Jun 06, 2026  
2026-27 Catalog 
    
2026-27 Catalog

Associate in Science-Transfer to Biological Sciences, Environmental/Resource Sciences, Chemistry, Geology, and Earth Science (Concentration: Geology)


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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.

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.

Requirements


Importance of Advising. Advising is an important part of completing a degree. Each student should meet with an advisor as early as possible. Students are responsible for checking the transfer requirements of the college or university they plan to attend; advisors can help with this.

General Requirements


  • 90 Credits Total: Complete at least 90 credits of courses numbered 100 or higher
  • 2.0+ Cumulative GPA: Earn at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA
    • Note: Some Geology programs may require a higher cumulative GPA and/or a higher GPA in specific courses.
  • 25% of Total Credits at Highline: Complete at least 25% of your total credits at Highline. This is the “Residency” requirement.
  • 75+ Credits Fully Transferable: At least 75 credits must be designated as fully transferable. All Distribution Area and PE Activity courses are fully transferable.
  • Maximum 15 Credits Restricted: Courses that are not fully transferable are called “restricted.” Students can use no more than 15 restricted credits for their degree. Restricted courses include most Professional-Technical courses, College Studies, PE Activity courses, independent studies, credit by examination, military experience credit, CLEP and other nontraditional credit. AP courses are generally not restricted.
  • Maximum 15 Credits CR/NC: You can choose to have a course graded as CR/NC, but no more than 15 credits of CR/NC courses can apply to your degree.
  • Maximum 3 Credits PE Activity: All PE courses are either “Activity” or “Theory” courses. You can only use 3 credits of PE Activity for your degree.

For more information, refer to the Associate Degree and Certificate Requirements page.

Specific Requirements


Communication Skills: 5 credits


Humanities and Social Science: 15 credits


A complete list of courses in the Humanities and Social Science distributions can be found on the Distribution Areas page.

Complete the following:

  • 5 credits in Humanities
  • 5 credits in Social Sciences
  • 5 credits in Humanities or Social Sciences

Quantitative Skills: 15 credits


Ask an advisor for help choosing Calculus III or Statistics based on your transfer goals.

Pre-Major Program - Chemistry and Geology: 30 credits


Pre-Major Program - Physics: 15 credits


Important: Ask an advisor for help choosing a physics sequence based on your transfer and career goals. Some bachelor’s programs require calculus-based physics (PHYS 201, 202, and 203).

Remaining Credits: 10 credits


Complete 10 credits of courses 100-level or higher. Ask an advisor for help choosing courses based on your transfer and career goals. Courses can include prerequisites such as pre-calculus.

Total Program Credits: 90


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