Geography is the study of spatial aspects of the physical environment, human activities and landscapes, and the nature of their interactions. Geographers draw upon theories from both the physical and social sciences. As physical scientists, they study the processes and resulting features of the earth’s surface, such as vegetation, climate, soils, landforms, and resources. As social scientists, geographers explore such topics as the arrangement of societies on the earth’s surface, land use patterns, urbanization, resources and energy usage, and environmental conservation. Therefore, geography includes a wide range and variety of academic disciplines in both the physical and social sciences. It is truly an integrating discipline.

The associate degree program with a major in geography will prepare students to transfer to four-year institutions where they can complete baccalaureate degrees in geography and other disciplines. It is recommended, however, that students consult the catalog of the transfer institution for specific requirements. Many university geography graduates enter teaching professions at all levels. Multiple federal, city, county and state governments, as well as private companies, hire geographers in the fields of resource management, geographic information systems, urban planning, and environmental planning because of their broad training. For example, the U.S. Geologic Survey traditionally hires geographers in map making, air photo interpretation, satellite image analysis, and land use mapping.

Career Opportunities

https://www.grossmont.edu/student-support/career-center/resources.php

Aerial Photograph Interpreter
Computer Mapping (G.I.S.)¹
Demographer¹
Ecologist¹
Environmental Analyst¹
Geographer¹
Land Planner¹
Meteorologist¹
Satellite Image Processor¹
Site Planner¹
Spatial Analyst¹
Surveyor
Teacher/Professor¹
Water Resources Manager¹

¹

Bachelor’s Degree or higher required.

The Program-level Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) below are outcomes that students will achieve after completing specific degree / certificate requirements in this program. Students will:

1. Apply the scientific method.
2. Demonstrate spatial literacy.
3. Analyze spatial information and patterns.
4. Evaluate relationships between humans and the environment.
5. Employ geoscience technology for spatial data management.

Associate Degree Major Requirements

Note: All courses must be completed with a letter grade of “C” or higher or “Pass.”

Course List

Code	Title	Units
GEOG-104	Introduction to Geographic Information Science	3
GEOG-120	Physical Geography: Earth Systems	3
GEOG-121	Physical Geography: Earth Systems Laboratory	1
GEOG-130	Human Geography: The Cultural Landscape	3
GEOG-140	Meteorology: Weather and Climate	3
GEOG-150	Field Study of the Natural History of the Greater San Diego Region	3
GEOG-170	The Geography of California	3
GEOL-110	Planet Earth	3
Total Units		22

Plus General Education and Elective Requirements

Recommended Electives

Course List

Code	Title	Units
GEOG-172	Field Exploration: Colorado Plateau	3
GEOG-173	Field Exploration: Cascade Range/Modoc Plateau	3
GEOG-174	Field Exploration: Basin and Range Province	3
GEOG-175	Field Exploration: California Coastal Mountains	3
GEOG-176	Field Exploration: Sierra Nevada	3
MATH-160	Elementary Statistics	4
Three semesters of a foreign language or high school equivalent		15