Geography A.A.

Associate in Arts
Transfer Degree
Cost
$10,500* (estimated)

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.

Highlights

  • Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

    Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).

  • Transfer Degree

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

  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Finish in 2 years as a full-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

View more careers

Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help 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
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    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
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    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
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    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
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • 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
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • 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
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • 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
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • 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
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose MTH 142 or MTH 222 instead of MTH 141.

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

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

    Course options: Students can choose other Fine Arts courses instead of THE 121. Students can also choose other Humanities courses instead of HUM 127.

  • 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
    • Global citizenship
    • Online/Virtual options available
    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
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ESC 128

    ESC 128 Great Mysteries of the Earth

    Class Description

    This course is for those interested in examining mysteries, myths, and pseudoscience of the natural world through the application of the scientific method. Content areas such as creation and history of the Earth, mysterious places and landforms, mythical creatures and the fossil record, epic natural disasters, and the power of crystals will be explored. Major topic examples may include Atlantis, Talismans and Crystal Healing, Noah’s Flood, and Bigfoot.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    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
    • Online/Virtual options available
    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
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • 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
      Global citizenship
      Online/Virtual options available
    • 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
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ESC 128
      Course Title

      ESC 128 Great Mysteries of the Earth

      Class Description

      This course is for those interested in examining mysteries, myths, and pseudoscience of the natural world through the application of the scientific method. Content areas such as creation and history of the Earth, mysterious places and landforms, mythical creatures and the fossil record, epic natural disasters, and the power of crystals will be explored. Major topic examples may include Atlantis, Talismans and Crystal Healing, Noah’s Flood, and Bigfoot.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • 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
      Online/Virtual options available
    • 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
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose other Humanities courses instead of HUM 141.

Total Credit Hours

60



Learn how CLC helps you transfer

Start at CLC and continue with a 4-year school to earn your bachelor's degree. CLC has partnerships with many colleges and universities, covering a wide range of programs.

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


Female student taking notes in class

Geography at CLC

Get the bigger picture

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

View the Geography program overview


Apply now: It's easy and free

Complete the application form to begin your program.

Then a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions and get you onboarded. Explore steps to apply at CLC.

Frequently asked questions

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

CLC has some of the lowest tuition around. Financial aid and scholarships are available—even for working adults.

Paying for college

Request info

Your education is a big investment of your time, money and attention. Gather all the info you need.

Send me info

Visit us

Get a feel for life on campus when you register for a tour. We'd love to show you around. Oh, and bring family and friends along for the fun, if you want!

Take a tour

Get started

Start your application today—it’s free and easy to complete. When you’re ready, we’re ready to help you take the next step.

Start today!
1/4