Geography
- AS - Transfer Program
- Department of Chemistry and Geosciences
YOU CAN COVER A LOT OF GROUND WITH A GEOGRAPHY DEGREE FROM MCC
Geography is so much more than studying maps and borders. It’s about our Earth’s incredibly diverse physical environments and how they influence our cultures, weather patterns, economies, traditions, and day-to-day lives. Geography studies offer a unique world view and a way to be more environmentally and socially informed. This field encompasses many disciplines that can lead to a wide range of undergraduate majors and careers.
For example, MCC’s Geography A.S. degree can put you on a career path in business, scientific research and exploration, recreation, and humanities. Find your future career in fields like these:
- Urban Planning
- Climatology
- Education
- Travel and Tourism
- Geospatial Analysis
- Marketing Demographics
- Environmental Science
- Government
DESIGNED FOR SEAMLESS TRANSFER TO SUNY FOUR-YEAR DEGREES
Through a dynamic combination of classroom and field experiences MCC’s geography associate degree program will sharpen computer, research and analytical skills. Your first year will include four core geography courses that will put you on a SUNY Seamless Transfer Path for your bachelor’s degree. By your second year, you’ll focus on your specific area of interest through one of four concentrations.
Choose from statewide SUNY programs in:
- Physical Geography: Study patterns of climates, meteorology, landforms, vegetation, soils, and water.
- Geospatial Technology*: Use specific tools and techniques to acquire, manage, display, and analyze physical/spatial data in digital form (maps). This track will provide internship and employment opportunities in regional industry.
- Human Geography: Focus on the many cultural aspects found throughout the world that explain how and/or why people function as they do in the environments in which they live.
- Regional Geography: Learn about the unique characteristics of a particular area as they relate to culture, economy, topography, climate, politics, and environmental factors.
SUNY four-year degree options include General and Environmental Geography, Earth System Science, Urban and Regional Planning, Geographic Information Systems Technology (G.I.S.T.)—and more. Transfer your MCC credits to bachelor’s degree programs at colleges and universities—nearby and across the country.
- SUNY
- Binghamton
- Buffalo State
- Geneseo
- New Paltz
- Oneonta
- University at Albany
- University at Buffalo
- University of Colorado Boulder
- Penn State University
- University of California Santa Barbara
Get in touch with Monroe Community College’s admissions office to learn more about the opportunities you can create with a Geography A.S. degree. Contact us at (585) 292-2200 or admissions@monroecc.edu.
*Geospatial Information Systems Technology is also offered as a standalone certificate program that provides entry-level job skills or enhances any of MCC’s degree programs.
GEOGRAPHY
A.S. Degree - Transfer Program
Department:Chemistry and Geosciences
School(s): Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)
MCC Program Code: GG01
Description
Geography is a unique discipline that serves as a bridge between the natural sciences and social sciences. From this interdisciplinary perspective, geography helps us understand and address numerous contemporary issues. Professional geographers enjoy diverse and innovative career opportunities in the private, public, and non-profit sectors, including urban and regional planning, economic development, environmental planning, natural resource and energy management, weather forecasting and climate modeling, emergency response and homeland security, geographic information processing and analysis, travel and tourism, K-12 and higher education, certified consulting, and many more. Both the U.S. Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predict that demand for skilled geographers will grow faster than average over the next decade.
MCC’s Geography A.S. degree program follows the State University of New York’s seamless transfer path and general education framework that outlines the essential knowledge for students during their first two years of study. The curriculum is designed so that graduates will be well-positioned to finish a bachelor’s degree in geography with an additional two years of study at a SUNY four-year institution or at many national and international colleges and universities. Department faculty provide a supportive learning environment where students work closely with professors and peers while enjoying opportunities to learn outside of the classroom.
Program Learning Outcomes
1.Differentiate among the major fields and careers of Geography: Physical Geography, Human Geography, Regional Geography, and Geospatial Technology.
2.Locate political units and physical features important to Geography.
3.Describe atmospheric circulation at various spatial and temporal scales.
4.Explain different types of landforms at various spatial and temporal scales.
5.Explain the economic, environmental, and/or social attributes of place at various scales.
6.Delineate the formal, functional, and/or vernacular regions of the world at various scales.
7.Design an inquiry-based geospatial project that utilizes geospatial tools and the scientific method.
Employment Potential
For related jobs: Career Coach
Occupational Resource: https://www.onetonline.org
Requirements for Program Entrance
MCC Level 7 Mathematics Placement is needed.
| Distribution Requirements | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| FIRST SEMESTER |  |
| ENG 101 College Composition OR ENG 200 Advanced Composition | 3 |
| MTH 160 Statistics I OR MTH 162 Statistics for the Social Sciences OR MTH 165 College Algebra OR higher* | 3-4 |
| GEG 100 Physical Geography I Laboratory | 1 |
| GEG 101 Physical Geography I | 3 |
| GEG 102 Human Geography | 3 |
| GEG 130 Digital Earth | 3 |
First Semester Total: | 16-17 |
| SECOND SEMESTER | |
| GEG 110 Physical Geography II Lab | 1 |
| GEG 111 - Physical Geography II | 3 |
| GEG 200 World Regional Geography | 3 |
| GEG 220 Geography of Genocide OR SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION DIVERSITY: EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND SOCIAL JUSTICE (SUNY-DVRS) ELECTIVE | 3 |
| OPEN ELECTIVE*** | 2-3 |
| OPEN ELECTIVE*** | 3 |
Second Semester Total: | 15-16 |
| THIRD SEMESTER | |
| GEG 131 Cartography OR SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION - THE ARTS (SUNY-ARTS) ELECTIVE | 3 |
| PROGRAM ELECTIVE ** | 3 |
| Any SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION that satisfies the SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION CRITICAL THINKING and REASONING (SUNY-CTRN) competency | 3 |
| OPEN ELECTIVE*** | 3 |
| OPEN ELECTIVE*** | 3 |
Third Semester Total: | 15 |
| FOURTH SEMESTER | |
| PROGRAM ELECTIVE** | 3 |
| OPEN ELECTIVE *** | 3 |
| OPEN ELECTIVE *** | 3 |
| OPEN ELECTIVE *** | 3 |
| OPEN ELECTIVE *** | 3 |
Fourth Semester Total: | 15 |
TOTAL CREDITS: | 61-63 |
**Choose any GEG course that is not already required. Students should consult with their advisor to select program electives based on their transfer plan and/or career goals.
***Open electives may be fulfilled with any credit bearing course. Students should consult with their advisor to select open electives based on their transfer plan and/or career goals.
Revised 10/19/2023