The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.
The courses have been intentionally placed and should be prioritized in
the order
in which they appear. If you are unable to take all the courses in
a semester, you
should prioritize enrolling in the courses in the order below.
Some courses have
been noted as “Appropriate for Intersession” 
. Should you need (or want) to take
classes
in the summer and/or winter intersessions,
the program recommends these courses as appropriate for the condensed
schedule of
the intersessions.
Some pathways combine a “Certificate of Achievement” and an “Associate
Degree”. If
you are pursuing only the Certificate of Achievement, you are only
required to take
the courses marked “Program Requirement” 
.
All pathways include at least one “Gateway Course” 
which introduces you to the program and/or field of study and helps you
decide if you want to continue with this Academic and Career Path.
Most Associate degrees (though not Associate Degrees for Transfer)
require satisfying the SMC Global Citizenship requirement. If the Program
Requirements do not include a “Global Citizenship course” 
, be sure to select a General Education course that also satisfies Global Citizenship.
The Associate in Arts in Geography for Transfer (AA-T) involves the understanding of the environment around us and interpretation of the 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 geocomputation 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.
The Associate in Arts in Geography for Transfer degree is designed to prepare students for transfer into the CSU system to complete a baccalaureate degree in Geography or a similar major. Upon completion of this degree, students will have a strong academic foundation in the field and be prepared for upper division baccalaureate study. Students who have completed the Associate in Arts for Transfer in Geography will have satisfied the lower division requirements for transfer into Geography or similar major for many campuses in the California State University system. This degree complies with the Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (California Education Code 66746).
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- 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. Student will also demonstrate the ability to identify spatial patterns and relationships between systems and cycles that affect life and shape landscapes.
Icon Key
-
Gateway Course
-
Program Requirement
-
General Education -
Appropriate for
Intersession
-
Available Online -
Global Citizenship
NOTE: It is possible to fulfill the requirements of the Geospatial Technology certificate simultaneous to completing this Associate Degree. Please note the recommendations for Transferable Elective Courses.
Semester 1
16 Units
This course is a study of humanity and its planetary home of distinctive places, spaces, landscapes, and environments. The course systematically considers geographic patterns, processes, and issues, beginning with the basic questions of Where? and Why There? Specific topics examined include human population change and migration; agriculture and food systems; urban-economic development; cultural and environmental change in an age of globalization, with specific attention paid to language, religion, ethnic identity, and biodiversity; and international geopolitics.
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1
- 4E: Geography
- D5 - Geography
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
This course surveys the distribution and relationships of environmental elements in our atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere, including weather, climate, water resources, landforms, soils, natural vegetation, and wildlife. Focus is on the systems and cycles of our natural world, including the effects of the sun and moon on environmental processes, and the roles played by humans. Laboratory work emphasizes the practical application of concepts presented in lecture, introduces the student to some of the tools and methods used in Physical Geography, and may include field study opportunities. NOTE: Students may receive credit for either Geography 1 or 5, but not both.
- 5A: Physical Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B1 - Physical Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
This introductory course in rhetoric emphasizes clear, effective written communication and preparation of the research paper.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 21B or
- Prerequisite: ENGL 22
- Prerequisite: ESL 19B or
- Prerequisite: Group A on the Placement Test
- 1A: English Composition
- A2 - Written Communication
- Area IV-A: Language and Rationality (Group A)
This course provides an exploration of intellectual, psychological, social and physical factors that impact lifelong learning, well-being and success. Topics include motivation and self-efficacy; critical thinking, academic integrity and active study strategies; health issues and lifestyle choices; relating to others as a global citizen; written and oral communication; time management; career exploration; and educational planning.
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
CSU GE Area A1 Course 3 units
Semester 2
15-17 Units
GIS are computer-based systems used to collect, store and analyze geographic information. This course will present the concepts of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) science and its applications to spatial data management. Topics include: Identification and acquisition of GIS data; Assessment of vector and raster data, scale, resolution, map projection, coordinate systems, georeferencing and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Spatial analysis and modeling with GIS will also be presented.
Recommended to be taken as a 1st 8-week course
This course emphasizes GIS principles and methodology used in both the private and public sectors. Hands-on applications using both raster and vector data and technology will expose students to more advanced understanding of GIS. Students will learn various methods of data acquisition, including Global Positioning Systems (GPS) as well as the World Wide Web. The add-on modules extend the analytical capabilities of ArcMap and allow input of map features and conversion of feature themes from raster to vector. This course will also provide an introduction to several of ArcMap's extension including Spatial Analyst and 3D Analyst. Students will complete a "Model Builder" to be used in siting new solar sites. Spatial Analysis will include slope and aspect maps, neighborhood and zone analysis. The course will present single and multi-layer statistical operations including classification, coordination, and modeling analysis.
Satisfies Geospatial Technology Certificate; recommended to be taken as a 2nd 8-week course
- Prerequisite: GEOG 20 or
- Prerequisite: GIS 20
MATH 54 recommended
See the full list: CSU GE Area B4 Course
This course helps students to develop their critical thinking and writing skills beyond the level achieved in English 1. The course emphasizes the application of logical reasoning, analysis, and strategies of argumentation in critical thinking and writing, using literature (both fiction and non-fiction) and literary criticism as subject matter.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 1
- 1B: Critical Thinking-English Composition
- 3B: Humanities
- A3 - Critical Thinking
- C2 - Humanities
- Area III: Humanities
GIS 25 recommended (satisfies Geospatial Technology Certificate)
Semester 3
15 Units
This course is a survey of earth’s atmosphere, with special reference to the causes and regional distribution of weather and climate. The nature and causes of winds, clouds, precipitation, severe storms, and global climate change is studied. Students will learn techniques of local weather observation and prediction.
- 5A: Physical Science
- B1 - Physical Science
- Area I: Natural Science
This course introduces Global Studies through a survey of the world’s major geographic regions. Students will encounter core concepts related to processes of global connection and change, while also developing basic geographic literacy in the distribution of human and natural features on Earth. Students will examine and discuss significant issues–cultural, social, political-economic, and environmental–impacting humanity today as both problem and possibility. In particular, this course considers the diverse localized impacts of globalization as a continuing story of peoples and places isolated and connected by imperial, colonial, and international systems of the past and present.
- 4E: Geography
- D5 - Geography
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
- Area V: Global Citizenship
This course surveys the physical and human geography of California and the processes shaping its landscapes. Topics include natural features and resources, such as geology, climate, plants and animals, and hydrology. Historical and current trends in human population, migration, and settlement patterns are considered, including a review of the state's major cultural groups. Primary and advanced economic activities are examined within modern rural and urban settings. Emphasis is on the profound connections between these topics, on California's unequaled diversity and the rapid change that is transforming our people and its landscapes.
- 4E: Geography
- D5 - Geography
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
- Area V: Global Citizenship
CSU GE Area C1 Course 3 units
US History (HIST 14) recommended
See the full list: CSU GE Area C2 Course
POL SC 1 or GEOG 7 or 8 recommended
See the full list: CSU GE Area D Course
GIS 26 recommended (satisfies Geospatial Technology Certificate)
Semester 4
13-15 Units
CSU GE Area F Course 3 units
BIOL 9 or ANTHRO 1 recommended
See the full list: CSU GE Area B2 Course
GIS 27 recommended (satisfies Geospatial Technology Certificate)