AA/AS in Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences

Odessa College's geology associate degree prepares students to move on to a university and to pursue earth science, energy and environmental careers. Students investigate the structure, composition and history of the Earth and the processes that shape it. Coursework includes minerals and rocks, landforms, plate tectonics, fossils and the history of life, together with field and laboratory methods. The location in the Permian Basin gives learners contact with petroleum and sedimentary geology and with regional energy employers. The degree mainly serves as a transfer route, though it may support entry-level work as a field technician, laboratory assistant or environmental sampling technician. A bachelor's degree opens roles such as petroleum geologist, hydrogeologist and GIS specialist. The curriculum gives students a solid base in earth science before they take upper-level geology courses elsewhere.