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Geography
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Contact: Elizabeth LobbTitle: Department ChairContact: elobb@mtsac.edu
Career Outlook Geography

Humanities and Social Sciences Division
Degree A0356

Geography is a diverse discipline, with foundational coursework in both Earth and Social Sciences. Such foundational courses are augmented by coursework that applies geographic principles to particular world regions and by courses that explore the fundamental human-environment relationship, including coursework in Anthropology, Political Science, Biology and Earth Sciences.

To earn an Associate in Arts in Geography for Transfer degree, a student must complete 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to the CSU system that consist of the IGETC pattern or CSU GE breadth and a major of a minimum of 18 units. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework to receive an associate degree for transfer and all courses in the major must be completed with a C or better. Students earning an associate degree for transfer will not be required to complete any other local graduation requirements.

Required Courses

Industry StatisticsJob Titles & Salaries
Select a related job title below to view demand & salary information
    • GIS Technicians

      GIS Technicians

      SOC Career Code: 15-1299.02

      Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $35.56

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $121,011.90
      Annual Job Openings
      7,737

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

      Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

      SOC Career Code: 17-1021.00

      Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $37.85

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $98,156.71
      Annual Job Openings
      102

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Civil Engineering Technicians

      Civil Engineering Technicians

      SOC Career Code: 17-3022.00

      Apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $30.45

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $78,228.10
      Annual Job Openings
      769

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Surveying and Mapping Technicians

      Surveying and Mapping Technicians

      SOC Career Code: 17-3031.00

      Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $25.65

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $70,156.90
      Annual Job Openings
      694

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Urban and Regional Planners

      Urban and Regional Planners

      SOC Career Code: 19-3051.00

      Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $39.87

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $104,898.66
      Annual Job Openings
      704

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Geographers

      Geographers

      SOC Career Code: 19-3092.00

      Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $39.01

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $95,725.83
      Annual Job Openings
      19

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Geological Technicians

      Geological Technicians

      SOC Career Code: 19-4043.00

      Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $24.19

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $65,852.80
      Annual Job Openings
      103

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Postsecondary Geography Teachers

      Postsecondary Geography Teachers

      SOC Career Code: 25-1064.00

      Teach courses in geography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $40.38

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $109,747.91
      Annual Job Openings
      19,689

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Archivists

      Archivists

      SOC Career Code: 25-4011.00

      Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $20.52

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $60,754.99
      Annual Job Openings
      160

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Curators

      Curators

      SOC Career Code: 25-4012.00

      Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $27.58

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $75,681.25
      Annual Job Openings
      222

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages

Certificate & Degree Details

Select a certificate below to expand details
  • Geography

    Humanities and Social Sciences Division
    Degree A0356

    Geography is a diverse discipline, with foundational coursework in both Earth and Social Sciences. Such foundational courses are augmented by coursework that applies geographic principles to particular world regions and by courses that explore the fundamental human-environment relationship, including coursework in Anthropology, Political Science, Biology and Earth Sciences.

    To earn an Associate in Arts in Geography for Transfer degree, a student must complete 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to the CSU system that consist of the IGETC pattern or CSU GE breadth and a major of a minimum of 18 units. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework to receive an associate degree for transfer and all courses in the major must be completed with a C or better. Students earning an associate degree for transfer will not be required to complete any other local graduation requirements.

    Required Courses

    Course Prefix Course Name Units
    Core Courses7
    GEOG 1Physical Geography3
    or GEOG 1H Physical Geography - Honors
    GEOG 1LPhysical Geography Laboratory1
    or GEOG 1LH Physical Geography Laboratory - Honors
    GEOG 2Human Geography3
    or GEOG 2H Human Geography - Honors
    or GEOG 5 World Regional Geography
    List A
    Choose two courses from the following or any course not selected from core:6
    GEOG 10
    Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
    GEOG 30
    Geography of California
    List B
    Select two courses from the following or any course not already selected: 6-7
    ANTH 5
    Cultural Anthropology
    or ANTH 5H
    Cultural Anthropology - Honors
    GEOG 8
    Urban Geography
    GEOL 1
    Physical Geology
    Total Units for Major19-20
    CSU General Education or IGETC Pattern 139-42
    Total Units60
    1

    Courses may be double-counted with either CSU-GE or IGETC.

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Contacts

Department Contact

Contact: Elizabeth LobbTitle: Department ChairContact: elobb@mtsac.edu

Office Contact

Location: Building 26D-2481LPhone: (909) 274-5775