Academic Catalogs

Geography, Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer

Banner Code: 3_AAT_GEOG

Control Number: 42600

Financial Aid Eligible


 The Associate in Arts in Geography for Transfer introduces students to geographic principles, concepts, theories, research, terminology, relationships, and the geographic technologies used to measure and describe the physical and human/cultural features of the earth. Students will gain the geographic knowledge and skills necessary to prepare them for upper division university course work. The program offers students a variety of courses in physical, human/cultural, and applied geography. Students will be able to analyze geographical issues, read and interpret maps, and effectively assess how human cultures have shaped the natural environment, and the implications of these interactions. Geography majors develop knowledge of international relationships and cultures, environment, history, and politics, while building critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and practical problem-solving skills that are useful in a broad range of careers.

Geographers apply their skills in a wide range of industries. Students may eventually pursue careers in education, forestry, research, planning, environmental consulting, GIS, international business, foreign service, cartography, government, and more.

Associate Degrees for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) are open to all Coastline students. Students who do not plan on transferring to a California State University school should consult their Counselor regarding the benefits of an AA-T/AS-T degree based on their goals. Students earning an AA-T or AS-T and intending on transferring to a California State University school receive transfer admission benefits for specific majors at many California State University campuses. Visit the Transfer Information catalog page for more information.

Program Level Student Learning Outcomes 

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  1. Utilize geographic concepts and tools to assess the manner in which human societies have shaped the natural environment and the implications of these interactions.
  2. Utilize geographic concepts and tools to analyze the diffusion, evolution, and interaction of different cultures in terms of their spatial, political, economic, and environmental relationships.
  3. Effectively make, share, analyze, and interpret maps and spatial information using GIS, or another appropriate geographic tool.

Associate Degree for Transfer Requirements

  1. Minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units. A minimum of 12 units must be in residence within Coast Colleges (Coastline College, Golden West College, and/or Orange Coast College).
  2. Minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework.
  3. Completion of a minimum of 18 semester units in an Associate Degree for Transfer major as detailed in the catalog.
  4. Certified Completion of the California State University General Education-Breadth pattern (CSU GE Breadth - Coastline’s Option 2 General Education pattern), OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC - Coastline Option 3 General Education pattern).
Course Title Units
Required Core
Complete the following:
GEOG C180Physical Geography3
GEOG C180LPhysical Geography Lab1
GEOG C185Cultural Geography3
List A
Select two of the following:6
Introduction to Weather and Climate
California Geography
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Techniques with Lab
Map Interpretation and Analysis
List B
Select two additional courses from List A or of the following:6
World Regional Geography
Cultural Anthropology
General Geology
Units Required for Major 19
CSU General Education or IGETC pattern37-39
Transfer Electives as needed to reach 60 transferable unitsVaries
Total Units for Degree60