Applied Geography Degree
If you're interested in a career in geography, cartography, geographic education, or geographic information systems (GIS), start with an associate's degree in applied geography. Coursework involves hands-on fieldwork, mapping projects, and research, and explores four related disciplines:
- Geography, the first discipline, is the study of places; it enables the graduate to function as a paraprofessional in a broad range of studies. The geography graduate assists in performing research and compiling data in activities connected with cultural and physical components of the environment, as well as city planning, marketing, transportation, and domestic and foreign area studies.
- Cartography, the second discipline, is the art and science of map construction; its skills enable the graduate to use, compile, and construct maps and related cartographic products.
- Geographic education, the third discipline, provides prospective teachers and currently employed teachers seeking to meet certification requirements in Montgomery County and Maryland with exposure to geographic concepts and methodology.
- GIS, the fourth discipline, combines the use of computer technology with the field of geography to help analyze and problem-solve spatial information.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:
- Examine geography as a spatial concept and describe what it entails and how it is part of daily life.
- Identify where places are, including continents, countries, states, regions, cities, districts, islands, water bodies, physical features, and other defined locations.
- Interpret maps and atlases effectively and successfully use a variety of coordinate systems.
- Use maps and atlases as tools.
- Demonstrate geographic phenomena.
- Analyze, discuss, and compose key principles of geography through original research as well as formal and informal writing assignments.
Program Advising
Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer. The program advising guide outlines the degree requirements and is meant to supplement the advising process.
- (PDF, )
- Find a Program Advisor
Transfer Opportunities
草莓视频APP has a long history of successfully preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions. See all transfer agreements.
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a new window account and other job search topics.
- : Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
A suggested course sequence for students follows.
- All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
- Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
- All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.
Suggested Course Sequence
Students should complete the required??and??foundation courses within the first 24 credit hours. All students should review the ?and consult an advisor.?
First Semester
- ?3 semester hours ? ?
- 3 semester hours (MATF)
- ?3 semester hours ?(BSSD)
- ?3 semester hours
- 4 semester hours (GEEL)
Second Semester
- 3 semester hours (ENGF)
- ?3 semester hours ?(BSSD)
- ?3 semester hours
- 4 semester hours (NSLD)
- Elective 3 semester hours
Third Semester
- ?3 semester hours
- ?4 semester hours
- ?3 semester hours
- or 3 semester hours (ARTD or HUMD)
- Program Elective?3 semester hours ?
Fourth Semester
- ?3 semester hours
-
OR
- ?3 semester hours
- 3 semester hours
- Program Elective?3 semester hours??
- Program Elective 3 semester hours ?
* /,?if needed for /,?or elective.
??Select from the following program electives , , , ?or?.
Related Programs and Courses
General Studies Degree
Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
Workforce Development and Continuing Education
MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes. These courses are designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.