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Geography is concerned with the spatial variations and interrelationships between the natural and cultural features of the earth. The Geography major is designed to develop and deepen a student’s ability to interpret and explain the occurrence, distribution, and interrelationships of the earth’s physical and social elements. Geographers examine where are things located; why are they located in that manner; and how their location affects them? The geographer’s challenge is to provide continuing interpretation of the constantly changing physical and human landscapes of the world.

Geography is often paired with an environmental component intended to develop and deepen an understanding of environmental issues. It emphasizes a systems approach to understanding the major environmental problems facing our society and the world at large. Students gain an understanding of geographical perspectives of human impacts on natural systems, and on the implications of environmental change on local, regional and global human systems. This is an especially attractive major for liberal arts students as well as those who want to specialize in areas such as international issues, development, the environment and remote-sensing GIS. Geography’s body of theory and its methodologies provide ideas and techniques applicable to a wide range of questions about our environment; it also provides both the regional and world perspectives required of responsible citizens.

The Associate in Arts in Geography for Transfer, also called the Geography AA-T Degree, requires students to complete 60 CSU transferable units including completion of CSU GE or IGETC and 19-23 units in the major with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better. Title 5 requires that students earn a grade of “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. There are no additional graduation requirements. Students should consult with a counselor when planning to complete the degree for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.


Ellen Hardy

Dept. No. Title Units
Required Core Courses:
GEOG 1 Physical Geography 3
GEOG 1L Physical Geography Lab 1
GEOG 2 Cultural Geography 3
List A: Select two to three courses (6-9 Units)
GEOG 7 Regional Geography (3)
GEOG 10 Geography of California (3)
NR 21 Introduction to GIS (3)
PH 17 Intro to Meteorology (3)
List B: Select two courses (6-7 Units)
Any course from List A not already used (3)
ANTH 2 Cultural Anthropology (3)
G 1 Physical Geology (4)
PS 4 Intro to International Relations (3)
  Required Subtotal 19-23
  CSU General Education or IGETC Pattern 37-39
  Transferable Electives (as needed to reach 60 transferable units)
1 Units for the major may be double counted for CSUGE or IGETC, confer with Counselor.
2 Elective units to reach 60 unit total must be CSU transferable, confer with Counselor.
Please refer to Associate Degree for Transfer (SB1440) on page 59 of the 2015-16 COD Catalog.