Pathway for Geography - Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA)

Geography is the scientific study of the interactions between human societies and the natural world across the globe. It is the study of places and the relationships between people and their environments using spatial analysis. Geography courses are designed to promote student exploration of cultural diversity, sustainability, and critical thinking based on reliable demographic and scientific data sources.                         

Upon completion of the Geography program at WVC, students will be able to:

1. Identify examples of human-environment interactions and assess the past, present, and future impact of those interactions.

2. Demonstrate an ability to critically understand quantitative and qualitative data sources, data bias, and multi-scalar analysis using geographic tools. 

3. Demonstrate geographic literacy through the interpretation, identification, and construction of world and/or national maps.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of the patterns, trends, and impacts of population, natural resource use, migration, urbanization, industry, agriculture, and economic development.

5. Explain how structural racism, xenophobia, and cultural diversity shape geographic inequalities, environmental impacts, and economic opportunity in the US and abroad.

6. Propose sustainable alternatives to conventional development strategies.

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 Core Topics covered in courses in the Geography Pathway include:

• Systems Thinking (human and environment interaction)
• Climate Change and Climate Justice
• Maps and Geographic Literacy
• Physical Geography
• Population and Migration
• Cultural Diffusion
• Hunger and Food Systems
• Natural Resources and Waste
• Urbanization
• Industrialization
• Spatial Economy
• Uneven Development
• Gender and Social Inequalities
• World Regions
• Environmental Racism
• Sustainability

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  Transfer Degrees in Geography in Washington State:

• University of Washington: Degree Options: B.A. in Geography, B.A. in Geography: Data Science Option, Minor in Geography, B.A. with Honors in Geography
• Western Washington University: BA in Environmental Studies--Geography emphasis, Teaching Endorsements in Geography/Social Studies, BA and Geography--Elementary, BAE
• Central Washington University:  BA in Geography, BS in Environmental & Resource Geography, BS in Geographic Information Systems, Minor in Geography
• Eastern Washington University: BA in Geosciences, BS in Geosciences, Minor in Geography, Minor in Sustainability, BA in Social Studies Education Program.
• Washington State University:  BS in Earth & Environmental Sciences
• Evergreen State University: BA in Geography, BA in Political Economy, Global Studies, and Environmental Justice

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 Jobs in Geography

Geographers can be found working in every sector of the workforce. Some of the ways that geographers are making valuable contributions to the work and performance of businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies include understanding social systems, improving the environment, and enhancing economic efficiencies.  

The American Association of Geographers list the following examples of jobs and careers with a Geography degree here:  Environmental Scientist, Geophysicist, Climate Change Analyst, Forester, Emergency Management Specialist, Community Resource Manager, Environmental Economist, Demographer, Sustainability Coordinator, Cartographer, GIS Analyst, Surveyor, Urban and Regional Planner, Logistics Manager, Foreign Services Officer, Educator or Travel Guide.