Geography

Geography AA-T

The Associate in Arts in Geography for Transfer Degree is designed to provide students a seamless transfer to the California State University system. The degree is designed to prepare students for a baccalaureate degree in Geography or similar major.

A degree in geography trains individuals to view the full scope of Earth’s natural and cultural systems from a spatial perspective; therefore, geographers have an important role to play in understanding and interpreting the many complex patterns and processes that characterize places/regions and determine the interactions that occur between and within places/regions. Geographers are employed as research scientists and teachers by educational institutions; international, federal, state, regional and local government agencies; local and regional planning firms; and environmental consulting firms. Geographers are generally analytical, inquisitive and creative. Geographers are trained to draw upon a variety of information sources/disciplines and to view the world from a holistic perspective. Because of their “bird’s eye view of the world,” geographers are often found to be well suited to project coordination and/or management.

Upon completion of the AA-T in Geography, students will/ be able to:

• Use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and technologies to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial perspective.
• Have an understanding of how physical processes shape the Earth’s surface and determine the character and spatial distribution of global climates and ecosystems.
• Have an understanding of the characteristics, distribution, and migration of human populations on Earth’s surface.
• Have an understanding of the characteristics, distribution, and complexity of Earth’s cultural mosaic.
• Have an understanding of the patterns and networks of physical and cultural interdependence on Earth’s surface.
• Have an understanding of how physical systems affect human systems and of how human actions affect physical systems.

In order to complete the AA-T in Geography students must met the following requirements:

• Complete 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to a California State University and include requirements for the CSU General Education Breadth or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum;
• Complete a minimum of 18 semester or 27 quarter units in the major or area of emphasis with a grade of “C” or better in all required courses;
• Earn a minimum grade point average of 2.0.