Geology Degree

The geology degree program at West Hills College – Coalinga 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 California colleges that offer geology degrees.

West Hills College – Coalinga

1271 North Main Street, Salinas, CA

West Hills College – Coalinga is located in Coalinga, California.  Coalinga is one of two campuses that together form West Hills College. The Coalinga campus was founded in 1932 to serve residents of the San Joaquin Valley. Throughout its history, the Coalinga campus has offered educational and vocational opportunities, and along with the Lemoore campus, has expanded1 as necessary to ensure community needs are met.

Academics

WHC Coalinga offers more programs than the Lemoore campus. The programs offered result in associate degrees or certificates. As a community college, WHC Coalinga offers transfer opportunities to four year institutions or prepare for a career through a vocational program.

Programs offered include:

• Early Childhood Education
• Humanities
• Liberal Arts
• Psychology
• Business Administration

Admissions and Financial Aid

To attend WHC Coalinga, students must satisfy one of the following criteria:

• High School Graduate
• GED or Equivalent
• 18 Years Old
• Principal Recommendation and Parental Permission (If a High School Student)

If a student satisfies any of the above criteria, he or she will be able to enroll by completing the application and paying any associated costs. Financial aid is available to eligible students. Eligibility is determined by obtaining a Federal PIN and submitting a completed Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The subsequent student aid report (SAR) will be used to determine which financial aid awards one qualifies for.

Athletics

The Coalinga campus of West Hills College offers sports programs in football, baseball, basketball, volleyball and softball.

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

• Salinas, CA
  • Total Employment: 30
  • Average Hourly Rate: $63.60
  • Average Annual Salary: $132290

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

• Salinas, CA
  • Total Employment: 60
  • Average Hourly Rate: $62.88
  • Average Annual Salary: $130790

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

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