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Home Academics Programs and Majors Geography

Geography

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degree for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Geography

Geography is the science of place and space. Geographers study the relationships among geographic places, natural systems, society and cultural activities, and the interdependence of these from the spatial perspective.



There are two main branches of geography: human geography and physical geography. Human geography is concerned with the spatial aspects of the human endeavor. This examination includes the distribution of humans and their correspondent activities, how people use and perceive space, and how humans create and sustain their environs. Physical geography examines the physical elements and spatial processes related to the Earth's environmental systems. These include energy, air, water, weather, climate, landforms, soils, animals, plants, etc. In addition, geography is increasingly utilizing spatial technologies, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and remotely-sensed imagery, to study the Earth and its inhabitants.



The discipline of geography specifically examines the linkages between human activity and natural systems. Geographers were, in fact, among the first scientists to sound the alarm that human-induced changes to the environment were beginning to threaten the balance of life itself. Geographers today are active in the examination and planning of our communities and the development of our human landscapes along with the study of global warming, deforestation, pollution, and a variety of other environmental quandaries.



The required and elective coursework for this degree will survey a broad spectrum of physical, human, and geo-spatial inquiry. As a result, the SCC Geography AA-T degree will provide transfer students with a solid foundation in geography as well as the standard prerequisites for upper-division coursework leading to the baccalaureate degree.



Note to Transfer Students:

Even though this transfer degree is designed to make transitioning to a California State University in this major as seamless as possible, it is strongly recommended that you meet with a counselor to construct an educational plan. This process will be imperative if you are planning to transfer to an alternative four-year university or college.



The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) student completion requirements (as stated in SB1440 law):

(1) Completion of a minimum of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:

(A) The Intersegmental GE Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University GE-Breadth Requirements (CSU GE-Breadth).

(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.

(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.



ADTs also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
GEOG 300 Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems 3
GEOG 301 Physical Geography Laboratory 1
GEOG 310 Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes (3) 31
   or GEOG 320 World Regional Geography (3)
List A:
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
Students may substitute courses from the Required Program not already counted toward the degree.
GEOG 306 Weather and Climate (3)
GEOG 331 Exploring Maps and Geographic Technologies (3)
GEOG 391 Field Studies in Geography: Mountain Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOG 392 Field Studies in Geography: Coastal Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOG 393 Field Studies in Geography: Arid Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOG 394 Field Studies in Geography: Volcanic Landscapes (1 - 4)
List B:
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
Students may substitute courses from the Required Program or List A not already counted toward the degree.
GEOG 302 Environmental Studies & Sustainability (3)
GEOG 305 Global Climate Change (3)
GEOG 308 Introduction to Oceanography (3)
GEOG 334 Introduction to GIS Software Applications (3)
ANTH 310 Cultural Anthropology (3)
   or ANTH 481 Honors Cultural Anthropology (3)
GEOL 300 Physical Geology (3)
Total Units: 19

1It is strongly recommended that students take GEOG 310.

The Associate in Arts in Geography for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • understand the general content and scope of collegiate level geography studies.
  • compare and contrast the general biophysical and sociocultural differences and similarities among world regions.
  • interpret maps and mapped data utilizing basic map elements, including scales, common coordinate systems, and map symbols.
  • utilize geographic information technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and remote sensing in understanding environmental and human phenomena.
  • evaluate and analyze geographic problems and their solutions.
  • communicate geographic information effectively in oral, written, and graphic form.

Career Information

The career opportunities available to someone earning a degree in geography are as varied as the discipline itself. Some career areas and specific occupations include: natural resource management; environmental conservation; international development; urban and regional planning; education (K-12 through University); tourism; cartography; climate science; park management; transportation planning and logistics; real estate; international business; marketing; land surveying; research science; remote sensing; demography; GIS analysis; and many more (please contact the department for additional information). Some career options may require more than two years of college study.

Check Out Degree Planner

If you're interested in a transfer degree (AA-T or AS-T), then check out Degree Planner, a tool that helps you complete your degree efficiently by mapping out what courses to take and when to take them.

Degree Planner

Science, Math and Engineering

Science, Math and Engineering meta major

This program is part of the Science, Math and Engineering meta major.

Science, Math, and Engineering