Field of Interest
Are you fascinated by the world around you and looking to expand your horizons? If you’re interested in geography, geospatial technologies, or meteorology, consider enrolling in our Geography program. This program can prepare you to work in a range of fields like government, education, commerce, industry, transport, and tourism. You will learn analytical and research skills that are highly valued by employers.
The Geography program can open up a wide range of possible roles, depending on the level of education you pursue, including cartographer, geographer, surveyor, hydrologist, GIS technician or technologist, meteorologist, climatologist, forest fire inspector and prevention specialist, atmospheric and space scientist, environmental scientist, geoscientist, climate change analyst, urban planner, and geography professor.
Enroll in the Geography program to explore the possibilities available to you. It’s time to make it happen.
The Right Pathway for You
MCC offers Certificates of Completion, Associate Degrees and Transfer Degrees for this program. Your interests and goals will guide you in selecting the pathway that is ideal for you. You may find a combination of certificates, degrees or transfer options is the fastest way to realize your dreams.
Certificate
The knowledge and skills acquired while earning a Certificate of Completion (CCL) can help launch you into a new career or energize your current job. Generally requiring fewer credit hours than degrees or transfer programs, a CCL may be your best first step into higher education.
A list of available certificates offered in the Geography program
Name |
Type |
Title |
Courses |
Certificate of Completion |
CCL |
Geospatial Technologies |
Course List |
Associate Degree
MCC’s associate degrees enhance your resume and prepare you to enter the workforce with an advantage. Whether you are interested in simply completing basic, required college courses or specializing in a specific area, there’s a degree for you.
A list of available associate degrees offered in the Geography program
Name |
Type |
Title |
Courses |
Associate in Applied Science |
AAS |
Geospatial Technologies |
Pathway Map |
University Transfer Degrees
Want to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a university? Save money by starting at MCC in manageable, small classes taught by renowned faculty. Our transfer pathways with Arizona universities help you achieve two goals: completing an associate’s degree while also staying on track to earn a bachelor’s degree at your transfer destination. MCC’s university partnerships throughout the nation assure your seamless transition toward a four-year degree.
A list of available transfer degrees offered in the Geography program
Name |
Type |
Title |
Courses |
Associate in Arts |
AA |
Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Geography |
Pathway Map |
Associate in Science |
AS |
Associate in Science, Emphasis in Geography - Meteorology |
Pathway Map |
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of a degree or certificate within the Geography program may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages*. Some occupations may require additional education or training. You can click on any occupation to view more detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.
Typical Education Level
a high school diploma or less
Hourly Median Wage
$75.88
Annual Median Wage
$157,837
Number of People Employed
251
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 5.2%
Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$36.01
Annual Median Wage
$74,917
Number of People Employed
114
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 2.6%
Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.
Typical Education Level
a certificate
Hourly Median Wage
$32.36
Annual Median Wage
$67,327
Number of People Employed
270
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 5.2%
Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$33.87
Annual Median Wage
$70,466
Number of People Employed
832
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 5.8%
Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$33.87
Annual Median Wage
$70,466
Number of People Employed
832
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 5.8%
Under supervision, perform manual labor necessary to develop, maintain, or protect areas such as forests, forested areas, woodlands, wetlands, and rangelands through such activities as raising and transporting seedlings; combating insects, pests, and diseases harmful to plant life; and building structures to control water, erosion, and leaching of soil. Includes forester aides, seedling pullers, tree planters, and gatherers of nontimber forestry products such as pine straw.
Typical Education Level
a high school diploma or less
Hourly Median Wage
$17.75
Annual Median Wage
$36,930
Number of People Employed
98
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 18.4%
Enforce fire regulations, inspect forest for fire hazards, and recommend forest fire prevention or control measures. May report forest fires and weather conditions.
Typical Education Level
a high school diploma or less
Hourly Median Wage
$37.68
Annual Median Wage
$78,377
Number of People Employed
24
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 12.5%
Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$38.21
Annual Median Wage
$79,478
Number of People Employed
11
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 9.1%
Assist scientists, technologists, or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$37.46
Annual Median Wage
$77,925
Number of People Employed
4,267
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 15.8%
Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$37.61
Annual Median Wage
$78,245
Number of People Employed
278
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 7.9%
Research or develop geospatial technologies. May produce databases, perform applications programming, or coordinate projects. May specialize in areas such as agriculture, mining, health care, retail trade, urban planning, or military intelligence.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$37.46
Annual Median Wage
$77,925
Number of People Employed
4,267
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 15.8%
Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$34.79
Annual Median Wage
$72,368
Number of People Employed
205
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 2.0%
Teach courses in geography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Typical Education Level
a Doctoral degree or more
Hourly Median Wage
$35.06
Annual Median Wage
$72,944
Annual Job Openings
2,879
Number of People Employed
26,552
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 11.3%
Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$34.80
Annual Median Wage
$72,386
Number of People Employed
867
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 8.2%
Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$40.91
Annual Median Wage
$85,097
Number of People Employed
656
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 7.6%
* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer
Financial Aid
You can get a high-quality, affordable education. MCC’s low tuition rates and various financial aid opportunities make it possible. Explore federal and state grants, Federal Work-Study, scholarships, student loans, and other options today.
Connect with an Advisor
Click here for MCC’s easy-to-use Enrollment Steps.
Before signing up for classes, you’ll want to connect with an academic advisor. Together, you’ll lay out an academic plan that suits you best. This step is essential to your academic success.