Program Overview
Geography, Associate of Arts (AA)
Overview
Geography is the study of the physical environment, human activities and landscapes, through a spatial lens. Geographers study spatial distributions and relationships within Earth’s human-environmental systems, incorporating historic and contemporary human activities within the context of the natural environment, as well as the emergence of humanity as one of the major agents of change on Earth. Geographers draw upon and develop theories in both physical and social sciences. As physical scientists, geographers study the processes and resulting features of the Earth’s surface, including climate, hydrology, soils, landforms, and plant and animal adaptation. As social scientists, geographers investigate water and land use patterns, urbanization, economic growth and development, migrations, resource and energy use, globalization, and social justice.
The geography program exposes students to many of the tools and technologies employed by Earth science professionals, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). The Associate in Arts Degree in Geography provides for a liberal education and prepares one for positions in business, government, non-profit and non-government organizations, and academia. Coursework in geography prepares students for a wide range of jobs in technology and data science, teaching students to gather, manipulate, analyze, and report spatial data. There is rapid growth in the use of GIS in natural resource management, urban planning, marketing, real estate, criminology, emergency services, public health, scientific research, and many other areas.
Associate Degree Graduation Requirements
- Complete all of the following:
- All Department Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or “P” in each course (at least 20% of the department requirements must be completed through SBCC).
- One of the following three General Education options:
- OPTION 1: A minimum of 18 units of SBCC General Education Requirements (Areas A-D) and Institutional Requirements (Area E) and Information Competency Requirement (Area F) OR
- OPTION 2: IGETC Pattern OR
- OPTION 3: CSU GE Breadth Pattern
- A total of 60 degree-applicable units (SBCC courses numbered 100 and higher).
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all units attempted at SBCC.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all college units attempted.
- A minimum of 12 units through SBCC.
Course List
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Department Requirements | ||
| Core Courses | ||
| GEOG 101/ERTH 141 | Physical Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 101L/ERTH 141L | Physical Geography Laboratory | 1 |
| GEOG 102 | Human Geography | 3 |
| or GEOG 104 | World Regional Geography | |
| GEOG/ERTH 152 | Weather and Climate | 3 |
| or GEOG 106 | Geography Of California | |
| GEOG/ERTH 171 | Introduction To Geographic Information Systems And Maps | 2 |
| GEOG/ERTH 172 | Geographic Information Systems: Software Applications | 2 |
| Complete 6 units of Controlled Electives from the following (courses used to meet the core cannot be used to also satisfy a controlled elective): | 6 | |
| ANTH 103 | Introduction To Cultural Anthropology | |
| BIOL 122 | Ecology | |
| or BIOL 144 | Biogeography | |
| or BOT 121 | Plant Diversity | |
| ENVS/HIST 112 | American Environmental History | |
| or ERTH 112 | History Of The Earth | |
| ERTH/ENVS 116 | Energy and Natural Resources | |
| ERTH 131 | Geologic Field Studies - Eastern Sierra Nevada | |
| or ERTH 132 | Geologic Field Studies - Death Valley | |
| or ERTH 133 | Introductory Geologic Field Seminar - Colorado Plateau | |
| ERTH 151 | Introductory Physical Oceanography | |
| GEOG 102 | Human Geography | |
| GEOG 104 | World Regional Geography | |
| GEOG 105/ERTH 142 | Economic Geography | |
| or ECON 101 | Microeconomics | |
| or ECON 101H | Microeconomics, Honors | |
| or ECON 102 | Macroeconomics | |
| or ECON 102H | Macroeconomics, Honors | |
| GEOG 106 | Geography Of California | |
| GEOG 107 | Geography of The Middle East/North Africa and Southwest Asia | |
| GEOG 123 | Geography field studies- Death Valley | |
| GEOG/ERTH 152 | Weather and Climate | |
| GLST 101 | Introduction to Global Studies | |
| GLST 102 | Global Problems | |
| MATH 117 | Elementary Statistics | |
| or PSY 150 | Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences | |
| or SOC 125 | Introduction to Statistics in Sociology | |
| MATH/CS 118 | Data Science for All | |
| Total Units | 20.00 |
Learning Outcomes
- Describe and assess Earth’s physical processes and their impacts on human culture and activities.
- Describe and assess human cultural and economic activities and their impacts on Earth’s physical environment.
- Identify and implement the methods and technologies used in geographic spatial analysis (ex. GIS, remote sensing, spatial statistics, cartography and map analysis).
Recommended Sequence
Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Associate in Arts Degree in Geography provides a liberal education and prepares one for positions in business, government, non-profit and non-government organizations, and academia. Coursework in geography prepares students for a wide range of jobs in technology and data science, teaching students to gather, manipulate, analyze, and report spatial data. There is rapid growth in the use of GIS in natural resource management, urban planning, marketing, real estate, criminology, emergency services, public health, scientific research, and many other areas.
Objectives:
- To provide students with a strong foundation in the principles and theories of geography.
- To develop students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- To prepare students for careers in geography and related fields.
Description:
Geography is the study of the physical environment, human activities and landscapes, through a spatial lens. Geographers study spatial distributions and relationships within Earth’s human-environmental systems, incorporating historic and contemporary human activities within the context of the natural environment, as well as the emergence of humanity as one of the major agents of change on Earth. Geographers draw upon and develop theories in both physical and social sciences. As physical scientists, geographers study the processes and resulting features of the Earth’s surface, including climate, hydrology, soils, landforms, and plant and animal adaptation. As social scientists, geographers investigate water and land use patterns, urbanization, economic growth and development, migrations, resource and energy use, globalization, and social justice. The geography program exposes students to many of the tools and technologies employed by Earth science professionals, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
Outline:
Content:
- Physical Geography
- Human Geography
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Remote sensing
- Spatial statistics
- Cartography and map analysis
Structure:
- Core courses
- Controlled electives
Course Schedule:
- GEOG 101/ERTH 141 Physical Geography
- GEOG 101L/ERTH 141L Physical Geography Laboratory
- GEOG 102 Human Geography
- GEOG/ERTH 152 Weather and Climate
- GEOG/ERTH 171 Introduction To Geographic Information Systems And Maps
- GEOG/ERTH 172 Geographic Information Systems: Software Applications
Assessment:
Methods:
- Exams
- Quizzes
- Papers
- Projects
- Presentations
Criteria:
- Knowledge of the subject matter
- Critical thinking skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Communication skills
Teaching:
Methods:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Labs
- Field trips
- Guest speakers
Faculty:
- Dr. John Smith
- Dr. Jane Doe
Unique Approaches:
- The program uses a hands-on approach to learning, with students completing projects and conducting field research.
- The program offers a variety of experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and study abroad programs.
- The program has a strong focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Geographer
- GIS Analyst
- Urban Planner
- Environmental Scientist
- Teacher
- Researcher
Opportunities:
- The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a variety of careers in geography and related fields.
- The program prepares students for graduate school in geography or related disciplines.
- The program provides students with the opportunity to network with professionals in the field of geography.
Outcomes:
- Graduates of the program will have a strong foundation in the principles and theories of geography.
- Graduates of the program will be able to think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively.
- Graduates of the program will be prepared for careers in geography and related fields.
Santa Barbara City College
Overview:
Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is a community college located in Santa Barbara, California. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including transfer degrees, certificates, and non-credit courses. SBCC is known for its diverse student body and its commitment to providing accessible and affordable education.
Services Offered:
SBCC provides a variety of services to its students, including:
Academic advising:
Students can receive personalized guidance on course selection, degree planning, and career exploration.Financial aid:
SBCC offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for their education.Career services:
Students can access resources to help them with job searching, resume writing, and career planning.Student support services:
SBCC provides a range of support services, such as tutoring, counseling, and disability services.Library and learning resources:
SBCC has a well-equipped library and learning center with access to books, journals, computers, and other resources.Student Life and Campus Experience:
SBCC offers a vibrant campus experience with opportunities for students to get involved in:
Student clubs and organizations:
Students can join a variety of clubs and organizations based on their interests, such as academic, cultural, and recreational groups.Athletics:
SBCC has a competitive athletics program with teams in various sports.Campus events:
SBCC hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and performances.Key Reasons to Study There:
Affordable tuition:
SBCC offers a relatively low tuition rate compared to other colleges and universities.Transfer opportunities:
SBCC has strong transfer agreements with four-year universities, making it easy for students to continue their education after graduation.Small class sizes:
SBCC offers smaller class sizes, which allows for more personalized attention from instructors.Location:
SBCC is located in a beautiful and vibrant city with access to beaches, mountains, and cultural attractions.Academic Programs:
SBCC offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Arts and Humanities:
Art, Communication, English, History, Music, Philosophy, Theatre ArtsBusiness and Entrepreneurship:
Business Administration, EntrepreneurshipCulture, Society, and Human Behavior:
Anthropology, Chicano Studies, Communication, Economics, Global and International Studies, History, Law and Society, Political Science, Psychology, SociologyEnglish as a Second Language, Adult High School, GED:
ESL, Adult High School Diploma, GEDHealthcare, Wellness, and Public Service:
Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Emergency Medical Services, Social WorkIndustry and Applied Technologies:
Automotive Technology, Culinary Arts, Welding, Computer ScienceNature, Numbers, and Engineering:
Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, EngineeringOther:
SBCC is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), which means that it serves a significant population of Hispanic students. The college is committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all students.
