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2020-2021 Course Catalog 
    
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2020-2021 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Earth Science, AS

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Total Credits: 60

Major Number: 5908
CIP Code: 40.0601

Program Description

The Century College Earth Sciences associate degree is designed to prepare students to complete a four-year program in geosciences upon transfer to a four-year college or university.  The associate degree prepares students for many majors within the Earth Sciences such as Earth Science/Geology, Environmental Sciences, Geo-engineering, Geo-biology, Meteorology, or other associated Geoscience degree.  The Earth Science associate degree program would prepare students in the long term for employment as geoscientists in one or more the following sectors: industry, government, nonprofits, or academia.  Following completion of a Bachelor’s degree, students may seek employment in any of these sectors or continue their education to earn a graduate-level degree in the geosciences. Coursework selected for the ESCI AS degree is based on review of schools with geosciences programs in the United States, such as St. Cloud State University and the University of Minnesota, while also customizable to fit degree-specific requirements at other universities.  This program is consistent with widespread and adopted program curricular structures in United States geosciences departments.  The American Geosciences Institute estimates there will be increasing demand for geoscientists in the United States.

The Century College AS in Earth Science will lay the foundation for a Bachelor’s degree in geosciences preparing the student to conduct stratigraphic analysis, investigate the Earth history of a location or region, analyze present and past Earth processes, investigate ocean shoreline dynamics, prepare for and mitigate natural disasters, study human and environmental interactions and develop quantitative research skills.  This would be especially appropriate to prepare students to work in the extractive industries such as mining, oil and gas exploration, paleontology, natural disaster preparedness, response and remediation, the utility industry, as well as numerous local, state, regional, government agencies and departments or nonprofit sectors.  It could also lay the foundation for a career in academia.

Program Prerequisites

None

Special Instructions

ESCI Elective courses may not fulfill upper division major requirements at some universities yet will transfer as electives. Verify with the receiving University and/or your Century advisor/counselor prior to selecting courses.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Select 18 credits from the following list based on student intended major, academic goals, and transfer college/university requirements. It is highly recommended that students meet with their advisor/counselor, and/or faculty program instructors early and often to create an individualized plan for their goals. Also consult with the college or university where they plan to transfer for requirements of their intended major. (Many courses in MnTC Goal 3 and 4 will also fulfill credits in the Major requirement area. This is acceptable as long as students complete a total of 60 credits overall.)

Total Credits: 18

MnTC/General Education Requirements

Goal 1: Communication

Total Credits: 10

Goal 2: Critical Thinking

Fulfilled when all MnTC goals for this degree are complete.

Goal 3 and/or 4: Natural Sciences/Math/Logical Reasoning

Minimum of 26 credits. Select credits based on student intended major, academic goals, and transfer college/university requirements. (Many courses in MnTC Goal 3 and 4 will also fulfill credits in the Major requirement area. This is acceptable as long as students complete a total of 60 credits overall.)

Total Credits: 26

Goal 5: History/Social/Behavioral Sciences

Minimum of 3 credits.

Total Credits: 3

Goal 6: Humanities/Fine Arts

Minimum of 3 credits.

Total Credits: 3

Goals 7-10: Theme Goals

Three credits in two Goal areas selected from Goals 7, 8, 9 or 10 are required.  Many courses from Goals 1-6 also meet Goals 7-10. One course may fulfill a maximum of two Goals. Credits count only once.

Fulfilled when all MnTC goals for this degree are complete.

Goal 7: Human Diversity
Goal 8: Global Perspectives
Goal 9: Ethical and Civic Responsibility
Goal 10: People and the Environment

Total Credits: 42

MnTC Elective Requirements

None

Additional Elective Requirements

None

Additional Requirements

None

Program Information

General Requirements for Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates

See Century College Policy 3.17.0.1

Program Note

Courses fulfilling Major Requirements (see above) require a grade of C or higher. Many courses in MnTC Goal 3 and 4 will also fulfill credits in the Major requirement area. This is acceptable as long as students complete a total of 60 credits overall.

Transfer, Articulation Agreements, and Partnerships

See the Century College website for information regarding transfer.  This degree program is designed for both employment preparation and transfer. Some of the courses may not transfer to a number of four-year colleges.  If you are considering the possibility of transfer, you may wish to talk with your advisor, counselor, or program instructor before registering to discuss your goals, look at programs designed for transfer, and develop a plan.

Program Learning Outcomes

At the end of this program students will be able to:

  1. conduct field study of geologic stratigraphy.
  2. prepare a summary of Earth system dynamics for a locality or region.
  3. prepare written reports with supporting quantitative analysis.
  4. communicate results to varieties of audiences and stakeholders.
  5. investigate and analyze air, water, and soil pollution and degradation and propose abatement and remediation solutions.
  6. conduct weather observations, prepare weather forecasts, compile longer-term weather data and climate study for a location or region.
  7. prepare natural disaster risk assessments and implement a natural disaster preparedness plan, response, and remediation.

Program Contact Information

Joe Osborn 651.779.3434 Room 2838 East
John Oughton 651.779.3907 Room 2879 East
Jill Bries Korpik 651.779.3434 Room 2838 East

Sample Plan

Please note that this is a sample course sequence. Individual schedules will vary depending upon student needs, goals, and availability. Students are recommended to meet with their advisor, counselor, or faculty program instructors to create an individualized plan that includes prerequisites and application requirements. For detailed program information see the Century College website. This information is subject to change.

The following Sample Plan will fulfill the requirements for articulation to St. Cloud State University’s Environmental Science BS degree.

Semester 1

Total Credits: 16

Semester 2

Total Credits: 17

Semester 3

Total Credits: 13

Semester 4

Total Credits: 14

Note

This information is subject to change. Changes and updates are posted on century.edu

Century College is a member of the Minnesota State system. We are an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and educator. This document can be available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 651.779.3354 or 1.800.228.1978 x 3354.

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