View Applied Geography A.A.S. (R): 344
View Cartography and Geographic Information Systems Certificate (R): 184
View Geographic Education Certificate (R): 183
This curriculum is designed primarily for the student who desires to pursue a profession in geography, cartography, geographic education, or geographic information systems (GIS). The curriculum provides the student with an opportunity to test his or her interests prior to making a commitment for advanced study. Completion of all requirements will lead to the A.A.S.
Course work in this curriculum (involving fieldwork, use of computer technology, and mapping exercises) will explore four related disciplines. Geography, the first discipline, is the study of places; it enables the graduate to function as a paraprofessional in a broad range of studies. The geography graduate assists in performing research and compiling data in activities connected with agriculture, climatology, marketing, transportation, planning, and domestic and foreign area studies. Cartography, the second discipline, is the art and science of map construction; its skills enable the graduate to use, compile, and construct maps and related cartographic products. Geographic education, the third discipline, provides prospective teachers and currently employed teachers seeking to meet certification requirements in Montgomery County and Maryland with exposure to geographic concepts and methodology. GIS, the fourth discipline, combines the use of computer technology with the field of geography to solve locational problems.
| General Education Requirements |
| Foundation Courses |
|
|
|
English foundation |
3 |
| HE 100 |
Principles of Healthier Living (HLHF) |
1 |
| |
Mathematics foundation |
3 -4 |
| |
Speech foundation |
3 |
| Distribution Courses |
|
|
| |
Arts or humanities distribution |
3 |
| |
Behavioral and social sciences distribution |
3 |
| |
Natural sciences distribution with lab |
4 |
| Program Requirements |
| EN 101 |
Introduction to College Writing* |
3 |
| CA 120 |
Introduction to Computer Applications |
3 |
| GE 101 |
Introduction to Geography |
3 |
| GE 102 |
Cultural Geography |
3 |
| GE 103 |
Economic Geography |
3 |
| GE 104 |
Physical Geography |
4 |
| GE 110 |
Global Geography |
3 |
| GE 151 |
Introduction to Cartography |
3 |
| GE 152 |
Interpretation of Geographic Imagery: Use and Analysis |
3 |
| GE 203 |
Geographic Education |
|
| OR |
|
|
| GE 210 |
Preserving Our Natural Heritage |
3 |
| |
CS or MA elective |
3-4 |
| |
Cartography, GIS, or geography electives † |
6 |
Total credit hours 60 -62 |
* EN 101 if needed for EN 102/109 or general elective.
† Select from GE 201, GE 202, GE 251, GE 252, and GE 261.
|
Program Outcomes for the Applied Geography A.A.S. degree
Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:
- Use geography as a spatial concept, what it entails, and how it is a part of daily life.
- Identify where places are, including continents, countries, states, regions, cities, districts, islands, water bodies, physical features, and other defined locations.
- Interpret maps and atlases effectively and successfully use a variety of coordinate systems.
- Use maps and atlases as tools.
- Demonstrate an understanding of geographic phenomena.
- Articulate, problem-solve, theorize, discuss through original research as well as formal and informal writing assignments.
- Demonstrate an understanding of cultural geography including ethnicity, language, religion, politics, toponyms, agriculture, disease, economics, arts, and music.
Cartography and Geographic Information Systems Certificate (R): 184
Revised: Effective Semester - Spring 2011
Training in cartography and geographic information systems enables the student to develop, construct, and use maps and other imagery to solve problems relating to the earth, its resources and development. These skills are used by professionals employed in federal mapping and related agencies in the Washington metropolitan region.
| GE 101 |
Introduction to Geography |
3 |
| GE 151 |
Introduction to Cartography |
3 |
| GE 152 |
Interpretation of Geographic Imagery: Use and Analysis |
3 |
| GE 251 |
Principles of Map Design |
3 |
| GE 252 |
Introduction to Computer Mapping |
3 |
| GE 261 |
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems |
3 |
| GE 263 |
Advanced Geographic Information Systems |
3 |
Total credit hours 21 |
Program Outcomes for the Cartography and Geographic Information Systems Certificate
Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:
- Use various mapping software packages.
- Apply their enhanced cartographic skills.
- Use maps as tools.
- Conduct research and familiarize themselves with the various resources available to them, i.e. county, city, and federal government, the private sector, and on-line data.
- Have gained an appreciation of the various job opportunities available through attending trips to various cartographic facilities.
- Integrate other software as appropriate into their mapping projects, e.g. Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and other graphics packages.
- Use various techniques that improve their cartographic, GIS, and spatial analytic skills.
- Create portfolios, power points, and give presentations that strengthen their communication, interpersonal, and articulation skills.
- Apply for cartographic internships and/or full-time employment within the field of cartography and GIS.
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Gainful Employment Disclosure
Institution OPEID: 006911
Program CIP: 45.0799
Program Length: 2 semesters (this does not include time for developmental or AELP courses)
Related Occupations: Geographers
Cost:
- Cost for entire program completed in 2 semesters: $3,066
- Total estimated costs for books and supplies for the entire program: $1,000
- More cost information
Montgomery College does not offer on-campus housing
Debt at Program Completion:
Between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012:
- 7 students completed this program; 2 of them had student loan debt upon completing the program
- Median cumulative debt for all students (both borrowers and non-borrowers):
$8,250 Federal student loan debt
$0 Private loan debt
Program Completion in Normal Time: 0 of 7 students completed the program within 2 semesters
Job Placement: This program is not required to collect job placement information by the college's accrediting agency. This information will be updated as it becomes available.
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This certificate curriculum is designed primarily for the student who desires to pursue a profession in geographic education. Geographic education is a specialization in the field of geography. This facet of the curriculum is for students seeking to pursue a degree in teaching or to provide exposure to geographic concepts and methodology for teachers seeking to meet certification requirements in Montgomery County and Maryland. This curriculum provides students with an opportunity to test their interest prior to making a commitment for advanced study. Course work in this curriculum will involve fieldwork, use of computer technology, mapping exercises, and extensive reading.
| GE 101 |
Introduction to Geography |
3 |
| GE 102 |
Cultural Geography |
3 |
| GE 104 |
Physical Geography |
4 |
| GE 110 |
Global Geography |
3 |
| GE 203 |
Geographic Education |
3 |
| GE 210 |
Preserving Our National Heritage: The Geography of Conservation and Natural Resources |
3 |
| |
Elective* |
3 |
Total credit hours 22 |
| * Select from GE 103, GE 152, GE 201, or GE 202. |
Program Outcomes for the Geographic Education Certificate
Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:
- Use various geographic concepts and methodologies which will condition them for advanced degrees in geography.
- Read, interpret, and analyze maps.
- Conduct research and present.
- Teach geography in the K-12 curriculum more effectively.
- Use basic geographic information systems (GIS) software designed for grades K-12.
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Gainful Employment Disclosure
Institution OPEID: 006911
Program CIP: 47.0701
Program Length: 3 semesters (this does not include time for developmental or AELP courses)
Related Occupations: Geography Teachers, Postsecondary
Cost:
- Cost for entire program completed in 3 semesters: $3,212
- Total estimated costs for books and supplies for the entire program: $1,200
- More cost information
Montgomery College does not offer on-campus housing
Debt at Program Completion:
Between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012:
- 5 students completed this program; 0 of them had student loan debt upon completing the program
- Median cumulative debt for all students (both borrowers and non-borrowers):
$0 Federal student loan debt
$0 Private loan debt
Program Completion in Normal Time: 0 of 5 students completed the program within 3 semesters
Job Placement: This program is not required to collect job placement information by the college's accrediting agency. This information will be updated as it becomes available.
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Refer to course description pages to identify courses with prerequisites.
Courses in italics meet General Education requirements.