Geography

Associate in Arts for Transfer
2022-2023

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About the Program

Geography is the science of place and space. Geographers ask where things are located on the surface of the earth, why they are located where they are, how places differ from one another, and how people interact with the environment. There are two main branches of geography; human geography and physical geography. Human geography is concerned with the spatial aspects of human existence – how people and their activity are distributed in space, how they use and perceive space, and how they create and sustain the places that make up the earth’s surface. Human geographers work in the field of urban and regional planning, transportation, marketing, real estate, tourism and international business. Physical geographers study patterns of weather and climate, landforms, vegetation, soils and water. They forecast the weather, manage land and water resources, and analyze and plan for forests, rangelands, and wetlands. Many human and physical geographers have skills in cartography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) study the linkages between human activity and natural systems, and are active in the study of global warming, desertification, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, groundwater pollution, and flooding.

Completion Requirements

1. Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
   
   1. The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or CA State University General Education - Breadth Requirements.
   2. 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.

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.

About the Degree

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.

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.

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Required Core: (7 Units) Units

Course	Units
GEOG 1 Introduction to Physical Geography	3
GEOG 1L Introduction to Physical Geography Laboratory	1
GEOG 2 Cultural Geography  or
GEOG 5 World Regional Geography	3

List A: Select Two (6 Units)

Course	Units
Any Required Core course not already used	3
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	Units
Any LIST A course not already used	3
ANTR 3 Cultural Anthropology	3
GEOL 1 Physical Geology	3
MATH 40 Statistics and Probability	4

Units

Units Category	Units
Total Units in 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. 

Updated: July 2022