Earth Science A.S.

Discover solutions, save the Earth

Gain insight into Earth’s processes and cosmic significance

Establish a strong and flexible foundation in natural and environmental sciences. Transfer to a 4-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree in a field such as geology, meteorology or astronomy.

Work wherever you choose! Earth Scientists are needed around the world (pun intended). You could work in rural or urban areas and in any sector—academic, for-profit, non-profit, research and more.

What can you do with an A.S. in Earth Science?

The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Earth Science prepares you to transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree in geology, earth science or related fields, which prepares you for these careers.

Highlights

Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).
Transfer Degree

Save money on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice.
Program Length: 2 Years

Finish in 2 years as a full-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $53,138
  
  Median
  
  $121,878
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $307,441
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $25.54
  
  Median
  
  $58.59
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $147.80
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  60%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  20%
  
  Doctorate
  
  20%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
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.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $43,188
  
  Median
  
  $74,639
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $148,555
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $20.76
  
  Median
  
  $35.88
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $71.42
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  5.07%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  49.78%
  
  Doctorate
  
  45.15%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
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.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $34,919
  
  Median
  
  $68,734
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $115,713
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $16.79
  
  Median
  
  $33.04
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $55.63
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Certificate
  
  4.35%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  78.27%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  13.04%
  
  Doctorate
  
  4.35%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
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.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $77,823
  
  Median
  
  $118,789
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $165,765
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $37.41
  
  Median
  
  $57.10
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $79.69
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Associate Degree
  
  4.76%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  66.66%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  28.57%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $47,733
  
  Median
  
  $79,023
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $119,779
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $22.94
  
  Median
  
  $37.99
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $57.58
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  3.7%
  
  Some college
  
  3.7%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  3.7%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  85.18%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  3.7%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $48,854
  
  Median
  
  $102,194
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $172,998
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $23.48
  
  Median
  
  $49.13
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $83.17
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  65.21%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  34.78%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
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.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $42,012
  
  Median
  
  $49,166
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $81,384
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $20.19
  
  Median
  
  $23.63
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $39.12
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  13.6%
  
  Certificate
  
  5.79%
  
  Some college
  
  4.91%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  18.27%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  29.3%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  28.13%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

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Icon Key

Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
ENG 121	ENG 121 English Composition I Class Description This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
ESC 120	ESC 120 Earth Science Class Description This course is designed for students who are interested in physical features related to our dynamic earth. There are four disciplines that make up the course: geology, oceanography, meteorology and astronomy. Topics covered within these disciplines include: volcanoes, earthquakes, plate tectonics, geologic history, geomorphology, chemical and physical oceanography, changing oceans, the atmosphere and moisture, weather systems, severe storms, modern astronomy, the Moon, the solar system, and beyond the solar system. Course materials are organized to enable students to understand how different components of our dynamic earth are related to one another. Each topic includes hands-on lab exercises.	4	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
MTH 123	MTH 123 Trigonometry Class Description This course is primarily for students who intend to take MTH 145 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I. Trigonometry topics include, but are not limited to: trigonometric functions and their graphs, trigonometric identities and equations, and applications of trigonometry. Modeling and problem solving will be implemented throughout the course. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact EMPS division office for details.	3	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 121
Course Title	ENG 121 English Composition I Class Description This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ESC 120
Course Title	ESC 120 Earth Science Class Description This course is designed for students who are interested in physical features related to our dynamic earth. There are four disciplines that make up the course: geology, oceanography, meteorology and astronomy. Topics covered within these disciplines include: volcanoes, earthquakes, plate tectonics, geologic history, geomorphology, chemical and physical oceanography, changing oceans, the atmosphere and moisture, weather systems, severe storms, modern astronomy, the Moon, the solar system, and beyond the solar system. Course materials are organized to enable students to understand how different components of our dynamic earth are related to one another. Each topic includes hands-on lab exercises.
Credits	4
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	MTH 123
Course Title	MTH 123 Trigonometry Class Description This course is primarily for students who intend to take MTH 145 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I. Trigonometry topics include, but are not limited to: trigonometric functions and their graphs, trigonometric identities and equations, and applications of trigonometry. Modeling and problem solving will be implemented throughout the course. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact EMPS division office for details.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose MTH 123 instead of MTH 144.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
ENG 122	ENG 122 English Composition II Class Description This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
MTH 145	MTH 145 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I Class Description This course covers the calculus of algebraic and transcendental functions. Analytic geometry topics are limited to the line and circle. Calculus topics include limits, differentiation and integration of both algebraic and transcendental functions, including trigonometric functions, with applications. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS division office for details.	5	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available
BIO 120	BIO 120 Environmental Biology Class Description This course focuses on the relationships between humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, pollution, and energy. The goal is to better understand the biological and social problems that human use and misuse of the environment cause. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 120 and BIO 140. NOTE: Required, local field trips are scheduled during several (approximate1/2) of the lab periods. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites. This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course.	4	Credit for prior learning available
ESC 121	ESC 121 Physical Geology Class Description This course is for those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of planet Earth by learning material and applying it in lab activities. No previous geology or earth science knowledge is necessary. Exploring the workings of our planet will include topics such as Earth's history, geologic materials (minerals and rocks), surface environments and processes (coastlines, glaciers and ice ages, the hydrosphere, deserts), and large-scale processes (plate tectonics, earthquakes, mountain building, climate change).	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 122
Course Title	ENG 122 English Composition II Class Description This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	MTH 145
Course Title	MTH 145 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I Class Description This course covers the calculus of algebraic and transcendental functions. Analytic geometry topics are limited to the line and circle. Calculus topics include limits, differentiation and integration of both algebraic and transcendental functions, including trigonometric functions, with applications. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS division office for details.
Credits	5
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	BIO 120
Course Title	BIO 120 Environmental Biology Class Description This course focuses on the relationships between humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, pollution, and energy. The goal is to better understand the biological and social problems that human use and misuse of the environment cause. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 120 and BIO 140. NOTE: Required, local field trips are scheduled during several (approximate1/2) of the lab periods. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites. This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course.
Credits	4
Credit for prior learning available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ESC 121
Course Title	ESC 121 Physical Geology Class Description This course is for those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of planet Earth by learning material and applying it in lab activities. No previous geology or earth science knowledge is necessary. Exploring the workings of our planet will include topics such as Earth's history, geologic materials (minerals and rocks), surface environments and processes (coastlines, glaciers and ice ages, the hydrosphere, deserts), and large-scale processes (plate tectonics, earthquakes, mountain building, climate change).
Credits	4

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CMM 121	CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech Class Description For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.	3	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
ESC 129	ESC 129 Severe and Hazardous Weather Class Description This course is designed for students who wish to gain a better understanding of the causes and impacts of various types of extreme weather. Meteorological concepts and processes that cause severe and hazardous weather will be presented in a non-technical manner during the first part of the course. Subsequently, specific types of severe and hazardous weather will be examined as well as an investigation of their historical, economic, and human consequences. Severe weather topics may include lightning, hail, tornadoes, floods, drought, cold and heat waves, blizzards, ice storms, wind storms, hurricanes, and El Nino/La Nina. Students should be comfortable interpreting maps, charts, and diagrams.	3	Online/Virtual options available
ESC 140	ESC 140 Introduction to Astronomy with Lab Class Description This course is for the non-science major or those who wish to gain a comprehensive overview of the science of astronomy with a lab component. This descriptive treatment of astronomy will include topics such as the history of astronomy, the solar system, stellar evolution, the Milky Way, and beyond. Students may not receive credit toward a degree for both ESC 140 and ESC 141.	4	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available
THE 121	THE 121 Introduction to Theatre I Class Description This course explores the elements, artists and collaborative process of live theatre. It includes the study and analysis of historical, social, aesthetic and technical aspects of traditional and contemporary theatrical production. Play attendance is required.	3	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
HST 222	HST 222 United States History 1876 to Present Class Description This course is a survey of the social, economic, political, intellectual, and cultural history of the United States since 1876. Among the topics examined are: industrialization, immigration, overseas expansion, world wars, economic growth and technological change, the Cold War, urbanization and suburbanization, civil rights and women’s rights movements, politics and the evolution of liberalism and conservatism, and the age of globalization.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CMM 121
Course Title	CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech Class Description For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
Credits	3
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ESC 129
Course Title	ESC 129 Severe and Hazardous Weather Class Description This course is designed for students who wish to gain a better understanding of the causes and impacts of various types of extreme weather. Meteorological concepts and processes that cause severe and hazardous weather will be presented in a non-technical manner during the first part of the course. Subsequently, specific types of severe and hazardous weather will be examined as well as an investigation of their historical, economic, and human consequences. Severe weather topics may include lightning, hail, tornadoes, floods, drought, cold and heat waves, blizzards, ice storms, wind storms, hurricanes, and El Nino/La Nina. Students should be comfortable interpreting maps, charts, and diagrams.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ESC 140
Course Title	ESC 140 Introduction to Astronomy with Lab Class Description This course is for the non-science major or those who wish to gain a comprehensive overview of the science of astronomy with a lab component. This descriptive treatment of astronomy will include topics such as the history of astronomy, the solar system, stellar evolution, the Milky Way, and beyond. Students may not receive credit toward a degree for both ESC 140 and ESC 141.
Credits	4
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	THE 121
Course Title	THE 121 Introduction to Theatre I Class Description This course explores the elements, artists and collaborative process of live theatre. It includes the study and analysis of historical, social, aesthetic and technical aspects of traditional and contemporary theatrical production. Play attendance is required.
Credits	3
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	HST 222
Course Title	HST 222 United States History 1876 to Present Class Description This course is a survey of the social, economic, political, intellectual, and cultural history of the United States since 1876. Among the topics examined are: industrialization, immigration, overseas expansion, world wars, economic growth and technological change, the Cold War, urbanization and suburbanization, civil rights and women’s rights movements, politics and the evolution of liberalism and conservatism, and the age of globalization.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose other Fine Arts courses instead of THE 121. Students can also choose other Humanities courses instead of HST 222.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
ESC 127	ESC 127 Introduction to Meteorology with Lab Class Description This course is intended for the non-science major or those who wish to gain a comprehensive overview of the science of meteorology with a laboratory component. The primary goal of this course is to help students become better educated consumers of the massive amount of weather information now available to them. Topics will include high and low pressure systems, fronts, clouds, the jet stream, winter precipitation, thunderstorms and severe weather, hurricanes, air-ocean interactions (El Nino and La Nina), weather analysis, an introduction to weather forecasting, and human impacts on weather and climate. The student should be comfortable with interpreting maps, charts, and diagrams. Note: students may not receive credit toward a degree for both ESC 123 and ESC 127.	4	Online/Virtual options available
ESC 128	ESC 128 Great Mysteries of the Earth Class Description This course is for those interested in examining mysteries, myths, and pseudoscience of the natural world through the application of the scientific method. Content areas such as creation and history of the Earth, mysterious places and landforms, mythical creatures and the fossil record, epic natural disasters, and the power of crystals will be explored. Major topic examples may include Atlantis, Talismans and Crystal Healing, Noah’s Flood, and Bigfoot.	3	Online/Virtual options available
PHI 125	PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics Class Description In this course, students are exposed to moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and the ethics of care. Students also critically evaluate general moral theories, and fundamental moral concepts. Additionally, they apply these moral theories to contemporary moral issues such as animal rights, environmental issues, reproductive technologies, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, emerging technologies, and other issues. Students develop and defend their own views on these matters, and evaluate the views of others. By studying and applying moral theories to their own lives, students are encouraged to explore different ways of effecting change in their lives and communities. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.	3	Global citizenship Online/Virtual options available
ANT 224	ANT 224 Introduction to Archaeology Class Description This course is a survey of the concepts, principles, and methods essential to the archaeological study of past cultures. Topics include field methods, chronological dating, artifact analysis, ethics, theory, and the reconstruction of culture history.	3	Online/Virtual options available
GEG 122	GEG 122 Cultural Geography Class Description This introductory social science survey course is designed to help students acquire geographic knowledge about human cultural trends and activities. A wide range of current and urgent world concerns such as population control, cultural differences, urbanization, economic livelihoods, and state and nation systems, are placed in a human-geographic context. The course will also assist students gain better geographic perceptions on current world affairs.	3	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ESC 127
Course Title	ESC 127 Introduction to Meteorology with Lab Class Description This course is intended for the non-science major or those who wish to gain a comprehensive overview of the science of meteorology with a laboratory component. The primary goal of this course is to help students become better educated consumers of the massive amount of weather information now available to them. Topics will include high and low pressure systems, fronts, clouds, the jet stream, winter precipitation, thunderstorms and severe weather, hurricanes, air-ocean interactions (El Nino and La Nina), weather analysis, an introduction to weather forecasting, and human impacts on weather and climate. The student should be comfortable with interpreting maps, charts, and diagrams. Note: students may not receive credit toward a degree for both ESC 123 and ESC 127.
Credits	4
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ESC 128
Course Title	ESC 128 Great Mysteries of the Earth Class Description This course is for those interested in examining mysteries, myths, and pseudoscience of the natural world through the application of the scientific method. Content areas such as creation and history of the Earth, mysterious places and landforms, mythical creatures and the fossil record, epic natural disasters, and the power of crystals will be explored. Major topic examples may include Atlantis, Talismans and Crystal Healing, Noah’s Flood, and Bigfoot.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	PHI 125
Course Title	PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics Class Description In this course, students are exposed to moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and the ethics of care. Students also critically evaluate general moral theories, and fundamental moral concepts. Additionally, they apply these moral theories to contemporary moral issues such as animal rights, environmental issues, reproductive technologies, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, emerging technologies, and other issues. Students develop and defend their own views on these matters, and evaluate the views of others. By studying and applying moral theories to their own lives, students are encouraged to explore different ways of effecting change in their lives and communities. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
Credits	3
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ANT 224
Course Title	ANT 224 Introduction to Archaeology Class Description This course is a survey of the concepts, principles, and methods essential to the archaeological study of past cultures. Topics include field methods, chronological dating, artifact analysis, ethics, theory, and the reconstruction of culture history.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	GEG 122
Course Title	GEG 122 Cultural Geography Class Description This introductory social science survey course is designed to help students acquire geographic knowledge about human cultural trends and activities. A wide range of current and urgent world concerns such as population control, cultural differences, urbanization, economic livelihoods, and state and nation systems, are placed in a human-geographic context. The course will also assist students gain better geographic perceptions on current world affairs.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose other International/Multicultural Requirements courses instead of PHI 125. Students can choose other Social and Behavioral Sciences courses instead of ANT 224 and PSC 121.

Total Credit Hours

60

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Our Guaranteed Transfer Partnerships (GTAs) with a select number of schools guarantee admission to students who meet specific criteria.

Earth Science at CLC

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This transfer degree is just one possible way to study Earth Science. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

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Frequently asked questions

We offer multiple lab classes, there are hands-on activities in non-lab courses, students research and present real-world case studies of topics within the course.
Apply what you learn in class to real-time challenges using CLC’s first-rate Earth Science equipment. Study seismic activity using data obtained from the college’s seismograph. Use information taken from the college’s own weather station to study weather trends.
Students learn in small classes taught by passionate professors who excel in various scientific fields. Get individualized time with instructors who get to know you on a first-name basis—not a number.
Immerse yourself in a full understanding of the universe. Solve puzzles during hands-on lab activities. Apply the scientific acumen you gain to real-world situations.
Gain a scientific understanding of the many dynamic systems that affect the earth, as well as interactions among the systems:
- geology, including core principles such as plate tectonics
- meteorology, including extreme weather causes and impacts
- astronomy, including the solar system, stellar evolution, the Milky Way and beyond
- oceanography, including structure and evolution of the ocean basin, chemical and physical properties of ocean water, ecology and more
Yes—well, mostly. The courses in this program are offered in an online format and certain courses such as Computer Organization and Architecture require extensive time in a computer lab.
Attend class in the way that works best for your goals:
- Virtual Live: Learn remotely in real time. Take classes taught live via Zoom.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete coursework without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
- In-person: Keep your degree on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in-person with faculty and peers.
Yes. There’s a distinct advantage to earning your associate degree—a 30% advantage. The Brookings Institution reports that employees with associate degrees earn 30% more on average than those with high school diplomas. Over a lifetime, the earnings of an associate degree recipient are roughly $170,000 higher than those of a high school graduate.
Yes! Researchers have looked at how community college students fare after transferring. The biggest marker for success? Finishing your associate degree before transferring. In fact, those students seem to do better at the 4-year than students who started at the 4-year.
The estimated cost of this program appears at the top of this web page, under the program title.
The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees, such as for books and materials. It does not factor in financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.
View current tuition and fees
Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.
View courses with variable tuition and fees
Many opportunities exist at CLC to get financial assistance. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

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Discover solutions, save the Earth

Gain insight into Earth’s processes and cosmic significance

What can you do with an A.S. in Earth Science?

Highlights

Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Transfer Degree

Program Length: 2 Years

Career Outlook

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Conservation Scientists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Environmental Engineers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Geodetic Surveyors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

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Recommended Pathway

Icon Key

Semester 1 12 Credits

Semester 2 16 Credits

Semester 3 16 Credits

Semester 4 16 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Learn how CLC helps you transfer

Earth Science at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Apply now: It's easy and free

Frequently asked questions

Why study Earth Science at CLC?

What skills will I learn?

Can I take my classes online?

Is an A.S. worth it?

Does an A.S. matter if I’m going for my bachelor’s?

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