Take the first step to a career as an environmental consultant, urban planner, meteorologist, park ranger, development worker, geoscientist, cartographer, real estate developer, statistician and much more with an Associate of Arts Degree in Geography and the Environment.
Geography bridges the natural and social sciences, spanning a variety of fields, such as economics, urban studies, policing and law, earth sciences, biology and environmental studies. Thus, geographers are well-equipped to study and help tackle contemporary challenges, including climate change, natural hazards, habitat destruction, food security, waste and resource management, rapid urbanization and refugee movements, to name a few.
Get hands-on experience – before you graduate
Many geography courses include experiential learning opportunities inside our classrooms and open labs, as well as off campus with field trips to local natural and human-built environments. This field work gives you the chance to conduct research, collect data and observe phenomena out in the field using specialized equipment.
Earn money and get relevant work experience before you graduate with the optional Co-operative Education Program.
Transfer your credits to university
Associate degrees take two years to complete and concentrate on one area of study. If you plan your courses carefully with a university program in mind, you’ll be able to transfer all 60 credits to university. In most cases, an associate degree will allow you to enter the third year of a four-year bachelor's degree program. To ensure your courses transfer, see the BC Transfer Guide.
Geography majors can complete degrees in Human Geography, Physical Geography, Environmental Studies, Resource Management, Earth Sciences, Urban Studies, Habitat Restoration, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Spatial Information Systems, Community Development and Sustainability Planning at most universities.