Online Degrees & Certificates

AS in Geography

Program Description

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 human-made features such as cities, roads, dams, and bridges. Geography examines how human societies dynamically interact with each other and the environment, including how they are affected by a changing climate. Geography is truly an integrated discipline. Geography is central to an understanding of the international global arena and provides an exciting and challenging way to examine our planet.

Learn more about the program on the Geography website.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to interpret spatially distributed data and draw valid conclusions by using maps, graphs, and/or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Students will be able to evaluate core concepts in cultural and physical geography and apply them to contemporary events and issues.

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. A geography degree also provides a good foundation for careers in international work with agencies such as the State Department, the United Nations, or international NGOs. 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.

Award Type(s)

AS = Associate in Science Degree

Units Required

Major: 33

Additional Information

Note: Students having difficulty attaining an associate degree because of timing or availability of classes should consult with a counselor to submit a petition for course substitution.

Online Courses for Geography

The courses listed BELOW are offered as online courses at least once every two years. Please see the Class Schedule for verification.

• For a complete listing of online courses offered during the current quarter, visit Online Course Information.
• If you need any additional degree information or confirmation, please contact the Counseling Division.

NOTE: Students having difficulty attaining an associate degree because of timing or availability of classes should consult with a counselor to submit a petition for course substitution.

Associate Degree Requirements

A minimum of 90 units is required* to include:

Completion of one of the following general education patterns: Foothill General Education, CSU General Education Breadth Requirements or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)

Core courses (17 units)

Support courses (16 units)

*Additional elective course work may be necessary to meet the 90-unit minimum requirement for the associate degree.

Note: All courses pertaining to the major must be taken for a letter grade. In addition, a grade of "C" or better is required for all core and support courses used for the degree.

Core and Support Courses

Core Courses

Support Courses

 * Students may also use courses listed in the first section of support courses to fulfill the requirement for the second section of support courses.

For a list of on-campus courses that satisfy degree requirements, please visit Geography 2024-2025 Degree & Certificates.

Based on the 2024 - 2025 degree program.