Geology

Geology is the study of Earth, its material composition and the processes that affect its surface and interior. To better understand how our planet evolved in the past and how it will change in the future, students in the Geology program examine the dynamic transformations our planet experiences today.

Students interested in Geology will take earth science courses and follow the Geology Transfer Pathway to earn an Associate in Science degree. Classes are held in the Geology Laboratory/Classroom, located in the Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 3D07. The Geology Lab offers state-of-the-art features, including:

A comprehensive collection of museum- and demonstration-quality specimens of rocks, minerals, and fossils.
A comprehensive collection of topographic and geologic maps representing locations from around the United States.
Water and gas supplies as well as a fully integrated ventilation hood to permit safe physical and chemical analysis of earth materials.
A fully integrated audio-visual system to provide up-to-the-minute access to online and offline electronic resources.
A heavy-duty rock saw, rock polisher, and rock splitter for specimen processing.

In addition, students have exclusive access to archival copies of geology journals and texts in the Earth Science Library/Workroom located in BIC 3D10.

Geology Prerequisites

Geology classes require prerequisites in math and reading. Students must have completed a minimum of Math 0481 with a C or better or must achieve a qualifying score on the Math Placement Exam. Students must also achieve a minimum score of Reading Level 1 to enroll in geology classes.

Determine Your Path

A career in geology can be found in corporate, non-profit, government and academic settings.

You want to attend a credible college that stands out from the rest. At COD, you'll discover:

Small class sizes that ensure students receive personalized attention.
Dedicated instructors with years of professional experience.
Affordable programs to help students achieve success without creating overwhelming debt or draining a savings account.
Instruction utilizing top-notch facilities.
An innovative transfer program that facilitates a convenient, affordable and streamlined approach to earning a bachelor's degree.

Associate in Science

The Geology Transfer Pathway, Associate in Science degree program represents a typical course schedule or sequence for a student planning to complete the Associate in Science degree within two years, then transfer and major in a specific discipline.

COD Stories

"As the oldest of six children from a working class family, I didn’t have a lot of resources to attend college. The start I got at COD allowed me to matriculate at the University of Illinois at Chicago." - Matthew Bonnan

Matthew's COD Story

COD Stories

"My advice to students is to take your classes seriously. Just taking college classes is not enough to get you a valuable degree. Otherwise, your college degree is just a really expensive piece of paper." - Alec Gierzynski

Alec's COD Story

Get Started Today

The first step to getting started in geology is to apply for admission.

Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.

Students who complete an Earth Science course meeting the Illinois general education graduation requirement will:

Identify the risks, societal impacts, and appropriate responses to earth-related processes that may include geological, astronomical, atmospheric, and hydrological issues.
Examine and explain the interrelationships among at least two of the following systems: geological, astronomical, atmospheric, and hydrological.

College of DuPage has several earth science transfer agreements in place with four-year colleges and universities to save you time, money and make the transfer process easier.

Many of these agreements with other colleges and universities have specific course requirements and a pre-determined course plan that needs to be followed to be eligible to transfer. Contact a program faculty member or academic advisor to learn more as course requirements vary by institution.