Contact Information
Alred Hochstaedter (Department Chair)
(831) 646-4138
ahochstaedter@mpc.edu

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For Additional Info
• Download our Info Sheet
• Visit MPC Earth Science website
• Connect with a Counselor 

Program Overview

Geology is the study of Earth, the planet on which you will spend the rest of your life. Students in this program learn how Earth processes influence people and how societal decisions influence the planet. Climate change, water, earthquakes, and tectonics all play important roles. Students learn to identify minerals and rocks and interpret the evolution of the Earth and the diversity of life it supports. Graduates attain upper division status for transfer into the CSU system.

Job Outlook

Geology focuses on some of society’s most pressing challenges. Geologists determine where to safely build and where to find and sustainably extract resources like water and materials for batteries and smartphones. Geoscientists help mitigate hazards such as earthquakes and climate change. Geology majors are prepared for careers in environmental engineering, land use planning, environmental law, planetary exploration, and other fields that rely on understanding how the Earth works. 

Potential Careers

MPC Degrees and Certificates

• Geology - Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T)

Year 1

Year 2

This is a suggested sequence of coursework and is one pathway for students to earn their degree/certificate. This is not an official educational plan. A counselor is able to assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. For more information about counseling and up-to-date program requirements, please visit www.mpc.edu/counseling. 

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Testimonials 

Brendan Chapman

The caring and knowledgeable instructors at MPC both prepared me for transfer to a four-year university, and helped lead me to a Ph.D. program in Planetary Science. Modern, effective science courses paired with an excellent teacher to student ratio and focus on education contributed to making MPC the most effective learning institution I’ve been a part of.

Darlene Gilroy

Taking Geology at MPC was a turning point in my life. I was initially an Administration of Justice major at MPC, but took one course and knew that geology was where I was destined to be. When I transferred to Eastern Washington University to pursue my bachelor's, I made the switch over to Geology. My class at MPC was both inspiring and life-changing. I transferred over seamlessly into the Geology Program at EWU and was a little ahead of the game as far as materials covered. I have come a long way since trekking around the coast looking at different sandstones, mudstones, conglomerates, and granite deposits, but my love for geology has only strengthened. I went from a one-time GE credit fulfillment to building my whole career and future on the foundations built in these classrooms.