The Geology pathway requires 42 hours of Core Curriculum and 18 hours of courses appropriate to the pathway. For up-to-date curriculum requirements, please visit the catalog.
What does it cost?
Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.
63.4% of Perimeter College students receive financial assistance.
How long will it take?
The typical pathway requires 60 semester hours — 42 hours in core curriculum and 18 hours in pathway courses.
Where will I take classes?
Alpharetta, Clarkston, Decatur, Dunwoody, Newton, Online
All required classes to earn a degree can be completed online.
Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements
Fall Semester (starts in August) — Due by August 1
Spring Semester (starts in January) — Due by December 1
Summer Semester (starts in late May) — Due by May 1
Geology Pathway, A.S.
Email: dballero@gsu.edu
Phone: 678-212-7567
What Is Geology?
Geology is an earth science focused on the planet’s composition, structure, physical properties and history, as well as the processes that shape the Earth. Geologists help to locate and manage the earth’s natural resources, including fossil fuels, metals, gemstones and a variety of minerals.
Why Study Geology?
Geology-based careers include protecting the environment, exploring for fossil fuels, monitoring earthquakes, mapping floods, controlling landslides, predicting volcanic eruptions and analyzing the evidence of climate change. To be successful, geologists should have an aptitude for science and math and a desire to better understand the planet.
A note on pathways: A pathway is an advising guide to help students prepare for their intended bachelor’s degree major. By following the course of study outlined in the appropriate Associate of Arts or Associate of Science pathway, students will have the necessary prerequisite courses to continue in their chosen disciplines. A pathway is not a major and will not be represented on the diploma.
Students should consult with advisers to confirm availability of online courses and requirements or additional costs that may be associated with courses. Students should check with advisers about which campuses offer the courses they need. Typically, core courses required for pathways can be taken at most locations and online, while pathway-specific courses may require attendance at a particular location.
Pathway Highlights
“I first took a geology course to fulfill requirements for a different degree but fell in love with the subject matter and hands-on teaching that I experienced at Perimeter College. The best part is the attention teachers are willing to give their students. I also was able to do some independent research on a geology project with a Perimeter professor and got to learn a lot about the process of designing experiments and collecting data. Because of the great classes at Perimeter College and my passionate professors, I am now able to be a part of an international research cruise studying geology around the world.”
Chelsea Bush
2014 Perimeter College graduate
2016 bachelor of science degree in geology, Georgia State University
Faculty members include recipients of the National Teaching Excellence Award from the National Institute for Staff & Organizational Development (NISOD) at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Pamela Gore was named a Cole Fellow, the highest faculty academic award at Perimeter College, and is the author of “Roadside Geology of Georgia,” published by Mountain Press in 2013.
Pathway Details
As part of Georgia State University, Perimeter College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools: Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC) to award associate degrees. Successful completion of a pathway at Perimeter College leads to an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Georgia State University.
Description
Careers
Geologists and geoscientists work in a variety of settings. They plan and conduct field studies, test materials in the laboratory, collect water, soil or rock samples. They analyze maps, satellite imagery and well logs, prepare reports and present their findings. Geologists work for companies that locate and extract natural resources and clean up the environment. Jobs also are available in government agencies and in education. The American Geological Institute estimates there will be a shortage of 135,000 geoscientists by 2022, indicating strong demand for geology and geoscience graduates in the workforce. Strong opportunities exist for geoscientists who speak a second language and are willing to work abroad. A bachelor’s degree is required for entry-level employment in geology. Geologists often earn master’s degrees and doctorates. Career opportunities include:
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For additional salary and job information for geology, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
Contacts
Online Programs
LaToya and Moisés
Enrollment Coaches
404-413-4393
online@gsu.edu
Admissions and Curriculum Inquiries
Admissions
For help with applying or admissions, please review our website, visit a campus office or contact us at 404-413-2500.
Alpharetta Campus
Science (LES and PS) Department
Contessa Paige
cpaige@gsu.edu
678-240-6037
Physical Sciences Department Chair
Dr. Solomon Fesseha
sfesseha@gsu.edu
404-413-2387
Clarkston Campus
Department Chair Life and Earth Sciences
Dr. Deniz Ballero
les@gsu.edu
678-212-7567
Interim Associate Chair for Life and Earth Sciences
Mark Graves
mgraves1@gsu.edu
678-891-3750
Decatur Campus
Associate Chair for Science
Dr. Joann Joyner
jjoyner12@gsu.edu
678-891-2641
Dunwoody Campus
Interim Associate Chair for Life and Earth Sciences
Dr. Erin Morrey
emorrey@gsu.edu
770-274-5563
Newton Campus
Science (LES and PS) Department
Jill Heft
jheft@gsu.edu
770-278-1263
Associate Chair for Science
Dr. Mike Sakuta
msakuta@gsu.edu
770-278-1268
The information shared here provides an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For official details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more, refer to the university catalogs.