Geology Degree

The geology degree program at Arizona Western College will help students gain knowledge in the earth sciences, including the behavior of solids, liquids, and gases that compromise the earth, as well as the forces that act upon it. Students who graduate the geology degree program may follow a career path in paleontology, stratigraphy, geological mapping, and more. Courses include instruction in historical geology, geomorphology, and sedimentology, the chemistry of rocks and soils, mineralogy, petrology, geostatistics, volcanology, glaciology, and geophysical principles. Get more details below including other Arizona colleges that offer geology degrees.

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Arizona Western College

University Drive and Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ

About
Arizona Western College, located in Yuma, Arizona, was founded in 1963 to serve residents in its service area by providing a quality education and service. The school has an annual enrollment of nearly 8000 students per year. AWC is a publicly funded two year institution that is constantly reviewing and upgrading its services and facilities to ensure that the best education may be provided. This is furthered through program reviews that ensure the relevance and modern state of each program, updating them as necessary in order to remain current.

Academics
Arizona Western College offers a large number of programs resulting in either a certificate or degree. These programs allow students to pursue academic transfer or career training in a field that best suits their future goals. Academic transfer programs provide students with a curriculum that completes the first two years of a four year education and once completed, allows students to apply for transfer at a four year institution, continuing their education and earn their bachelor's degree. Four year institutions will have varying transfer requirements, and as such it is recommended students meet with a counselor to develop a curriculum that best assists in transfer to a student's desired school or schools.

Students choosing to study in a career program will develop the skills and abilities necessary through a combination of classroom and practical courses that allow for entry into the workforce as professionals. Such programs result in a certificate or associate degree, demonstrating competency to potential employers by having completed the necessary education. Programs take between one and two years to complete, and graduates may seek employment immediately after graduation. Such are usually reflective of the needs of the community and are often for high demand fields.

Programs offered at AWC include:

• Business Administration
• Environmental Science
• History
• Paralegal Studies
• Welding Technology

Admissions and Financial Aid
As an open enrollment institution, any student who submits a completed application and meets the minimum requirements for admission may enroll at Arizona Western College. Students will provide transcripts and to take a placement exam for general education courses. New students are encouraged to participate in student orientation and meet with a counselor to develop a student education plan. Registration for courses takes place prior to the start of each semester, with tuition due shortly thereafter.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must obtain a federal PIN and submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the resulting student aid report (SAR) from which will be used to determine financial need, aid program eligibility, and monetary awards. Financial aid must be reapplied for prior to the start of each academic year. Students may be asked to provide additional financial information to ensure that the FAFSA is accurate prior to the disbursement of funds. Students may also apply for external scholarships offered by various sources that are awarded for a variety of reasons.

Career Options for Graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, natural sciences managers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 3.3% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ
  • Total Employment: 450
  • Average Hourly Rate: $57.60
  • Average Annual Salary: $119820

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

Description

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, oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, crystallographers, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 10.5% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ
  • Total Employment: 210
  • Average Hourly Rate: $37.62
  • Average Annual Salary: $78240

Hydrologists

Description

Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation, its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and its return to the ocean and atmosphere.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, hydrologists employment is expected to grow at a rate of 6.9% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ
  • Total Employment: 200
  • Average Hourly Rate: $34.45
  • Average Annual Salary: $71650

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).