a geology student looks into a microscope

Earth Science

PROGRAM

Classes that rock your world

What you’ll learn

The Earth Science transfer interest area at Lane can help prepare you to transfer to a four year institution to work toward a career in Earth Sciences, like Geography, Geology, and more. Once enrolled, you’ll work with your advisor to build a degree plan specific to your goals.

Transfer Interest Area

The Earth Sciences program provides 100-level and 200-level sequences of geology courses that are directly transferable to most universities or colleges. We also offer many fun, introductory courses with no prerequisites, like “Rocks and Minerals,” “Geology of National Parks,” and “Geologic Hazards."

The keystone of many of our geology classes are the field trips! Our faculty are very familiar with local geology and try to share this with students as often as possible. Destinations may include local rock quarries, Cascade volcanoes, the Oregon Coast, John Day Fossil Bed National Monument, and elsewhere! Many field trips occur during regular class hours, though day-long and multi-day field trips are also offered (additional course registration may apply). Even for online courses, instructors may utilize software like Google Earth to conduct “virtual field trips” or “self-guided” field trips.

2 years Full-time
$15,408 Two years

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

  • Learn to make a difference locally and globally through the application of science
  • Experience the dynamic nature of the Earth by learning outside
  • Understand more about rocks, soil, creatures (past and present), landscapes, and weather
  • Explore our region’s river, ocean, lake, and forest environments
  • Help society build resilience to challenges such as climate change, earthquakes, and volcanoes
  • Study the history of the Earth’s systems and implications for the future

AFTER LANE

The Associate of Arts-Oregon Transfer degree while taking classes in earth science is designed for students interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree or higher in earth science or geology. Common careers for graduates include geotechnical consultant, hydrologist, exploration geologist, and jobs in the Federal Government such as Bureau of Land Management, United States Forest Service and the United States Geological Survey. While at Lane, work with an academic advisor to plan your college and career path.

Not sure which is for you? Learn more about the types of degrees & certificates Lane has to offer

Faculty Spotlights

Sammy Castonguay

Faculty Instructor

Claudia Owen

Faculty Instructor

Mary Baxter

Faculty Instructor

Ready to Learn More?

Admissions staff - Susie, Nikki, and Rosa Maria

Talk one-on-one with a recruiter to learn more about what Lane has to offer you.