Earth and Planetary Science is the study of the Earth and other bodies in the solar system. At CNM, Geology is the focus of our Earth and Planetary Science program. Introductory courses study the planet Earth, including the materials that make up the Earth, the processes that act on these materials, the evolution of the continents and life through time, and the science behind environmental issues. This program is designed to meet the requirements for an Associate of Science in Earth and Planetary Science from CNM and prepare a student to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Planetary Science at the University of New Mexico. However, students from CNM seeking a baccalaureate degree may also transfer to other institutions. Students interested in transfer to UNM should consult the UNM Earth and Planetary Science Department. Students should always refer to the catalog of their intended transfer institution for admission, program, course, and graduation requirements. College catalogs are generally available online. Students should also consult an advisor at CNM.
Some courses are not eligible for Financial Aid. Please check the list here when considering a course.
Educational Opportunities
Many of the courses in this program are transferable and some may be applied to four-year degree programs at other institutions. CNM currently has transfer agreements with many colleges and universities in New Mexico and elsewhere.
Students may use ENGL 2210 (if not used elsewhere) to fulfill this communications requirement only if they have successfully completed ENGL 2120 - Intermediate Composition to satisfy the requirement in term 4.
* NM universities offer different Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Geology, Environmental Studies, and EPS. Please review those programs before choosing your CNM classes. Students are encouraged to consult with an advisor at a 4-year institution to which they wish to transfer to best determine which courses to take.
** Students intending to transfer to a Bachelor of Science program at UNM or NMTech, are recommended to take MATH 1510, MATH 1520, PHYS 1310, PHYS 1320, CHEM 1215, and CHEM 1225. Both schools require chemistry labs. Labs for physics requirement depends on the program and school. Students intending to transfer to NMSU should consult with an advisor regarding which physics courses to take for your preferred degree.
*** Social Behavioral Gen Ed Recommendation: 1) ECON 2110 Macroeconomics, see Bachelor degree requirements for UNM; 2) GEOG 1130 Human Geography
**** Autocad and GIS are sought after skills in NM geoscience job market. Consider taking the BCIS 1110 and GIS 1118 courses as an unrestricted elective in terms 1 and 2; BCIS 1110 is a pre-requisite for GIS 1118. GIS 1005 is also recommended for an unrestricted elective; however, there is a 1-credit prerequisite of CAD 1001. GIS 1002 does not have any pre-requisite courses.
