This recommended pathway meets the requirements of the AAS/DTA degree and prepares you for a university major in geography. But you can customize your plan even more. Talk with your advisor about adapting it for your individual goals.
Quarter 1 (12-17 credits)
GEOG& 100 Intro to geography (5 credits)
ENGL& 101 English composition I (5 credits)
CMST& 101 Intro to communication (5 credits)
Optional:
EDPL 100 College success (2 credits)
This course is really helpful if you don't have much college experience. Take it with either two or three of the other courses. If you choose a light first quarter, you may decide to take one course during the summer.
Career exploration:
- Find your people! Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals. Find out where students in your pathway go to study.
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor to build your degree plan in Starfish.
- Have your transfer-in credits evaluated.
- Visit the Intercultural Center, the Learning Center, and the library.
Quarter 2 (15 credits)
GEOG& 102 World regional geography (5 credits)
ENGL 201 Advanced composition (5 credits)
MATH& 146 Intro to statistics (5 credits) (preferred)
or MATH& 107 Math in society (5 credits)
If you're not ready for 100-level math, start the math sequence leading to it.
Career exploration:
- Compare the different geography majors at universities you're interested in. Would you rather specialize in physical, cultural or environmental geography?
- Start keeping a portfolio of your best work.
Quarter 3 (15 credits)
GEOG 110 Intro to physical geography (5 credits)
BIOL& 100 Survey of biology (with lab) (5 credits)
POLS& 202 American government (5 credits)
or HIST& 148 US history III (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Ask your instructors about nearby conferences you might attend next year.
- Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.
Action items:
- Check the GPA and other entry requirements for your future major. Are you on track?
Summer (5 credits)
If you opted for 12 credits in Quarter 1, you might take the course you postponed this summer to catch up.
Quarter 4 (15 credits)
GEOG& 200 Human geography (5 credits)
World language (5 credits)
or other Humanities (5 credits): a course with "H" at the end of the course description
ENVS& 101 Intro to environmental science (with lab) (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Listen to podcasts about geography or the kind of career you're aiming for.
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor about applying to universities. Start your transfer applications.
- Apply for next year's financial aid.
Quarter 5 (15 credits)
GEOG& 250 Geography of the Pacific Northwest (5 credits)
PHYS& 110 Physics for non-science majors (5 credits)
ART& 100 Art appreciation (5 credits)
Action items:
- Meet with the Learning Contracts coordinator about independent study with a faculty mentor. You can take a WCC course that's not in the schedule or design a course around your own topic.
- Apply to graduate.
Quarter 6 (15-20 credits)
SALI 201 Intro to the Salish Sea (5 credits)
If SALI 201 isn't going to be available in your Quarter 6, rearrange your other courses to take it earlier. Don't miss this opportunity for hands-on application of things you've learned in your other geography courses.
MUSC& 105 Music appreciation (5 credits)
IDS 170 Intro to sustainability (5 credits)
Optional:
Learning contract (2-5 credits): an independent study with a faculty mentor
Action items:
- Attend the spring job fair.