Geography Associate in Science
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:
- Apply the scientific method.
- Demonstrate spatial literacy.
- Analyze spatial information and patterns.
- Evaluate relationships between humans and the environment.
- Employ geoscience technology for spatial data management.
Associate Degree Major Requirements
| 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
| 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-150 | Introduction to Computer Programming Applications in Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH-160 | Elementary Statistics | 4 |
| Three semesters of a foreign language or high school equivalent | 15 | |