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.
General Education
Available Online
