Earth science students at Oakton are curious to understand the scientific workings of the earth's spheres (rocks, water, air and life). They also have a passion for preserving our natural environment as they contemplate how societies have related to the world—past, present, and future.
Oakton’s earth science faculty have more than 60 years of combined experience in teaching the mysteries of the earth. The curriculum includes courses for both majors and non-science majors in geology, environmental science, astronomy, oceanography, and meteorology.
Lab-based courses enable students to study geologic formations visually. You’ll study courses in geology, weather and climate, geography, oceanography in addition to basic Earth Science courses. Credit opportunities also exist for high school students.
Explore the exciting field of geology—a field that has the potential to make the world more just for all who inhabit it.
Degree and Pre-Major
Oakton offers an associate in science (A.S.) for students who wish to pursue a bachelor of science at a four-year college or university. If you plan to pursue a four-year degree in earth science, we recommend our earth science pre-major, which provides the smoothest transfer experience.
Oakton offers an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree for students intending to transfer into baccalaureate programs in fields such as engineering, mathematics or the sciences. Oakton’s A.S. degree is offered with emphasis for either Mathematics/Computer Science or Science majors.
Our pre-major is recommended for students who are considering completing a Bachelor’s degree in Earth Science after transferring to a four-year institution. It is designed for students who have not decided upon a specific four-year college or university.
Once you have selected your transfer school, consult the Office of Advising, Transitions and Student Success, as well as the transfer institution's catalog. This will help you select courses that will meet both Oakton's and your transfer school's requirements.
We are glad you are considering attending Oakton College. No matter where you are in your decision-making process, we are here to help you with your next steps. Whether you're ready to apply now, need information on paying for college or have questions and want to contact someone, we're here to help.
Geoscientists typically need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level jobs. For some positions, employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree.
The employment of geoscientists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 2,400 openings for geoscientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
The median annual wage for geoscientists was $83,680 in 2021.
There's a variety of careers you can pursue with an Earth Science degree. Among the careers you can get after you complete your degree are:
Geologist
Hydrologist
Oceanographer
Seismologist
Volcanologist
Geophysicist
Environmental scientist
Enrolling at Oakton College can save you thousands of dollars and help you earn more over the course of your career. Our tuition is among the lowest in the region, and we offer many ways to bring your costs down even more.
99 percent of Oakton students graduate without debt.
To help you get there, you can apply for a scholarship, which you don’t have to pay back. We award $12 million in scholarships annually. Financial Aid includes grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance that can reduce your costs of attending college.
We offer payment options that give you control over how you pay. Pay all at once or spread your payments over the course of the semester.
As your community college, we serve students from various backgrounds. We aim to make the application process as easy and as clear as possible for everyone.
We can help you get started on a degree or certificate. Applying to Oakton is fast and easy.
Your first step before you begin your studies is filling out an admission application and completing your enrollment process.
Oakton's professors and lecturers are experts in their fields with advanced degrees and years of real-world experience.
Chad Landrie, Chair Professor of Chemistry B.A. Monmouth College Ph.D. University of Illinois at Chicago clandrie@oakton.edu 847.376.7439 Office: 109, Lee Center, Des Plaines
Valeria Benson-Lira Assistant Professor of Physical Science B.A. Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores De Monterrey M.A. Arizona State University vbensonlira@oakton.edu 847.376.7258 Office: 138, Lee Center, Des Plaines
Part-Time Faculty
Richard DiMaio Lecturer B.S. Univ of Wisconsin-Madison M.S. Northern ILL Univ 847.635.1684 Office: 100, Lee Center, Des Plaines
David LoBue Lecturer A.S. College of Lake County B.A. Arizona State Univ B.S. Arizona State Univ M.S. Univ of Kansas dlobue@oakton.edu 847.635.1684 Office: 100, Lee Center, Des Plaines
William Tong Lecturer B.S. University of Illinois M.S. Northeastern Illinois University billtong@oakton.edu 847.635.1684 Office: Room 100, Lee Center, Des Plaines
Raymond Wiggers Lecturer B.S. Purdue Univ rwiggers@oakton.edu 847.635.1684 Office: Room 100, Lee Center, Des Plaines
Julie Wulff Lecturer B.S. Univ of ILL Urbana M.S. Univ of ILL Urbana Ph.D. Ohio State Univ jwulff@oakton.edu 847.635.1684 Office: 100, Lee Center, Des Plaines
