Geography Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T)
About the Program
The Greek derivation of the word geography is "earth description." Geography studies natural features such as mountain ranges, rivers, valleys, forests, deserts, and grasslands, as well as man-made features such as cities, roads, dams, and bridges. Geography is truly an integrated discipline. It helps us to understand our natural environment and its capacity to maintain life. Is this capacity of supporting human civilization unlimited? If not, how much more can we abuse our physical environment without diminishing its capacity to sustain life? Geography is central to an understanding of the international global arena and provides an exciting and challenging way to examine our planet.The Associate in Arts in Geography for Transfer is designed for prospective California State University(CSU) transfer students who are preparing for careers in the field of Geography. Completion of the Associate in Arts in Geography Transfer degree will provide a streamlined pathway for transfer to a CSU campus with a Geography or similar major. Students should consult with a counselor to determine whether or not this degree is the best option for their transfer goals.
Career Opportunities
Geography serves as an excellent undergraduate major. City, county, and state governments are hiring geographers in the field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), urban planning, and environmental studies because of their broad training. The national mapping division of the United States Geological Survey traditionally needs geographers in map making and its related job openings such as photo-interpretation, satellite image analysis, land use and land cover mapping. In addition, the analytical skills gained through a Geography major provide a strong foundation for graduate study in law, urban planning and architecture. Geographers with advanced degrees are also in demand in colleges and universities around the world. Students should enhance their major with a strong array of courses in the international arena, statistics, physical sciences, computer science, and basic business principles
Program Outcomes
- Upon completion of the AA-T in Geography, students are able to assemble and analyze spatial information (maps, data, surveys, qualitative observations, etc), using traditional and modern mapping technology methods.
- Upon completion of the AA-T in Geography, students are able to demonstrate knowledge of global physical and environmental processes, locations and develop an appreciation of landscapes.
Learning and Career Pathway Maps
Completion Requirements:
- Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer
to the California State University, including both of the following:
- The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or CA State University General Education – Breadth Requirements.
- A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
- Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT’s) also require that students must earn a "C " (or "P'') or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.
Required Core: (7 Units)
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| GEOG 1 | Introduction to Physical Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 1L | Introduction to Physical Geography Laboratory | 1 |
| GEOG 2 | Cultural Geography | 3 |
| or | ||
| GEOG 5 | World Regional Geography | 3 |
List A: Select Two (6 Units)
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Any Required Core course not already used | ||
| GEOG 8 | Introduction to Atmospheric Science | 3 |
| GEOG 12 | Geography of California | 3 |
| GEOG 15 | Introduction to GIS | 3 |
List B: Select Two (6-7 units)
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Any List A course not already used | ||
| ANTR 3 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| GEOL 1 | Physical Geology | 3 |
| MATH 40 | Statistics and Probability | 4 |
Total Units for the Major: 19-20
Additional General Education and Elective Units: 40-41
Total Units: 60
See the Las Positas College California State University General Education-Breadth or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (for CSU) patterns for a listing of areas and courses. Double counting courses in GE and the major is permissible. The number of units that may be double counted will depend on the entry point to the degree program and the optional course(s) taken. Elective units are CSU transferable. Consult with an adviser or a counselor to plan the courses necessary to achieve your academic goal.