Coursework in earth science can include elements of the land, water, and air on Earth and beyond. It may concentrate on knowledge for scientific research, as well as applications to understand and improve life on the planet.

Associate of Science degrees are similar to Associate of Arts degrees in that they are offered by community colleges and require general education classes. They differ in the fact that Associate of Science degrees require elective courses on specialized science subjects.

Part-time learning allows one to obtain a degree or qualification even if one cannot attend school on a full-time basis. One can learn at one's own pace, gradually accumulating credits that count towards a final qualification.