Geography

About the Program

Geography is the study of our world, the human experience of it, and our physical environment. This department offers geography classes and two certificates in geographic information systems (GIS), a rapidly growing field that focuses on the mapping and visualization of geographic data for use in business planning, marketing, sales, and more. Any time your mobile device or computer provides information based on your geographic location, it is using GIS technology.

Certificates Offered

• GIS Certificate Program: Provides students with skills necessary for entry-level jobs in the GIS field. This is the first general-purpose GIS certificate approved by the California State Chancellor’s Office. Courses provide hands-on training covering the latest developments in drone technology and ArcGIS Pro software.
• GIS – Marketing Certificate Program: Combines computer graphics and marketing research methods, teaching students how to use GIS mapping techniques in marketing.

Skills Acquired

• Cartography: Map elements and spatial analysis.
• Data:
  • Understanding GIS data types.
  • Ability to translate or convert data from external GIS file types.
  • Ability to perform research to find and download external GIS data.
  • Understanding of and ability to prepare metadata.
• Database Management:
  • Relational Database Management.
  • Structured Query Language.
• Equipment:
  • Ability to operate GIS-related hardware and associated peripheral devices, such as GPS units, plotters, digitizers, and scanners.
• General Skills:
  • Basic understanding of Microsoft Windows operating system and standard office software.
  • Proper use of grammar and spelling.
  • Oral and written language skills.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Understanding of how to seek out peer support for technical questions.
• Programming and Scripting Languages:
  • Knowledge of Python.
  • Ability to script repetitive tasks.

Program Duration and Cost

• GIS Certificate: 2 to 3 semesters (15-27 units).
• Associate Degree: Minimum 4 semesters (60 units).

Program cost is $46 per unit for California residents, not including books, fees, and supplies. Unit fees for the 15-unit certificate would be $690, the 27-unit certificate would be $1,242, and the 60-unit associate degree would be $2,760. Most students qualify for some form of financial aid.

Career Opportunities

Students can find employment as surveyors or drone operators. The median starting salary is $37,029 and goes up to $60,312 after two years. Career options span many industry sectors, including surveying, drone operation, and application development for technology companies.

Faculty

• Eric M Bladh, B.A., M.A.: Has taught Geography and GIS classes for the past eight years and is employed full-time in the field of Geography and GIS.
• Armando Mendoza, B.A., M.S.: Enjoys integrating different sciences and disciplines, focusing on the relationship between humans and their environment.

Program Options

• Geography Associate in Arts Degree: Minimum 60 units (2 years).
• Geography Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer: Minimum 60 units (2 years).
• Geographic Information Systems Certificate: 25-27 units (2 semesters).

View course options for these programs via Program Mapper.