Geography

A degree in geography can help you better understand human cultures, natural environments, and how humans interact with each other and with the natural world. Geographers use knowledge and technology, working outside in the field and on computers, to help businesses, governments, and non-profits solve problems in an increasingly complex and globalizing world.

View Transfer Options, Degrees & Certificates

Jobs in the 21st century demand workers who understand the complex relationships between people, places, and environments all over the world. Geography helps us understand these relationships by examining patterns of why natural and cultural phenomena happen where they happen.

Students completing degrees in geography help governments make planning decisions, support non-profit organizations combating environmental and humanitarian problems, aid businesses in more effectively serving their customers, and more.

Geography emphasizes learning through first-hand observation in the field and is at the forefront of important technologies like computer-based mapping and the gathering and interpretation of satellite imagery.

Program Length

Students taking 12-15 units per semester can complete a degree in geography in four semesters (plus one summer Field Studies course if desired to fulfill degree requirements; this requirement can also be fulfilled by a class taken during the Fall or Spring semesters)

Transfer Options

Many public four-year universities in California offer bachelor’s degrees in geography. Students completing associates degrees in geography can easily transfer and earn a bachelor’s degree in two more years from an institution offering geography programs, such as UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, UC Berkeley, Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Long Beach, San Diego State, San Francisco State, and more.

Transfer, Degrees and/or Certificates

Sample Academic Plans

Fast Track Career Path

AA CSU Transfer UC Transfer

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC Area/Major	Units
WR 1	College Writing 1	1A	4
MATH 10*	Introduction to Statistics	2A	3
GEOG 3 or 3H	World Regional Geography	4 & Major	3
COMM 1	Communication Fundamentals	1C	3
Arts	Arts GE Course	3A	3

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC Area/Major	Units
WR 2	College Writing Critical Thinking	1B	4
GEOG 1	Physical Geography	5A & Major	3
GEOG 1L	Physical Geography Laboratory	5C & Major	1
GEOG 2	Cultural Geography	4 & Major	3
Humanities	Humanities GE Course	3B	3

Summer

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC Area/Major	Units
GEOG 102	Geography Field Studies: Western United States (Summer Only) (Recommended Course: However, Non-UC Transferable)		2

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC Area/Major	Unit3s
GEOG 20	Global Environmental Problems (Fall Only)	4 & Major	3
Life Science	Life Science GE Course	5B	3
Major/Elective	UC Transfer Major or Elective Course	Various	3
Transfer Elective	UC Transfer Elective (Courses 1-99)	3	3
Transfer Elective	UC Transfer Elective (Courses 1-99)	3	3

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC Area/Major	Units
GEOG 10	Introduction to Weather and Climate (Spring Only)	Major	3
GEOG 12	Introduction to GIS (Spring Only)		2
Arts/Humanities	Arts or Humanities GE Course	3A or 3B	3
Major/Elective	UC Transfer Major or Elective Course	Various	3
Ethnic Studies	Ethnic Studies GE Course	7	3
Transfer Elective	UC Transfer Elective (Courses 1-99)		1

Students can take Math 10 or any other math course that meets the UC transfer math requirement in IGETC GE Area 2A

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE Area/Major	Units
WR 1	College Writing 1	A2	4
MATH 10*	Introduction to Statistics	B4	3
GEOG 3	World Regional Geography	D & Major	3
Learning & Self Dev	Lifelong Learning and Self Development GE Course	E	3
Transfer Elective	CSU Transferable Elective (Courses 1-199)		1-3

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE Area/Major	Units
COMM 1	Communication Fundamentals	A1	3
Critical Thinking	Critical Thinking GE Course	A3	3-4
GEOG 1	Physical Geography	B1 & Major	3
GEOG 1L	Physical Geography Laboratory	B3 & Major	1
GEOG 2	Cultural Geography	D & Major	3
Arts	Arts GE Course	C1	3

Summer

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE Area/Major	Units
GEOG 102	Geography Field Studies: Western United States (Summer Only) (Recommended Elective)		2

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE Area/Major	Units
GEOG Major	Geography AA-T Major Course from List A	Major	3
GEOG Major	Geography AA-T Major Course from List A	D & Major	3
HIST 20 or HIST 21	American History Course	C2	3
Life Science	Life Science GE Course	B2	3
Ethnic Studies	Ethnic Studies GE Course	F	3

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE Area/Major	Units
GEOG Major	Geography AA-T Major Course from List A or B	Major	3
GEOG Major	Geography AA-T Major Course from List A or B	Major	3
PS 1	American Government	D	3
Arts/Humanities	Arts or Humanities GE Course	C1 or C2	3
Transfer Elective	CSU Transferable Elective (Courses 1-199)		1-3

Students can take Math 10 or any other math course that meets the CSU transfer math requirement in CSU GE Area B4.

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AA GE Area/Major	Units
WR 1	College Writing 1	1A	4
MATH 10*	Introduction to Statistics	2	3
GEOG 2	Cultural Geography	5 & Major	3
GEOG 3	World Regional Geography	Major	3
Lifelong Health**	Lifelong Health and Personal Development GE Course	9 A/B/C	1

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AA GE Area/Major	Units
Critical Thinking	Critical Thinking GE Course	1C	3-4
COMM 1	Communication Fundamentals	1B	3
GEOG 1	Physical Geography	3 & Major	3
GEOG 1L	Physical Geography Laboratory	Major	1
GEOG 10 or GEOG 12	Introduction To Weather and Climate or Introduction to GIS (Spring Only)	Major	2-3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3

Summer

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AA GE Area/Major	Units
GEOG 102	Geography Field Studies: Western United States (Summer Only)		2

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AA GE Area/Major	Units
GEOG 20	Global Environmental Problems (Fall Only)	Major	3
Humanities	Humanities GE Course	6	3
Fine Arts	Fine Arts GE Course	7	3
Lifelong Health*	Lifelong Health and Personal Development GE Course	9 A/B/C	3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AA GE Area/Major	Units
GEOG 3	World Regional Geography	4 & Major	3
GEOG 38	California Geography (Spring Only)	4 & Major	3
American Institutions	American Institutions GE Course	8	3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		2-3

Students can take Math 10 or any other math course that meets the AA general education math requirement in GE Area 2.
Take one course from two different categories among GE areas 9A, 9B, and 9C. Please refer to the AA GE pattern for details.

*Students may be eligible for one or more AA/AS/AA-T/AS-T degrees if they complete a GE transfer pattern, have specific courses, and have 60 transferable units. Please see a counselor for degree options and advisement.

Explore Careers

GIS Technicians

Median Salary

$81,875

Job Growth

-9%

Education

Bachelor's Degree
65%

Master's Degree
35%

View Career

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.

New workers start around $43,317. Normal pay is $81,875 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $151,322.

Education

Bachelor's Degree
65%

Master's Degree
35%

Core Tasks

Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
Design or prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, using GIS hardware or software applications.
Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.
Provide technical expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to clients or users.
Perform computer programming, data analysis, or software development for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications, including the maintenance of existing systems or research and development for future enhancements.
Enter data into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, using techniques such as coordinate geometry, keyboard entry of tabular data, manual digitizing of maps, scanning or automatic conversion to vectors, or conversion of other sources of digital data.
Review existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness of documentation.
Perform geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis, using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software.
Design or coordinate the development of integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial or non-spatial databases.
Perform integrated or computerized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyses to address scientific problems.
Select cartographic elements needed for effective presentation of information.
Provide technical support to users or clients regarding the maintenance, development, or operation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, equipment, or applications.
Collect, compile, or integrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, such as remote sensing or cartographic data for inclusion in map manuscripts.
Interpret aerial or ortho photographs.
Meet with clients to discuss topics such as technical specifications, customized solutions, or operational problems.
Document, design, code, or test Geographic Information Systems (GIS) models, internet mapping solutions, or other applications.
Create, analyze, report, convert, or transfer data, using specialized applications program software.
Confer with users to analyze, configure, or troubleshoot applications.
Design, program, or model Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications or procedures.
Develop specialized computer software routines, internet-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, or business applications to customize geographic information.
Make recommendations regarding upgrades, considering implications of new or revised Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, equipment, or applications.
Assist users in formulating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) requirements or understanding the implications of alternatives.
Create visual representations of geospatial data, using complex procedures such as analytical modeling, three-dimensional renderings, or plot creation.
Transfer or rescale information from original photographs onto maps or other photographs.
Prepare training materials for, or make presentations to, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) users.

Median Salary

$81,875

Job Growth

-9%

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Median Salary

$93,065

Job Growth

+26%

Education

Certificate
36%

Some College
11%

Associate's Degree
11%

Bachelor's Degree
32%

Master's Degree
11%

View Career

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.

New workers start around $64,398. Normal pay is $93,065 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $129,339.

Education

Certificate
36%

Some College
11%

Associate's Degree
11%

Bachelor's Degree
32%

Master's Degree
11%

Core Tasks

Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.
Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.
Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.
Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.
Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.
Build and update digital databases.
Determine map content and layout, as well as production specifications such as scale, size, projection, and colors, and direct production to ensure that specifications are followed.

Median Salary

$93,065

Job Growth

+26%

Civil Engineering Technicians

Median Salary

$70,872

Job Growth

-14%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
3%

Certificate
30%

Some College
28%

Associate's Degree
21%

Bachelor's Degree
18%

View Career

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.

New workers start around $47,056. Normal pay is $70,872 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $114,226.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
3%

Certificate
30%

Some College
28%

Associate's Degree
21%

Bachelor's Degree
18%

Core Tasks

Calculate dimensions, square footage, profile and component specifications, and material quantities using calculator or computer.
Read and review project blueprints and structural specifications to determine dimensions of structure or system and material requirements.
Draft detailed dimensional drawings and design layouts for projects and to ensure conformance to specifications.
Confer with supervisor to determine project details such as plan preparation, acceptance testing, and evaluation of field conditions.
Analyze proposed site factors and design maps, graphs, tracings, and diagrams to illustrate findings.
Prepare reports and document project activities and data.
Report maintenance problems occurring at project site to supervisor and negotiate changes to resolve system conflicts.

Median Salary

$70,872

Job Growth

-14%

Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Median Salary

$82,913

Job Growth

+2%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
25%

Certificate
21%

Some College
17%

Associate's Degree
33%

Bachelor's Degree
4%

View Career

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.

New workers start around $47,547. Normal pay is $82,913 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $126,400.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
25%

Certificate
21%

Some College
17%

Associate's Degree
33%

Bachelor's Degree
4%

Core Tasks

Position and hold the vertical rods, or targets, that theodolite operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations.
Check all layers of maps to ensure accuracy, identifying and marking errors and making corrections.
Design or develop information databases that include geographic or topographic data.
Monitor mapping work or the updating of maps to ensure accuracy, inclusion of new or changed information, or compliance with rules and regulations.
Produce or update overlay maps to show information boundaries, water locations, or topographic features on various base maps or at different scales.
Determine scales, line sizes, or colors to be used for hard copies of computerized maps, using plotters.
Compile information necessary to stake projects for construction, using engineering plans.
Identify and compile database information to create requested maps.
Operate and manage land-information computer systems, performing tasks such as storing data, making inquiries, and producing plots and reports.
Compare survey computations with applicable standards to determine adequacy of data.
Analyze aerial photographs to detect and interpret significant military, industrial, resource, or topographical data.
Research and combine existing property information to describe property boundaries in relation to adjacent properties, taking into account parcel splits, combinations, or land boundary adjustments.
Calculate latitudes, longitudes, angles, areas, or other information for mapmaking, using survey field notes or reference tables.
Compare topographical features or contour lines with images from aerial photographs, old maps, or other reference materials to verify the accuracy of their identification.
Trace contours or topographic details to generate maps that denote specific land or property locations or geographic attributes.
Provide assistance in the development of methods and procedures for conducting field surveys.
Trim, align, and join prints to form photographic mosaics, maintaining scaled distances between reference points.

Median Salary

$82,913

Job Growth

+2%

Urban and Regional Planners

Median Salary

$88,629

Job Growth

+1%

Education

Bachelor's Degree
40%

Master's Degree
60%

View Career

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

New workers start around $52,208. Normal pay is $88,629 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $145,496.

Education

Bachelor's Degree
40%

Master's Degree
60%

Core Tasks

Design, promote, or administer government plans or policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation.
Advise planning officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, regulatory conformance, or possible alternatives.
Hold public meetings with government officials, social scientists, lawyers, developers, the public, or special interest groups to formulate, develop, or address issues regarding land use or community plans.
Create, prepare, or requisition graphic or narrative reports on land use data, including land area maps overlaid with geographic variables, such as population density.
Mediate community disputes or assist in developing alternative plans or recommendations for programs or projects.
Recommend approval, denial, or conditional approval of proposals.
Evaluate proposals for infrastructure projects or other development for environmental impact or sustainability.
Conduct field investigations, surveys, impact studies, or other research to compile and analyze data on economic, social, regulatory, or physical factors affecting land use.
Discuss with planning officials the purpose of land use projects, such as transportation, conservation, residential, commercial, industrial, or community use.
Keep informed about economic or legal issues involved in zoning codes, building codes, or environmental regulations.
Assess the feasibility of land use proposals and identify necessary changes.
Determine the effects of regulatory limitations on land use projects.
Review and evaluate environmental impact reports pertaining to private or public planning projects or programs.
Develop plans for public or alternative transportation systems for urban or regional locations to reduce carbon output associated with transportation.
Supervise or coordinate the work of urban planning technicians or technologists.
Identify opportunities or develop plans for sustainability projects or programs to improve energy efficiency, minimize pollution or waste, or restore natural systems.
Coordinate work with economic consultants or architects during the formulation of plans or the design of large pieces of infrastructure.
Advocate sustainability to community groups, government agencies, the general public, or special interest groups.
Investigate property availability for purposes of development.

Median Salary

$88,629

Job Growth

+1%

Geographers

Median Salary

$89,452

Job Growth

+19%

Education

Bachelor's Degree
43%

Master's Degree
35%

Doctoral or More
22%

View Career

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.

New workers start around $57,127. Normal pay is $89,452 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $136,500.

Education

Bachelor's Degree
43%

Master's Degree
35%

Doctoral or More
22%

Core Tasks

Create and modify maps, graphs, or diagrams, using geographical information software and related equipment, and principles of cartography, such as coordinate systems, longitude, latitude, elevation, topography, and map scales.
Analyze geographic distributions of physical and cultural phenomena on local, regional, continental, or global scales.
Write and present reports of research findings.
Gather and compile geographic data from sources such as censuses, field observations, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps.
Teach geography.
Study the economic, political, and cultural characteristics of a specific region's population.
Collect data on physical characteristics of specified areas, such as geological formations, climates, and vegetation, using surveying or meteorological equipment.
Locate and obtain existing geographic information databases.
Conduct field work at outdoor sites.
Provide geographical information systems support to the private and public sectors.
Develop, operate, and maintain geographical information computer systems, including hardware, software, plotters, digitizers, printers, and video cameras.
Provide consulting services in fields such as resource development and management, business location and market area analysis, environmental hazards, regional cultural history, and urban social planning.

Median Salary

$89,452

Job Growth

+19%

Not sure if Geography is the right fit?

Exploratory Interest Area

Explore Geography while still working toward your academic goals.

Learn More

Talk with a Counselor

Speak to one of IVC’s Academic Counselors to learn more about all of your options.

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Affordable

Quality education should not put you in the red. The cost of attending Irvine Valley College is very low compared to the private, UC, and CSU systems.

Career Preparation

With Fast Track Career Paths, at IVC, we give you the tools to quickly enter the workforce and start making money.

#1 Transfer Rate

Looking to transfer to a four-year university? With the #1 Transfer Rate in California, IVC is the best place to start!

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Become an IVC Student

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Finish Your Path at IVC

Geography

Program Length

Transfer Options

Geography Department Contact

Transfer, Degrees and/or Certificates

Geography

UC Transfer: Geography, Major*

CSU Transfer: Geography, AA-T*

Geography, AA

Explore Careers

GIS Technicians

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Civil Engineering Technicians

Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Urban and Regional Planners

Geographers

Not sure if Geography is the right fit?

Affordable

Career Preparation

#1 Transfer Rate

Questions?

Need help now?

Ready to get started?

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Opportunities

Communities

About IVC

Become an IVC Student

Admission Support

Plan Your Classes

Get Ready for College

Guide to Paying for College

Financial Support

Costs & Payments

Supporting You

Counseling & Support Programs

Academic Help

Safety & Wellness

Welcome Lasers

Get Involved

Your Community

Campus

Finish Your Path at IVC

Transfer

Earn Your Degree or Certificate

Transcripts & Records

Geography

Program Length

Transfer Options

Geography Department Contact

Transfer, Degrees and/or Certificates

Geography

UC Transfer: Geography, Major*

CSU Transfer: Geography, AA-T*

Geography, AA

Explore Careers

GIS Technicians

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Civil Engineering Technicians

Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Urban and Regional Planners

Geographers

Not sure if Geography is the right fit?

Affordable

Career Preparation

#1 Transfer Rate

Questions?

Need help now?

Ready to get started?

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