Geosciences

Inegrated, Hands-On Studies Preparing You for a Career or to Transfer On

Students with clipboards studing giant rocks outside

Program Overview

Interested in the study of Earth and its complex systems? College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Geosciences program, incorporating essential aspects of geology, offers a comprehensive exploration of Earth’s processes, materials, and history. This Associate of Science degree lays a strong foundation in geology and other scientific disciplines like mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology, essential for understanding the dynamic interactions within Earth's systems. Perfect for those drawn to earth science, the program leads you through various aspects of geology, environmental science, and natural resource management, preparing you for advanced studies at a four-year university.

Your journey will include studying rock formations, geological structures, and mineral resources, alongside key environmental and sustainability issues. Through engaging coursework and practical fieldwork, you will develop a deeper understanding of geologic processes, from plate tectonics to erosion, and how they shape our world. Graduates find opportunities in diverse fields, including the oil and gas industry, mining, environmental consulting, and government sectors.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Science

Time to Complete

2 years

Students in a classroom looking down at their papers while writing

Learning Opportunities

  • Integrated Study of Geology and GIS: Gain valuable geology insights while learning Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a critical tool in modern geoscience.
  • Hands-On Geological Fieldwork: Participate in field trips and labs for practical experience in geological mapping, rock and mineral identification, and data analysis.
  • Environmental and Geologic Processes: Understand key environmental challenges and the geological processes that impact our planet.
  • Diverse Geoscience Careers: Explore career paths in geology, environmental science, natural resource management, and beyond.
  • Preparation for Advanced Geological Studies: Equip yourself for seamless transfer to pursue a bachelor's degree in geology or related fields.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Geosciences – Associate of Science Degree

Person looking through a microscope in a greenhouse

Career Opportunities

  • Computer Occupations, All Other

    All computer occupations not listed separately. Excludes “Computer and Information Systems Managers” (11-3021), “Computer Hardware Engineers” (17-2061), “Electrical and Electronics Engineers” (17-2070), “Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary” (25-1021), “Special Effects Artists and Animators” (27-1014), “Graphic Designers” (27-1024), “Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars” (29-9021), and “Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers” (49-2011).

    73

    Annual Openings*

    $29.70

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $61,776

    Annual Median Salary

    35.64%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Industrial Production Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications.

    37

    Annual Openings*

    $44.93

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $93,454

    Annual Median Salary

    26.35%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Soil and Plant Scientists

    Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

    25

    Annual Openings*

    $37.20

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $77,376

    Annual Median Salary

    5.96%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Natural Sciences Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields. Excludes “Computer and Information Systems Managers” (11-3021) and “Architecture and Engineering Managers” (11-9041).

    23

    Annual Openings*

    $45.78

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $95,222

    Annual Median Salary

    26.85%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Environmental Engineers

    Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.

    12

    Annual Openings*

    $48.13

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $100,110

    Annual Median Salary

    13.47%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians

    Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.

    5

    Annual Openings*

    $23.85

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $49,608

    Annual Median Salary

    10.71%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Atmospheric and Space Scientists

    Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.

    4

    Annual Openings*

    $48.43

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $100,734

    Annual Median Salary

    -8.47%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Hydrologic Technicians

    Collect and organize data concerning the distribution and circulation of ground and surface water, and data on its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Measure and report on flow rates and ground water levels, maintain field equipment, collect water samples, install and collect sampling equipment, and process samples for shipment to testing laboratories. May collect data on behalf of hydrologists, engineers, developers, government agencies, or agriculture. Excludes “Hydrologists” (19-2043).

    4

    Annual Openings*

    $28.28

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $58,822

    Annual Median Salary

    -7.13%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers

    Conduct subsurface surveys to identify the characteristics of potential land or mining development sites. May specify the ground support systems, processes, and equipment for safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction or underground construction activities. May inspect areas for unsafe geological conditions, equipment, and working conditions. May design, implement, and coordinate mine safety programs. Excludes “Petroleum Engineers” (17-2171).

    3

    Annual Openings*

    $61.45

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $127,816

    Annual Median Salary

    28.44%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Petroleum Engineers

    Devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice.

    2

    Annual Openings*

    $54.87

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $114,130

    Annual Median Salary

    54.69%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

Load more

*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

Admissions

Step 1

Step 2

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Academic CalendarNew Student Checklist

Clubs

Geology Club

Geology Club provides like-minded students an opportunity to collectively pursue their interests in geology as well as advocating for spreading knowledge throughout the student body at CWI. With the assistance of our club advisor and other faculty...

News

What should you do when an earthquake hits? Here are some simple safety steps to follow when the next tremor rolls in.

Read more about Stay Safe During an Earthquake

Join University of Idaho professor, Jason Barnes, April 13 to learn more about the Dragonfly space mission, a project to explore Titan, Saturn’s largest moon.

Read more about Visiting Scientist Series Welcomes Jason Barnes

CWI's Common Read Series invites you to join them for an informative panel discussion all about science featuring CWI faculty.

Read more about Common Read Series: Communicating Scientifically

“CWI empowered me to believe in myself and in a better future.”

Read more about Leading by Example

CWI student, Westin Juarez, teams up with CWI professor, Ander Sundell, and the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology to design a new exhibit.

Read more about Geology Student Designs Museum Exhibit

Seismic waves from an earthquake in Honduras on Jan. 9 were detected at College of Western Idaho, 2,500 miles away!

Read more about Seismic Waves Travel to Nampa

College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programs are excited to share new episodes of the video blog series, Science is a Verb. CWI faculty share some...

Read more about Science is a Verb: Detecting Touch

College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Biology 2 (Biodiversity & Evolution) class is going native! Join other adventurous students for a three week immersion experience studying the biodiversity and...

Read more about CWI Biology is Takin’ It Outside!

A group of CWI students had the chance to engage with Idaho State University graduate students on a field trip to investigate and map rocks.

Read more about Geology Trip Provides Connections for CWI Students

On Oct. 1, CWI students and faculty joined a group of citizen scientists gathered at the confluence of the Snake and Boise Rivers to monitor water quality.

Read more about CWI Faculty and Students Join Watershed Watch

The seasons have changed and it is time for the annual migration of monarch butterflies. After traveling hundreds of miles from their natal grounds, most of the monarchs living in the Western United...

Read more about More to Monarchs than Meets the Eye

Who would have thought that science really had so much to do with aging?  Not me, until I read this article from sciencenews.org. They explain that while there is still a hearty debate regarding what...

Read more about What I Learned in Microbiology
View all news

Request More Information

Please complete the following

Connect With Us

Ready to get started? Our team looks forward to assisting you!

One Stop Student Services

208.562.3000onestop@cwi.eduLocations