Geography AA-T Degree

Program Overview

The Geography AA-T Degree explores the interrelationships between the Earth's natural and cultural features, emphasizing environmental issues and a systems approach. It equips students with geographical perspectives, skills, and knowledge for careers in geography and related fields, preparing them for transfer to four-year institutions for further studies. The program includes core courses in physical and cultural geography, along with electives in regional geography, GIS, and environmental science.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Geography AA-T Degree

Geography examines the spatial variations and interrelationships between the earth's natural and cultural features. It investigates where things are located, why they are located there, and how their location affects them. Geographers provide ongoing interpretation of the constantly changing physical and human landscapes of the world. Geography is often paired with an environmental component to develop an understanding of environmental issues and emphasizes a systems approach to understanding the major environmental problems facing society and the world. Students gain an understanding of geographical perspectives of human impacts on natural systems and the implications of environmental change on local, regional, and global human systems. This major is suitable for liberal arts students and those specializing in areas like international issues, development, the environment, and remote-sensing GIS. Geography's body of theory and methodologies provide ideas and techniques applicable to a wide range of environmental questions and offers regional and world perspectives for responsible citizens.

Objectives:

• Develop and deepen students' ability to interpret and explain the occurrence, distribution, and interrelationships of the earth's physical and social elements.
• Provide a comprehensive understanding of geographical perspectives on human impacts on natural systems and the implications of environmental change on local, regional, and global human systems.
• Equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in geography and related fields.
• Prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions to pursue further studies in geography or related disciplines.

Outline:

The Geography AA-T Degree program consists of 19-23 units in the major, including required core courses and elective courses from Lists A and B. The required core courses are:

• GEOG 001: Physical Geography (3 units)
• GEOG 001L: Physical Geography Lab (1 unit)
• GEOG 002: Cultural Geography (3 units)
Students can choose 2 to 3 courses from List A and 2 courses from List B to complete the major requirements.

List A:

• GEOG 007: Regional Geography (3 units)
• GEOG 010: Geography of California (3 units)
• NR 021: Introduction to GIS (3 units)
• PH 017: Introduction to Meteorology (3 units)

List B:

• Any course from List A not already used
• ANTH 002: Cultural Anthropology (3 units)
• G 001: Physical Geology (4 units)

Careers:

The Geography AA-T Degree prepares students for careers in geography and related fields, such as:

• Geographer
• Environmental consultant
• GIS analyst
• Urban planner
• Regional planner
• Environmental educator
• Policy analyst
• Researcher
Graduates may also pursue further studies in geography or related disciplines at four-year institutions.