, collecting data and/or determining spatial relationships. An office or laboratory environment is often used for data analysis and synthesis often using computers for the preparation of written reports, maps, and cross sections.
If the study of the Earth captivates you, please consider starting your career in the Geological Sciences!
University Transfer Degree
想追求一个大学的学士学位? 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 degrees offered in the Geology program
Name |
Type |
Title |
Courses |
Associate in Science |
AS |
Associate in Science, Emphasis in Geology |
Pathway Map |
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of a degree or certificate within 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.
Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$34.80
Annual Median Wage
$72,391
Number of People Employed
158
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 12.0%
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 Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$40.99
Annual Median Wage
$85,280
Number of People Employed
636
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 9.1%
Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. 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
$30.95
Annual Median Wage
$64,386
Number of People Employed
823
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 9.4%
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
$23.89
Annual Median Wage
$49,704
Number of People Employed
61
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 13.1%
Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$20.04
Annual Median Wage
$41,685
Number of People Employed
89
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 9.0%
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, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
36.93美元
Annual Median Wage
$76,831
Number of People Employed
395
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 8.9%
Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$34.80
Annual Median Wage
$72,395
Number of People Employed
176
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 2.8%
Conduct subsurface 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
$40.41
Annual Median Wage
$84,067
Number of People Employed
157
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 6.4%
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
$34.80
Annual Median Wage
$72,391
Number of People Employed
158
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 12.0%
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
$31.24
Annual Median Wage
$64,985
Annual Job Openings
2,893
Number of People Employed
26,076
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 10.4%
* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’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 variousfinancial aid opportunitiesmake it possible. Explore federal and state grants, Federal Work-Study, scholarships, student loans, and other options today.
Connect with an Advisor
Click here for MCC’s easy-to-use Enrollment Steps.
Before signing up for classes, you’ll want to connect with anacademic advisor. Together, you’ll lay out an academic plan that suits you best. This step is essential to your academic success.