Geography

Why Geography?

Geography is the study of places, people, and their environments. It seeks to understand where things are found, why they are there, and how they develop, and how they change over time. This is a dynamic and interdisciplinary subject and prepares you to be an informed citizen. 

A skilled geographer can always find a job as an environmental consultant, cartographer, town and city planner, geographic information systems manager, weather forecaster, conservation officer, instructor, or work for city, county or state governments.

Program Details

Associate in Arts

Format
On Campus, Online, Hybrid
In-District Tuition
$169/credit hour
Out-of-District Tuition
$337/credit hour
Degree
View Degree
Average Time to Complete
2 years
Financial Options
Financial Aid is available.

Program Highlights

If you're curious about culture, politics, and different regions of the world, you'll enjoy studying geography. By completing an associate degree with an emphasis in geography, you will explore:

  • how history, culture, and human activities are affected by the physical features of Earth and its atmosphere
  • processes operating in Earth’s atmosphere, on, and beneath its surface
  • the distribution of population, wealth, natural resources, and society’s impact on the environment
  • how to communicate scientific ideas effectively, both verbally and in writing

When studying geography at Heartland, you will take a virtual tour around the world in GEOG 101 and participate in collaborative projects to answer questions such as “How fast is the world’s population growing?” You will study topics that impact our planet, including water resources, climate change, and global cultural and political issues.

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Courses

  • GEOG 101: World Geography

Degree - Associate in Arts

Within our Associate in Arts degree, there may be specific courses that are recommended for your major at your chosen transfer school. It’s important to meet with an academic advisor each semester to ensure that the correct coursework is taken, while earning your degree.

Even if your specific concentration or major is not listed on our application or program pages, academic advisors can help ensure you are taking the right coursework for your chosen major.

Learn more about the general education requirements for an Associate in Arts. 

Transfer Guide

Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) 

Heartland Community College is a participant in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a statewide transfer agreement among more than 100 colleges and universities in Illinois. IAI courses have been approved for transfer to an Illinois public university. For more information about the Illinois Articulation Initiative, please visit the IAI website. 

General Education Core Curriculum Requirement

For completion of the Associate in Arts degree, you will need to complete a minimum of 37 general education core curriculum (GECC) hours, within 7 categories, as part of the 60-credit hour degree. Please click on the category to view what courses Heartland has to offer within each of the required categories.

View what courses Heartland has to offer within each of the required categories:
Communications 
Fine Arts 
Humanities 
Life Sciences 
Mathematics 
Physical Sciences 
Social & Behavioral Sciences

Careers

Geography is a relatively small occupation, employing about 1,700 people in the United States. However, by continuing your studies at a four-year institution, you can prepare for employment in a wide range of fields. A background in geography may lead to careers such as:

  • GIS Specialist
  • Climatologist
  • Environmental or Transportation Management
  • Urban Planner
  • Community Development

* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Geographers, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geographers.htm (accessed April 14, 2014).

The U.S. Department of Education's gainful employment regulations require disclosure of certain program information to students and prospective students.

Please review the employment information pertaining to your degree or certificate by selecting your intended program at the Heartland Community College Career Coach.

For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions visit the U.S Department of Education College Scorecard site.

Contact Information

Liberal Arts & Social Sciences Division Office

ICB 2000 & 2100
1500 W Raab Road
Normal, IL 61761

Phone: 309-268-8620

Email: LASS Office