Geography

Associate in Arts
Transfer Degree
Cost
$11,957*

Bridge social & natural sciences

Discover how people relate with the planet

Expand your horizons and nourish your curiosity about the world around you with a degree in geography at College of Lake County. Build a solid grasp of the delicate balance between the social, natural and environmental sciences as you prepare to transfer to a 4-year institution.

Find solutions and help people improve the planet. Geography opens doors to versatile, difference-making career paths in business, government, education and nonprofits.

What can you do with an A.A. in Geography?

The Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree in Geography prepares you to transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree in geography, environmental sciences or related fields. After you graduate, here are some careers to consider.

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    Highlights

    • Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

      Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.

    • Transfer Degree

      Save on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice.

    • Program Length: 2 Years

      Full-time students finish in 2 years.

    Career Outlook

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    Need help?

    Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps you

    • complete the admission process
    • choose an academic program
    • enroll in first-semester classes
    • get access to helpful resources

    Talk to a CCN

    Recommended Pathway

    Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. View degree requirements in the college catalog.


    Icon Key

    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Global citizenship
    • Online/Virtual options available

    • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
      CLC 120

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
             		2
      ENG 121

      ENG 121 English Composition I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
             		3
      GEG 120

      GEG 120 Principles of Physical Geography

      Class Description

      This introductory physical science course examines the processes and agents that help to shape and change the environment in which humans live, as well as the spatial interrelationships that exist between the earth's heat and energy systems and weather, climate, biogeography (soils, vegetation), landforms, forces of erosion and human activities. The lab component requires students to apply the scientific method to a variety of problems/exercises related to physical geography. Some exercises may involve field work and local field trips. The lab exercises integrate map reading and interpretation skills.
             		4
      MTH 141

      MTH 141 Quantitative Literacy

      Class Description

      This course develops conceptual understanding in several areas, including: representing and analyzing data through such statistical measures as central tendency, dispersion, normal distribution, and correlation and regression; using logical statements and arguments in a real-world context; estimating, approximating and judging the reasonableness of answers; graphing and using polynomial functions and systems of equations in the interpretation and solution of problems; and selecting and using appropriate approaches and tools in formulating and solving real-world problems. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact EMPS division office for details. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Science or Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits.
             		3
      BIO 140

      BIO 140 Environmental Biology without Lab

      Class Description

      This non-lab course studies environmental issues that arise from the interaction of humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, and energy. The goal is to better understand both the problems brought about by human use and misuse of the environment and potential solutions for those problems. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 140 and BIO 120.
             		3
      • Course Code CLC 120
        Course Title

        CLC 120 College Success Seminar

        Class Description

        This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
        Credits 2
        Course Highlights
      • Course Code ENG 121
        Course Title

        ENG 121 English Composition I

        Class Description

        This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
        Credits 3
        Course Highlights
      • Course Code GEG 120
        Course Title

        GEG 120 Principles of Physical Geography

        Class Description

        This introductory physical science course examines the processes and agents that help to shape and change the environment in which humans live, as well as the spatial interrelationships that exist between the earth's heat and energy systems and weather, climate, biogeography (soils, vegetation), landforms, forces of erosion and human activities. The lab component requires students to apply the scientific method to a variety of problems/exercises related to physical geography. Some exercises may involve field work and local field trips. The lab exercises integrate map reading and interpretation skills.
        Credits 4
        Course Highlights
      • Course Code MTH 141
        Course Title

        MTH 141 Quantitative Literacy

        Class Description

        This course develops conceptual understanding in several areas, including: representing and analyzing data through such statistical measures as central tendency, dispersion, normal distribution, and correlation and regression; using logical statements and arguments in a real-world context; estimating, approximating and judging the reasonableness of answers; graphing and using polynomial functions and systems of equations in the interpretation and solution of problems; and selecting and using appropriate approaches and tools in formulating and solving real-world problems. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact EMPS division office for details. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Science or Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits.
        Credits 3
        Course Highlights
      • Course Code BIO 140
        Course Title

        BIO 140 Environmental Biology without Lab

        Class Description

        This non-lab course studies environmental issues that arise from the interaction of humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, and energy. The goal is to better understand both the problems brought about by human use and misuse of the environment and potential solutions for those problems. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 140 and BIO 120.
        Credits 3
        Course Highlights

    • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
      ENG 122

      ENG 122 English Composition II

      Class Description

      This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
             		3
      ANT 121

      ANT 121 Introduction to Anthropology

      Class Description

      This course is an introduction to the nature of humans and their development and relationship to the physical, social, and cultural environments both past and present. This course surveys the major fields of anthropology: physical anthropology, ethnology, linguistics, and archaeology, with an emphasis on non-Western cultures and underrepresented groups.
             		3
      ECO 221

      ECO 221 Principles of Macroeconomics

      Class Description

      This course analyzes the national economy by measuring and tracking the changes in key economic variables such as GDP and the economic growth rate, the unemployment rate, and the inflation rate. Principal macroeconomic issues will be explored and discussed from diverse economic models and will include a discussion on the use and effectiveness of fiscal and monetary policies as well as the causes and consequences of recessions and expansions on the national economy.
             		3
      HST 121

      HST 121 History of Western Civilization to 1500

      Class Description

      This course is a historical survey of the West from the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece and Rome through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Emphasis is placed on the political, economic, social, cultural, and intellectual forces that shaped the development of Western Civilization.
             		3
      GEG 122

      GEG 122 Cultural Geography

      Class Description

      This introductory social science survey course is designed to help students acquire geographic knowledge about human cultural trends and activities. A wide range of current and urgent world concerns such as population control, cultural differences, urbanization, economic livelihoods, and state and nation systems, are placed in a human-geographic context. The course will also assist students gain better geographic perceptions on current world affairs.
             		3
      • Course Code ENG 122
        Course Title

        ENG 122 English Composition II

        Class Description

        This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
        Credits 3
        Course Highlights
      • Course Code ANT 121
        Course Title

        ANT 121 Introduction to Anthropology

        Class Description

        This course is an introduction to the nature of humans and their development and relationship to the physical, social, and cultural environments both past and present. This course surveys the major fields of anthropology: physical anthropology, ethnology, linguistics, and archaeology, with an emphasis on non-Western cultures and underrepresented groups.
        Credits 3
        Course Highlights
      • Course Code ECO 221
        Course Title

        ECO 221 Principles of Macroeconomics

        Class Description

        This course analyzes the national economy by measuring and tracking the changes in key economic variables such as GDP and the economic growth rate, the unemployment rate, and the inflation rate. Principal macroeconomic issues will be explored and discussed from diverse economic models and will include a discussion on the use and effectiveness of fiscal and monetary policies as well as the causes and consequences of recessions and expansions on the national economy.
        Credits 3
        Course Highlights
      • Course Code HST 121
        Course Title

        HST 121 History of Western Civilization to 1500

        Class Description

        This course is a historical survey of the West from the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece and Rome through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Emphasis is placed on the political, economic, social, cultural, and intellectual forces that shaped the development of Western Civilization.
        Credits 3
        Course Highlights
      • Course Code GEG 122
        Course Title

        GEG 122 Cultural Geography

        Class Description

        This introductory social science survey course is designed to help students acquire geographic knowledge about human cultural trends and activities. A wide range of current and urgent world concerns such as population control, cultural differences, urbanization, economic livelihoods, and state and nation systems, are placed in a human-geographic context. The course will also assist students gain better geographic perceptions on current world affairs.
        Credits 3
        Course Highlights

    • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
      CMM 121

      CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

      Class Description

      For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
             		3
      GEG 123

      GEG 123 World Regional Geography

      Class Description

      This introductory social science course emphasizes the human and physical geography of the world's major regions. Each region is surveyed as to its location and component countries and peoples, world importance, distinctive physical and cultural characteristics, relations to other areas of the world, and the major problems and potentialities associated with each. Students will gain a better geographic perspective on current affairs and an enhanced appreciation of travel.
             		3
      HST 122

      HST 122 History of Western Civilization 1500 to Present

      Class Description

      This course is an historical survey of the West from the Reformation and rise of absolutist monarchies through the French Revolution, Age of Industrialization, the 20th century ideological conflicts and wars, and the modern global age. Emphasis is placed on the political, economic, social, cultural, and intellectual forces that shaped the development and direction of Western Civilization.
             		3
      THE 121

      THE 121 Introduction to Theatre I

      Class Description

      This course explores the elements, artists and collaborative process of live theatre. It includes the study and analysis of historical, social, aesthetic and technical aspects of traditional and contemporary theatrical production. Play attendance is required.
             		3
      HUM 127

      HUM 127 Critical Thinking

      Class Description

      Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
             		3
      • Course Code CMM 121
        Course Title

        CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

        Class Description

        For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
        Credits 3
        Course Highlights
      • Course Code GEG 123
        Course Title

        GEG 123 World Regional Geography

        Class Description

        This introductory social science course emphasizes the human and physical geography of the world's major regions. Each region is surveyed as to its location and component countries and peoples, world importance, distinctive physical and cultural characteristics, relations to other areas of the world, and the major problems and potentialities associated with each. Students will gain a better geographic perspective on current affairs and an enhanced appreciation of travel.
        Credits 3
        Course Highlights
      • Course Code HST 122
        Course Title

        HST 122 History of Western Civilization 1500 to Present

        Class Description

        This course is an historical survey of the West from the Reformation and rise of absolutist monarchies through the French Revolution, Age of Industrialization, the 20th century ideological conflicts and wars, and the modern global age. Emphasis is placed on the political, economic, social, cultural, and intellectual forces that shaped the development and direction of Western Civilization.
        Credits 3
        Course Highlights
      • Course Code THE 121
        Course Title

        THE 121 Introduction to Theatre I

        Class Description

        This course explores the elements, artists and collaborative process of live theatre. It includes the study and analysis of historical, social, aesthetic and technical aspects of traditional and contemporary theatrical production. Play attendance is required.
        Credits 3
        Course Highlights
      • Course Code HUM 127
        Course Title

        HUM 127 Critical Thinking

        Class Description

        Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
        Credits 3
        Course Highlights

    • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
      HUM 141

      HUM 141 World Humanities of 20/21 Century

      Class Description

      This is an interdisciplinary and multicultural course which introduces students to the visual art, architecture, literature, philosophy/religion/myth, music, dance, and history of various non-Western cultures through selected works and a comparative examination of their values, motifs and aesthetics with those of Western cultural expression during the 20th and 21st centuries.
             		3
      ESC 124

      ESC 124 Oceanography

      Class Description

      For the non-science major or those who wish to gain a comprehensive overview of the science of oceanography. Topics include a history of oceanographic investigations; topography, structure, and evolution of the ocean basin; chemical and physical properties of ocean water and water masses; waves; tides; oceanic circulation; shoreline processes; estuaries; marine sediments; hurricanes; resources; fisheries; and ecology.
             		3
      ESC 128

      ESC 128 Great Mysteries of the Earth

      Class Description

      This course is for the non-science major or those pursuing an interest in the geosciences. This course will examine selected mysteries, myths, and pseudoscience of our world from the content areas of earthquake myths, volcano myths, flood myths, landform myths, and mass extinctions through the application of the scientific method. Major topic examples may include Atlantis, Piltdown Man, and Noah's Flood.
             		3
      ESC 129

      ESC 129 Severe and Hazardous Weather

      Class Description

      This course is designed for students who wish to gain a better understanding of the causes and impacts of various types of extreme weather. Meteorological concepts and processes that cause severe and hazardous weather will be presented in a non-technical manner during the first part of the course. Subsequently, specific types of severe and hazardous weather will be examined as well as an investigation of their historical, economic, and human consequences. Severe weather topics may include lightning, hail, tornadoes, floods, drought, cold and heat waves, blizzards, ice storms, wind storms, hurricanes, and El Nino/La Nina. Students should be comfortable interpreting maps, charts, and diagrams.
             		3
      ESC 140

      ESC 140 Introduction to Astronomy with Lab

      Class Description

      This course is for the non-science major or those who wish to gain a comprehensive overview of the science of astronomy with a lab component. This descriptive treatment of astronomy will include topics such as the history of astronomy, the solar system, stellar evolution, the Milky Way, and beyond. Students may not receive credit toward a degree for both ESC 140 and ESC 141.
             		3
      • Course Code HUM 141
        Course Title

        HUM 141 World Humanities of 20/21 Century

        Class Description

        This is an interdisciplinary and multicultural course which introduces students to the visual art, architecture, literature, philosophy/religion/myth, music, dance, and history of various non-Western cultures through selected works and a comparative examination of their values, motifs and aesthetics with those of Western cultural expression during the 20th and 21st centuries.
        Credits 3
        Course Highlights
      • Course Code ESC 124
        Course Title

        ESC 124 Oceanography

        Class Description

        For the non-science major or those who wish to gain a comprehensive overview of the science of oceanography. Topics include a history of oceanographic investigations; topography, structure, and evolution of the ocean basin; chemical and physical properties of ocean water and water masses; waves; tides; oceanic circulation; shoreline processes; estuaries; marine sediments; hurricanes; resources; fisheries; and ecology.
        Credits 3
        Course Highlights
      • Course Code ESC 128
        Course Title

        ESC 128 Great Mysteries of the Earth

        Class Description

        This course is for the non-science major or those pursuing an interest in the geosciences. This course will examine selected mysteries, myths, and pseudoscience of our world from the content areas of earthquake myths, volcano myths, flood myths, landform myths, and mass extinctions through the application of the scientific method. Major topic examples may include Atlantis, Piltdown Man, and Noah's Flood.
        Credits 3
        Course Highlights
      • Course Code ESC 129
        Course Title

        ESC 129 Severe and Hazardous Weather

        Class Description

        This course is designed for students who wish to gain a better understanding of the causes and impacts of various types of extreme weather. Meteorological concepts and processes that cause severe and hazardous weather will be presented in a non-technical manner during the first part of the course. Subsequently, specific types of severe and hazardous weather will be examined as well as an investigation of their historical, economic, and human consequences. Severe weather topics may include lightning, hail, tornadoes, floods, drought, cold and heat waves, blizzards, ice storms, wind storms, hurricanes, and El Nino/La Nina. Students should be comfortable interpreting maps, charts, and diagrams.
        Credits 3
        Course Highlights
      • Course Code ESC 140
        Course Title

        ESC 140 Introduction to Astronomy with Lab

        Class Description

        This course is for the non-science major or those who wish to gain a comprehensive overview of the science of astronomy with a lab component. This descriptive treatment of astronomy will include topics such as the history of astronomy, the solar system, stellar evolution, the Milky Way, and beyond. Students may not receive credit toward a degree for both ESC 140 and ESC 141.
        Credits 3
        Course Highlights

    Total Credit Hours

    60


    *Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.


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    Our Guaranteed Transfer Partnerships (GTAs) with a select number of schools guarantee admission to students who meet specific criteria.


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    Geography at CLC

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    This transfer degree is just one possible way to study science. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

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