Earth Science picture

Earth Science

A.A.

A.S.

This degree path will prepare you for a transfer to a four-year institution in the areas of Geology, Oceanography, and Atmospheric Science.

Apply Now

Atmospheric Science is a field of specialization at TCC. It offers an opportunity to study the natural forces that shape weather and climate. TCC offers courses that cover the first two years of a typical four-year atmospheric sciences or meteorology program. This degree is designed for students who plan to transfer to specific science majors at four-year colleges or universities.

Length

2 Years*

90 Credits

Costs

Typically $1,590.70*

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Academic Info

Core Requirements

Program Map

Things to Know

Many classes required for the Associate of Science Degree are only offered once or twice per year. Students pursuing this degree are strongly advised to work with a TCC faculty advisor to plan their program of study, including the selection of elective courses. Students pursuing this degree are strongly advised to contact their potential transfer institutions early regarding the specific course choices in each area of the degree. In addition, students should check with their potential transfer institutions about minimum GPA requirements, possible higher minimum GPA requirements in selected subsets of courses, and minimum grade requirements in specific courses.

*Average length to complete and cost to attend is based on a full-time student who is a Washington state resident. The cost displayed refers to quarterly tuition for such a student. Individual program costs and fees may vary.
Earth Sciences is the study of the materials and processes of the earth. Upon completion of this program, graduates will be prepared to transfer to a four-year institution.

Length

2 Years*

90 Credits

Costs

Typically $1,590.70*

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Academic Info

Core Requirements

Program Map

Transfer Information

This specialization prepares students to transfer as an earth sciences major with junior standing at our primary transfer institutions within the State of Washington.

This is a good choice if you know where you want to transfer and know that the degree at your transfer school requires a full year of calculus, a full year of chemistry, and a full year of Physics. If you don’t know exactly where you want to transfer to or what area of Earth Sciences you want to study, the Associate of Arts – Emphasis in Geology may be a better option.

Career Options

Visit The American Geosciences Institute for workforce reports in the field of geoscience. This annual report documents information about recent graduates and the job market, such as which employment sectors geology graduates find work in, salaries for different level of higher education in geology, and a lot of other useful information for a student considering this field.

*Average length to complete and cost to attend is based on a full-time student who is a Washington state resident. The cost displayed refers to quarterly tuition for such a student. Individual program costs and fees may vary.
Geology is the study of rocks and minerals, internal processes such as volcanism, surficial process such as landscape formation, the study of the history of life, and geological hazards. Geologists are involved in a wide range of activities, including studies of Earth materials and processes, exploration for resources and understanding and protecting the environment. Upon completion of this program, graduates will be prepared to transfer to a four-year institution.

Length

2 Years*

90 Credits

Costs

Typically $1,590.70*

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Academic Info

Core Requirements

Transfer Information

This is a great choice if you don’t know what kind of geology you want to study or where exactly you want to transfer to. Once at TCC, students can take many of the supporting sciences that transfer institutions require for their geology degrees. Students can also take a variety of TCC earth science classes to introduce them to the different facets of the field and explore what type of geology they want to pursue.

Different transfer institutions require different levels of supporting sciences, and even at a single transfer institution the exact requirements vary depending on the degree concentration. For this reason, it’s imperative to develop an academic plan with your advisor that best prepares you for transfer.

Career Options

Visit The American Geosciences Institute for workforce reports in the field of geoscience. This annual report documents information about recent graduates and the job market, such as which employment sectors geology graduates find work in, salaries for different level of higher education in geology, and a lot of other useful information for a student considering this field.

*Average length to complete and cost to attend is based on a full-time student who is a Washington state resident. The cost displayed refers to quarterly tuition for such a student. Individual program costs and fees may vary.
Oceanography is an earth science devoted exclusively to studying and preserving the ocean. Oceanography includes exploration of the geological structure of the ocean floor; the chemical composition and properties of seawater and pollutants; the physical study of waves, tides and currents; and biological research of the innumerable forms of life within the oceans.

Length

2 Years*

90 Credits

Costs

Typically $1,590.70*

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Academic Info

Core Requirements

Things to Know

While in high school, students should pursue all available courses in math, chemistry, biology, physics, and earth science. Once at TCC, students can take many of the supporting sciences that transfer institutions require for their oceanography degrees. Students can also take a variety of TCC earth science classes to introduce them to the different facets of the field and explore what type of oceanography they want to pursue.

Transfer Information

There are not many institutions across the country that offer oceanography degrees. In Washington, there is only one: the University of Washington, Seattle. Oceanography programs that are out of state may have degree requirements that differ significantly from UW Seattle.

A Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) degree from TCC is a great way to start your oceanography education. Upon transfer to UW Seattle, all 90 credits of your TCC degree are applied towards your bachelor’s degree. If you decide to delay transfer, or not transfer, then you still have an associate’s degree with a strong science record on your transcript.

Students are urged to visit the UW Seattle School of Oceanography undergraduate education website and read about the different bachelor’s degrees that the School of Oceanography offers. Academic plans at TCC can be tailored to the individual needs of each student while still adhering to the requirements for the AA DTA degree. In rare cases, TCC offers an Associate of Science degree that might provide the best fit for an aspiring oceanography student.

*Average length to complete and cost to attend is based on a full-time student who is a Washington state resident. The cost displayed refers to quarterly tuition for such a student. Individual program costs and fees may vary.

Graduates will be prepared to transfer to a four-year institution in their area of study, with a foundational understanding in Earth Sciences.

Top Transfer Options

WASHINGTON State University

Western washington university

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

western governor's university

The Industries

Geology
Oceanography
Atmospheric Science
Meteorology

Marine Science
Earth Science
Volcanism
Education

The Careers

Geoscientist

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.

Atmospheric Scientist

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.

Hydrologist

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

Study the Natural Forces that Shape the Earth

Degree Options

Associate of Science — Specialization in Atmospheric Science

Associate of Science — Specialization in Earth Science

Associate of Arts — Emphasis in Geology

Associate of Arts — Emphasis in Oceanography

Have Any Questions?

The Opportunities Add Up

Top Transfer Options

The Industries

The Careers

Support for Success & Well-Being

Related Programs