A student in an AACC T-shirt reads a book while standing near library shelves.

Understanding People, Places and the Environment

Think geography is about memorizing capitals and coloring maps? Think again. Geography is the ultimate powerhouse degree for the 21st century. It is the dynamic bridge between the physical science of our planet and the human stories that shape it. Understanding where things happen unlocks the secrets to why they happen. That helps us build a better, more sustainable world.  

Geography is the study of people, places and the relationships between people and their environments. It is a vital lens for solving the world’s most pressing challenges.  

We live in an interconnected global society facing unprecedented hurdles. Climate change, rapid urbanization, economic shifts and resource scarcity all pose threats. Geography gives us the tools to analyze these complex issues and find solutions others miss.  


Areas of Study

In geography, you can explore a wide range of subjects that allow you to customize your education across three core areas of the discipline:

  • Human geography: Explore global economic interdependence, cultural landscapes, migration patterns and urban development.
  • Physical geography: Dive into the science of climate systems, geomorphology, natural hazards and environmental conservation.
  • Geospatial technology: Master digital tools used to map and analyze our world, from drone mapping to big data visualization. 

Transfer Degree

If you're interested in majoring in geography, you should select AACC’s Transfer Studies degree with a concentration in geography (GEO). 

At AACC, you'll complete:

  • A minimum of 12 credits of geography electives
  • General education requirements 

The degree will prepare you to transfer to a four-year institution. We strongly encourage you to meet with an advisor and/or our discipline expert, Brad Austin, Ph.D., to structure your AACC studies to meet your specific transfer goals. 

The Transfer Studies, A.A. allows you to explore different subjects or concentrate on a specific course plan that will best meet your in-state (and even some out-of-state) transfer goals. This option is particularly good if you are undecided in your ultimate career direction, not sure where you'd like to eventually transfer or just looking to complete general education requirements while "testing the waters" of a particular major. No matter what brings you to Transfer Studies, the result is a well-rounded associate degree preparing you for further studies and successful career. 

Transfer Studies (A.A.)


Job Outlook

Because geography crosses the boundaries of science, humanities and technology, your career options are vast. Our graduates don't just find jobs, they build careers with global impact. You can work in the private corporate sector, join federal or local government agencies, drive change through non-profits (NGOs) or lead academic and scientific research. 
 
Studying geography equips you with highly versatile, recession-proof skills that employers across tech, government and business desperately need:

  • Geospatial mastery: Advanced proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
  • Data analysis and statistics: The ability to collect, manage and interpret complex spatial and environmental datasets.
  • Critical fieldwork and research: Hands-on experience designing research projects, conducting qualitative interviews and gathering environmental samples.
  • Spatial thinking: A unique framework for solving complex, multi-layered problems by analyzing how human and physical systems interact. 

Questions?

Meet Assistant Professor Alex Colucci

Headshot of Alex Colucci

Alex Colucci teaches human and physical geography at AACC, where students explore the relationship between geography and the environment, and the spatial interactions between people, society, politics and power structures.

Learn more about Alex.