What is Geography?
Geography is the science of place and space. Geographers study the relationships among geographic places, natural systems, society, cultural activities, and the interdependence of all these over space.
There are two main branches of geography: human geography and physical geography. Human geography is concerned with the spatial aspects of human existence – how people and their activities are distributed in space, how people use and perceive space, and how people create and sustain the places that make up Earth’s surface. Physical geographers study the physical elements and spatial processes that make up and shape the environment, including energy, air, water, weather, climate, landforms, soils, animals, plants, etc. Many human and physical geographers have skills in cartography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Geographers also study the linkages between human activity and natural systems. Geographers were, in fact, among the first scientists to sound the alarm that human-induced changes to the environment were beginning to threaten the balance of life itself. Geographers today are active in the study of global warming, desertification, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, groundwater pollution, flooding, and more.
The CRC Geography program offers courses that satisfy lower division General Education requirements in both the physical and social sciences. In addition, the program offers an Associate Degree in Geography that provides students with a solid foundation in geography as well as the standard prerequisites for upper-division coursework leading to the baccalaureate degree. Students may also earn a certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Students planning to transfer to a four-year school with a major in Geography should consult the lower division requirements at the university they plan to attend.
Career Opportunities
International Development; Natural Resource Management; Environmental Consultant; Urban and Regional Planning; Educator (elementary through university); Tourism; Cartographer; Climatologist; Park Ranger; Transportation Specialist; Real Estate Analyst; International Business; Marketing Analyst; Land Surveyor; Research Scientist; Remote Sensing Specialist; Demographer; GIS Analyst; and many more (please contact the program for additional information).Some career options may require more than two years of college study.
Highlights
- Comprehensive course offerings including a Physical Laboratory as well as specialized training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Program’s students have won top awards at state-level competitions since 1999
- Field study courses to Yosemite, Pt. Reyes, Monterey/Big Sur, and the Mt. Diablo area
- Internships available with State of California, County of Sacramento, and Federal Land Management Agencies
- Three courses fulfill the CRC and CSU multicultural requirement
- Day and evening sections
