Earth Sciences Department

Study Geography, Geology, Oceanography, and Environmental Studies

Develop the skills and expertise to positively engage in the physical and cultural world around you and be equipped to contribute to problem-solving at local and global scales.

The Earth Sciences Department at City College of San Francisco consists of introductory-level coursework in geography, geology, oceanography, and environmental studies. Our programs offer options for all academic goals — transferring to 4-year colleges, obtaining AA degrees, entering the workforce and looking for educational enrichment. While taking classes, our department faculty and staff provide you with the resources, tools, and support necessary to help you be successful in our classes and make informed decisions about your future educational and job-related goals within the earth sciences.

WHY STUDY EARTH SCIENCES?

Few weeks go by without a devastating storm, a major earthquake, or a volcanic eruption occurring somewhere in the world. Human interactions with the Earth impact its climate and oceans and deplete its water, mineral, and energy resources. Newspapers regularly report on events such as a shift in international trading patterns, a major migration of refugees, or the rising tide of nationalism within a country. These topics are just some of those explored in Earth Sciences courses at City College of San Francisco. In addition to classroom courses, at City College you can also study the earth sciences in the laboratory and in the field. We also offer the opportunity for students to earn academic credit for work experience and internships in Earth Science fields.

CAREERS

Training in the Earth Sciences can lead to careers in geology, oceanography, regional and urban planning, resource management, natural hazards assessment, weather forecasting, GIS, and teaching. EXHIBITS The Earth Sciences Department maintains a wide variety of displays in Science Hall on the Ocean Campus of City College.

EXHIBITS

Exhibits we maintain in the Science Building on Ocean Campus include a seismograph station, a weather station, rock and mineral displays, and the expanded museum exhibit, The Story of Time and Life, which includes large dinosaur fossils

Department Mission

The Earth Sciences Department at City College of San Francisco is dedicated to the promotion of sustainable and informed interactions with the earth by providing a high-quality, diverse educational experience in basic earth science and its applications.

Whether our students take multiple courses from us or not, they should be able to apply what they’ve learned to:

Recognize and describe basic earth science processes at work on the planet.

Develop an understanding of both the spatial and temporal scales of earth processes.

Recognize, describe, and respond to natural hazards and anthropogenically produced hazards

Play a role in the stewardship and management of Earth's resources.

Recognize and understand the processes and consequences of globalization.

Be academically prepared for more advanced courses at 4-year colleges should they qualify for transfer.

Come visit us!

Feel free to come by the City College Earth Sciences Department to see our displays or to discuss course offerings. We operate on a shoestring budget through the efforts of many volunteers and extra hours of our professors. We can always use help, whether in time, resources, or materials. Learn more about us by reading our annual newsletters.