Earth sciences is the study of our planet, its resources, and how it's changing. Research
inside labs and outside field-work lead to new developments in how to use the world’s
natural resources and fresh insights into the history of rocks, landscapes, and human
interaction.
With one of the largest community college geology collections in the country and courses
taught by experienced faculty, Harper College is an ideal place to begin your study
in Earth sciences.
By completing an associate’s degree and following a transfer plan in order to receive
a bachelor’s degree, you will be prepared for a career as a cartographer, geophysicist,
metallurgist, mineralogist, paleontologist, surveyor or secondary education teacher.
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Planning for your future begins here.
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Planning for your future begins here.
It only takes 20 seconds to get started!
Start at Harper. Finish at a four-year university.
The Associate in Science (AS) degree prepares you to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete
a bachelor's degree in Earth science, geology, physical sciences, or related major.
Speak with your advisor about the best courses to take to meet your academic goals.
Harper also offers institution-specific transfer information to help prepare you to
transition to a four-year university. To learn more, visit our Transfer Information page or see your advisor.
Explore Earth Sciences Careers
Learn more about career outcomes for Harper's Earth Sciences degree program. Each
career profile offers a complete picture on the local job market, including salaries,
open positions, top local employers and more. To learn more, visit our Earth Sciences Careers page.
Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form
for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design
purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate
algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May
collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys,
aerial photographs, and satellite data.
Core tasks:
Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes,
records, reports, and original maps.
Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography,
and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional
optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international
properties.
Quick facts:
Geodetic Surveyors
Geodetic Surveyors
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Geodetic Surveyors career profile for most current data.
$80,495 Median Salary
-0.2% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
0 Job Postings
Description:
Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation
satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.
Core tasks:
Analyze control or survey data to ensure adherence to project specifications or land
survey standards.
Maintain databases of geodetic and related information, including coordinate, descriptive,
or quality assurance data.
Calculate the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth's surface.
Conduct surveys to determine exact positions, measurement of points, elevations, lines,
areas, volumes, contours, or other features of land surfaces.
Quick facts:
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer,
surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction,
mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information
and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite
data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other
features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps.
Core tasks:
Position and hold the vertical rods, or targets, that theodolite operators use for
sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations.
Check all layers of maps to ensure accuracy, identifying and marking errors and making
corrections.
Design or develop information databases that include geographic or topographic data.
Monitor mapping work or the updating of maps to ensure accuracy, inclusion of new
or changed information, or compliance with rules and regulations.
Quick facts:
Surveyors
Surveyors
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Surveyors career profile for most current data.
$80,495 Median Salary
-0.2% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
188 Job Postings
Description:
Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to
the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land
features on or near the earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation,
construction, and other purposes.
Core tasks:
Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal
deeds and titles.
Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to
describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.
Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other
legal documents.
Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted
at survey sites.
For more information about starting your college education at Harper, please contact
Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.
