Geography

Study of Space and Time

Geography is a science that seeks to analyze the physical environment as well as study human influences to and interactions with the environment. Thus, this discipline examines the various physical forces that help shape the landscape and the role that humans play in the alteration of the landscape. Geography is a spatial and temporal science. A geographer will study the spatial and temporal distribution of vegetation across the globe, the physical forces leading to earthquakes and volcanoes, the historical and future arrangements of human societies across the planet, and the reasons behind differing climates from one part of the world to the next—presently, historically, and predicatively. The field is strongly interdisciplinary with roots in the physical and cultural sciences.

Program Awards

Our Geography programs are included in the Mathematics, Science, and Engineering field of study and offer these awards:

Award	Location	Estimated Completion	Program Map
Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), Geography	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Certificate of Achievement, Geospatial Technology Technician	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Certificates of Proficiency, Geographic Information Science---Continuing Students and Working Professionals	Chula Vista	# Semesters

Common Careers

Below is a sample of the career options available for the geography major. A few of these require an associate in science degree, most require a bachelor’s degree, and some require a graduate-level degree: geographer, high school or college instructor, cartographer, weather observer, demographer, land use planner, geographic analyst, aerial photo interpreter, remote sensing specialist, land economist, climatologist, environmental scientist, geographic information system specialist, site researcher, urban planner, and soil conservationist.

The average annual salary in this field is $106,500 for occupations like Geographic Information Systems Technologist.

Typical Duties

• Working with Computers
  Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Analyzing Data or Information
  Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Processing Information
  Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Getting Information
  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  roviding information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
  ranslating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Thinking Creatively
  Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Documenting/Recording Information
  Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
  Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization
  Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies
  Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Scheduling Work and Activities
  Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Training and Teaching Others
  Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
  Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
  Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
  Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.