Associate of Arts - Geography (Optional Co-op)

The Associate of Arts in Geography is a first step to a career as an environmental consultant, urban planner, meteorologist, park ranger, development worker, geoscientist, cartographer, real estate developer, statistician and much more. In this program, students will study the physical and social features of the earth, and examine people’s relationships with natural and human-built environments. Geography bridges the natural and social sciences, spanning a variety of fields, such as economics, urban studies, policing and law, earth sciences, biology and environmental studies. Thus, geographers are well-equipped to study and help tackle contemporary challenges, including climate change, natural hazards, habitat destruction, food security, waste and resource management, rapid urbanization and refugee movements, to name a few.

Many geography courses include experiential learning opportunities inside classrooms and open labs, as well as off campus with field trips to local natural and human-built environments. This field work gives students the chance to conduct research, collect data and observe phenomena out in the field using specialized equipment.

A Geography Associate of Arts Degree can lead into a Geography Major or Minor Bachelor of Arts Degree program at a university. Many universities prefer candidates with an Associate Degree and will accept students at a lower grade point average. In most cases, this degree will allow students to transfer to the third year of a four-year bachelor's degree program at other universities.

Geography majors can complete degrees in Human Geography, Physical Geography, Environmental Studies, Resource Management, Earth Sciences, Urban Studies, Habitat Restoration, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Spatial Information Systems, Community Development and Sustainability Planning at most universities.

Students enrolled in this program may be eligible for a Co-operative Education designation. Co-operative Education involves alternating full-time academic and work terms. For information contact the Co-operative Education Office.

Note: Campus location may vary between years depending on program availability.