Geographers study the distribution of people in relation to land and other natural resources. They examine the distribution of landforms, study climate, soils, or vegetation, analyze resources such as water and minerals, or they may study political organizations, transportation systems, marketing systems, patterns of industrial development, housing, or public health. Additional careers include cartographer, demographer, geographic information specialist, hazardous waste planner, hydrologist, urban planner and environmental impact analyst.

This AA-T degree is geared toward students who want to transfer into an upper-division baccalaureate program at a California State University (CSU). The Associate in Arts in Geography for Transfer (AA‐T) involves the understanding of the environment around us and the interpretation of patterns found across the Earth’s surface. The course of study allows flexibility in course selection while providing a solid background in human, physical, and regional aspects of the discipline. The degree includes GIS, focusing on the use of geo computation and digital technology to assess spatial and environmental problems and provide solutions. Throughout the degree, students will acquire and develop knowledge and skills that will equip them to be informed, engaged, and productive global citizens, capable of leading humanity toward a more sustainable and adaptable future.

Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate cartographic literacy, including map interpretation and, using spatial analysis skills, analyze, recognize, and evaluate spatial distributions on all scales from local to global, to become better global citizens. Students will also demonstrate the ability to identify spatial patterns and relationships between systems and cycles that affect life and shape landscapes.