The degree provides students with a comprehensive education in the physical sciences,
emphasizing foundational principles of Earth Science. Students will develop a strong
understanding of Earth's dynamic processes, exploring core areas such as geology,
meteorology, oceanography, and environmental science. Through theoretical coursework
complemented by extensive hands-on field and laboratory experiences, students will
enhance their quantitative reasoning skills, conduct detailed investigations, and
analyze data to address geological and environmental challenges. The curriculum offers
broad exposure to various physical science disciplines, fostering a deeper scientific
literacy. Graduates will master essential field equipment, mapping technologies, and
data analysis tools, preparing them effectively for transfer to four-year institutions,
participation in research opportunities, and successful careers in STEM-related fields.
The Associate of Science degree is granted to students who have completed at least
12 semester units of the required 60-degree applicable semester units at Glendale
Community College. The required 60 semester units must include all of the following:
(1) Completion of the courses required in the major or area of emphasis with a grade
of “C” or better, or a “P” grade. (2) Completion of one of the following general education
patterns: GCC General Education Requirements or the California General Education Transfer
Curriculum (Cal-GETC) requirements. (3) A minimum GPA of 2.0 in the required 60 semester
units.
Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this program, students will be able to apply scientific method
of thinking to analyze and critically evaluate relevant literature and information;
communicate effectively in a variety of ways, such as scientific writing, visualization
of data and ideas, or through oral communication; analyze results from data and measurements,
form and test hypotheses, and solve quantitative problems; and apply interdisciplinary
concepts to solve real-world problems while demonstrating enthusiasm for continuous
learning in scientific inquiry.
Associate of Science Program Map
| REQUIRED COURSES FOR MAJOR |
UNITS |
| GEOL 102 |
Environmental Geology |
3 |
CHEM 110
or
CHEM 101 |
Elements of General Chemistry
or
General Chemistry A |
5
or
5 |
OCEAN 115
or
GEOL 101/101H |
Oceanography
or
Physical Geology
|
3
or
3
|
OCEAN 116
or
GEOL 111
or
GEOL 112 |
Oceanography Laboratory
or
Physical Geology Laboratory
or
Environmental Geology Laboratory |
1
or
1
or
1 |
ASTRO 110
or
ASTRO 120 |
Astronomy of the Solar System
or
Astronomy of Stars and Galaxies |
3
or
3 |
PHY 101
or
PHY 105
or
PHY 110 |
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A
or
Algebra-Based Physics: A
or
Introduction to Physics
|
5
or
4
or
3 |
| TOTAL UNITS REQUIRED |
18-20 |
Units for the major may be double counted for Cal-GETC or GCC General Education. Elective
units may be used to reach the 60-unit degree requirement.
NOTE: ADDITIONAL COURSEWORK MIGHT BE REQUIRED DUE TO PREREQUISITES. SEE A COUNSELOR
FOR A PERSONALIZED STUDENT EDUCATIONAL PLAN.
| Spring 2026 |
GCC Catalog Addendum 2025-2026 |
| Important Notice: In the event of a discrepancy between the information presented
above and the online and/or print versions of the GCC Catalog, please contact a counselor
or the office of Admissions and Records. For previous years requirements please see
the catalog from that year. |
