Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Science Area of Concentration, Associate of Science

This area of concentration is designed to help students transfer to colleges and universities that offer a baccalaureate degree with a major in Geology or Meteorology. Beyond the General Education requirements and options, this concentration should be considered in light of the requirements of the selected transfer institution. Students should consult with a transfer coordinator or an advisor for information about specific requirements.

Program objectives

Upon successful completion of this area of concentration, students will be able to:

  1. explain atmospheric processes and dynamics;
  2. explain how various types of storms develop;
  3. interpret meteorological charts to assess current weather and make predictions;
  4. relate the Earth's dynamic processes to its composition, structure and surface features;
  5. describe the processes involved in weathering and the resultant landforms;
  6. identify common minerals and rocks of the Earth's crust;
  7. read and use geologic maps to interpret geologic events and history
  8. solve calculus-based physics problems;
  9. use data to solve chemistry problems; and 
  10. perform experiments and write coherent laboratory reports.

Total Number of Credits Required for Degree: 60*

Semester Sequence

This is a suggested full-time schedule for a student who has completed any developmental course work and has no transfer credits. Refer to the College catalog for specific requirements in selecting General Education Courses.

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Important Information

Short Description

Geology and Meteorology are the fields in this concentration. Students gain knowledge to relate the Earth's dynamic processes to its composition, structure, and surface features. Geologists are involved in a wide range of activities, including studies of Earth materials and processes, exploration for resources, and understanding and protecting the environment. Meteorology draws upon many sources for its material because of its attempts to describe processes and changes in the atmosphere. Some of the major fields of investigation include structure of the atmosphere, temperature-pressure-density relationships, heat transfer, moisture and precipitation processes, cloud dynamics, and severe weather processes.

Type of Credential

Associate of Science (A.S.) in Science
Area of Concentration - Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Program Code

A 162

Contacts and Additional Information

Coordinators for Earth and Atmospheric Sciences:

Catonsville Coordinator: August 15 - June 15
Eric Cotton
443-840-5932or ccotton2@ccbcmd.edu

Dundalk Coordinator: August 15 - June 15
Robin Minor
443-840-3756 or rminor@ccbcmd.edu

Essex Coordinator: August 15 - June 15
Evon Ford
443-840-2675 or eford@ccbcmd.edu

Owings Mills Coordinator: August 15 - June 15
Sarah Miller
443-840-2658 or smiller10@ccbcmd.edu

Assistant Dean of Science:

Christine DeStefano
443-840-2673 or cdestefano@ccbcmd.edu

Additional Information:

Courses Needed for this Area of Concentration

General Education Requirements and Electives - 30 Credits

General Education Requirements
General Education Electives

Choose courses from each category from the list of approved General Education Courses. One General Education course must be a Diversity course.

  • Arts and Humanities  3 Credit(s)
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences  6 Credit(s)
  • Information Technology (CSIT 101 or CSIT 111 recommended) 3 Credit(s)

Program Requirements and Electives - 30 Credits

Program Requirements

Program Electives

Select credits from the following list of electives to attain 60 credits for the degree.  A student's selection of General Education electives will determine the total elective credits required to reach 60 credits.  Additional courses beyond those listed below may be used to complete the degree requirements with the approval of the Program Coordinator/Academic Dean.  Electives should be chosen based on the requirements of the transfer institution.

Notes

*Credit students who are new to college (no successfully completed transferable college credits from other institutions) are required to take ACDV 101 - Academic Development: Transitioning to College. This 1-credit course is designed to be taken in the first semester at CCBC. Students must provide an official transcript(s) from an accredited institution to document successful completion of college coursework for the ACDV 101 requirement to be waived.

**In order to take PHYS 151, students must have completed MATH 251 with a C or higher and done one of the following:

  • Completed PHYS 101 OR
  • Received permission from the Physical Sciences department chair.

***In order to take CHEM 131, students must have done one of the following:

  • Completed CHEM 107 and CHEM 108 with a grade of C or better, OR
  • Passed the Chemistry placement exam and completed or tested out of (ENGL 052 and RDNG 052) or ACLT 052, and MATH 083, OR
  • Received permission from the Physical Sciences department chair.