Geography Pre-Major

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Summary

Prepare for a major in Geography Studies by taking recommended courses to fulfill the requirements of a transfer degree.

Geography is an interdisciplinary study of the earth and its inhabitants. Divided into two main branches—human and physical geography—learners study natural landscapes, natural disasters, the atmosphere, climate changes, as well as urban development, cultural origins, human settlements, human migration, poverty and the distribution of resources.

The Associate in Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA) is part of Shoreline’s General Transfer program and is designed to meet the first two years of requirements of most four-year degrees.

Completion Award
Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement
Length of Study
90 Credits
Starting Quarter
Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
Location
On Campus

This program option is designed to support Shoreline’s general education outcomes: 

  • Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning:  Students will demonstrate college-level skills and knowledge in applying the principles of mathematics and logic. 
  • Communication Skills:  Students will read, write, speak in, and listen to college-level English. Effective communication incorporates awareness of the social nature of communication and the effects of ethnicity, age, culture, gender, sexual orientation, and ability on sending and receiving oral, non-verbal, and written messages. 
  • Multicultural Understanding:  Students will demonstrate understanding of issues related to race, social class, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, and culture and the role these issues play in the distribution of power and privilege in the United States. 
  • Information Literacy:  Students will access, use, and evaluate information in a variety of formats, keeping in mind social, legal, and ethical issues surrounding information access in today’s society. 
  • General Intellectual Abilities:  Students will think critically within a discipline, identify connections and relationships among disciplines, and use an integrated approach to analyze new situations. 
  • Global Awareness:  Students will demonstrate understanding and awareness of issues related to, and consequences of, the growing global interdependence of diverse societies by integrating knowledge from multiple disciplines. Students will describe how social, cultural, political, and economic values and norms interact.
  1. Describe differences and similarities in how people across the globe experience social, cultural, economic, or political systems.
  2. Examine the interactions between societies and individuals.
  3. Apply methods of a specific discipline to interpret an expression of the human experience.
  4. Identify methods scientists use to explain aspects of the natural world.
  5. Use scientific laboratory practices within a field or discipline to investigate a scientific concept.
In addition to the outcomes above, students will gain the skills and knowledge included in Shoreline Student Learning Outcomes (SSLOs): Communication, Critical Thinking, Equity & Social Justice, Information Literacy, and Quantitative & Symbolic Reasoning.

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The study of geography gives students the knowledge and skills to be competitive in a wide range of careers. From broad skills in research, data analysis, management and critical thinking to specific skills in cartography, mapping and geographic information systems, graduates can work in a number of fields such as: conservation, environmental management, urban planning, research, waste management, teaching, reporting, publishing, law, state and local government. Potential employers include: federal, state and local governments, colleges and universities, urban planners, natural history museums, national parks, research institutes, environmental consultants, health and human services, law firms, marketing firms, insurance agencies, public advocacy groups, private foundations, non-profit organizations, public utilities, waste management companies and real estate developers.

Estimated Tuition & Fees

(does not include additional program or course fees, books, or supply costs)

Per Quarter
2023-2024		 WA-Resident Non-WA resident,
US citizen, &
Eligible non-citizen
On Campus		 Non-WA resident
Non-US citizen¹		 Non-WA resident, US citizen
Online Only
1 credit $145.17  $245.71  $339.54 $162.51
5 credits $673.85  $1,176.57  $1,645.70  $760.55
12 credits (full-time) $1,462.52  $2,476.40 $3,422.10  $1,637.76
15 credits $1,641.05 $2,667.59  $3,624.45 $1,819.05

¹ Includes all International Students, both on campus and overseas online

Additional Fees
Approximately $20 - $120 per quarter, depending on courses selected

Ways to pay for school

Federal aid, scholarships, grants, and more are available to help you pay for school.

Next Steps

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This option is open to everyone. There are no eligibility requirements to begin this program. Get started by applying to Shoreline!

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