Earth Science

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.

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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.

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What's Next?

Pre-majors are recommended for students planning to complete a Bachelor’s degree after transferring to a four-year institution and are designed for students who have not yet decided on a specific four-year college or university. Career options in this field reflect the salaries and opportunities available to students upon completing their Bachelor’s degree.

To see specific Transfer Path agreements that Oakton has made with partner universities, please see the Transfer Partnerships and Guides.

For additional support with transfer planning, including course selection and educational planning, please contact the office of Advising, Transitions, and Student Success. The Career & Transfer Center (CTC) offers additional resources for students preparing to transfer to four-year colleges or universities.

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Meet Your Faculty

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: P220, Skokie 

Jelle Wiersma
Assistant Professor of Earth Science
A.A.S. Friesland College (Netherlands)
B.S. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (Netherlands)
M.S. University of Utah
Ph.D. James Cook University, Townsville (Australia)
jwiersma@oakton.edu
847.376.4770
Office: 138 Lee Center. Des Plaines

Part-Time Faculty

Richard DiMaio
Lecturer
B.S. Univ of Wisconsin-Madison
M.S. Northern ILL Univ
847.635.1688
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
847.635.1688
Office: 100, Lee Center, Des Plaines

William Tong
Lecturer
B.S. University of Illinois
M.S. Northeastern Illinois University
billtong@oakton.edu
847.635.1688
Office: Room 100, Lee Center, Des Plaines

Raymond Wiggers
Lecturer
B.S. Purdue Univ
rwiggers@oakton.edu
847.635.1688
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
847.635.1688
Office: 100, Lee Center, Des Plaines

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