Geology

Are you interested in studying the processes that shape our planet and help make life on Earth possible? Whether you’re a lifelong rock hound or new to this multifaceted scientific discipline, the geology associate degree program at Aims will give you the skills and knowledge to transfer to a four-year college, earn a bachelor’s degree and embark on a career as a geologist. 

Earning a geology degree at Aims allows you to earn a bachelor’s degree while paying less in tuition. Thanks to a statewide agreement between community colleges and universities, upon completion of your associate degree at Aims you can transfer to any participating four-year public university in Colorado as a junior and earn your bachelor’s degree in geology. Taking your general education degree requirements at Aims instead of a four-year institution can save you considerable cost. 

At Aims, your instructors, Pathway Advisors and coaches at the Aims Transitions Center will work together to guide you through the transfer process.

Are you excited to study geologic formations and processes? Explore your options for earning a geology associate degree at Aims.

In the Aims geology associate degree program, you’ll study subjects including types of rocks, how rocks are formed and broken down by water and air, geologic hazards and the vast span of geologic time. In hands-on classes that include lab sections, you’ll learn to extrapolate this knowledge to real-world scenarios, including:

• Extracting natural resources and minerals for industry
• Predicting earthquakes and volcanic activity
• Safely positioning homes and other buildings on the earth’s surface

Each geology course has a lab component where you’ll get to explore scientific processes and examine specimens. The geology classroom at Aims has an extensive rock, mineral and fossil collection and various geologic, earthquake and tectonic plate maps on display. 

In the Aims geology degree program, you’ll learn to:

• Identify rock and mineral types
• Collect and analyze data
• Draw conclusions based on data-gathering
• Accurately apply the scientific method
• Read geologic and topographic maps

You’ll also learn soft skills that employers value in potential hires, including:

• Critical thinking and analysis
• Problem-solving
• Data synthesis
• Applying concepts
• Collaboration

General education and elective courses will round out your degree requirements. Many geology students take additional algebra courses to help them better understand scientific processes. Getting your general education requirements at Aims is beneficial not just in terms of lower cost, but also smaller class sizes and one-on-one support from instructors who are dedicated to teaching.