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.
Geographers study the distribution of people in relation to land and other natural resources. They examine the distribution of land forms, study climate, soils, or vegetation, analyze resources such as water and minerals, or they may study political organizations, transportation systems, marketing systems, patterns of industrial development, housing, or public health. Additional careers include cartographer, demographer, geographic information specialist, hazardous waste planner, hydrologist, urban planner and environmental impact analyst.
This program is intended to prepare students for transfer into the study of Geography.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Lower division major preparation for transfer into Geography
- Upon completion of Geography courses, students will: Be able to identify spatial patterns and inter-relationships between systems and cycles that affect life and shape landscapes. Demonstrate cartographic literacy, including map interpretation. Through spatial analysis skills, be able to analyze, recognize, and evaluate spatial distributions on all scales from local to global to become better global citizens.
Icon Key
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Gateway Course
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Program Requirement
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General Education
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Appropriate for Intersession
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Available Online
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Global Citizenship
POLS C1000 ( or POL SC 1) recommended for CSU graduation requirement
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.
- Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
- 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
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.
- Area 5: Natural Sciences
- 5A: Physical Science
- 5C: Laboratory
In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research.
- Prerequisite: Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process
- Area 1A. English Composition
- 1A: English Composition
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.
Cal-GETC Area 1C Course 3 units

Semester 2
16 Units
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.
- Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Area 7: Global Citizenship
- 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
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 as a 1st 8-week course
This course is an introduction to statistical thinking and processes, including methods and concepts for discovery and decision-making using data. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-squared, and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. Students apply methods and processes to applications using data from a broad range of disciplines.
- Area 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
- 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
In this course, students receive instruction in critical thinking for purposes of constructing, evaluating, and composing arguments in a variety of rhetorical forms, using primarily non-fiction texts, refining writing skills and research strategies developed in ENGL C1000 Academic Reading and Writing (or C-ID ENGL 100) or similar first-year college writing course.
- Prerequisite: ENGL C1000
- Prerequisite: College-level composition (ENGL C1000/ ENGL C1000H/ ENGL C1000E/C-ID ENGL 100) or equivalent
- Area 1B. Oral Communication and Critical Thinking
- Area 3: Arts and Humanities
- 1B: Critical Thinking and Composition
- 3B: Humanities
GEOG 11 recommended
Semester 3
15 Units
Cal-GETC Area 3A Course 3 units

US HIST course recommended for CSU graduation requirement
See the full list: Cal-GETC Area 3B Course
Transferable Elective Course 3 units
GEOG 3 suggested
Transferable Elective Course 3 units
Semester 4
13-15 Units
Cal-GETC Area 6 Course 3 units
BIOL 9 recommended
See the full list: Cal-GETC Area 5B Course


