Geography A.S. Degree

Program Description

The environmental and spatial science of geography examines both physical and cultural landscapes across the Earth.  As a spatial science, physical and cultural location and patterns on Earth's surface are central to the study of geography.  It includes the study of all forces of nature and the consequences of those forces, with an emphasis on human-environment interactions.

Specifically, geography integrates multiple natural and social sciences and includes: the nature and interactions of the atmosphere and the land, plants and animals, the Earth's waters, weather, climate, the Earth's dynamic surface, landforms and soil, and the way people have inhabited and altered the Earth by creating various forms of agriculture, language, religion, and cities.

Courses in geography fulfill the science and social sciences requirement for the associate degree, prepare the students for majoring in geography at a four-year institution, and supplement other studies for students interested in careers in environmental studies, education, engineering, urban planning, and architecture.  Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution as a geography major should consult with a counselor regarding the transfer process and lower division requirements.

To graduate with a specialization in Geography, students must complete the following required courses plus the general breadth requirements for the Associate Degree (total = 60 units).

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program.  Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway.  It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Division

Science

Department

Geography

Career and Academic Pathway (CAP)

Science, Engineering, Math

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate expertise in basic cartographic principles, including map location, scale, and distortion.

  2. Integrate fundamentals of sociology, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and other social and natural sciences within a spatial network of human-environment interactions.

  3. Interpret spatial patterns, as indicated on maps, and utilize tabular and textual information as a means to produce basic maps.

Program Map

GE General Education
O Available Online
Program Requirement
P Program Prerequisites

1st Semester

14 units

2nd Semester

13-14 units

3rd Semester

15-18 units

4th Semester

9-12 units