Geography

Education to Explore the World's Wonders and Connections with Geography

Student standing in front of world map

Program Overview

Curious about the Earth’s physical and cultural environments and their interconnectedness? The Geography program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is a fascinating multidisciplinary journey into understanding our world. This program emphasizes contemporary concepts, geospatial technologies, and critical thinking, preparing you for a myriad of career opportunities in fields like environmental planning, urban planning, natural resources, and demography.

With an Associate of Arts degree that fulfills general-education requirements at Idaho public universities, this program also offers the option to earn a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) certificate concurrently by choosing relevant electives. The interdisciplinary approach of this program provides a unique lens to explore various global issues, from climate change to urban development, through geographical perspectives.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Arts

Fully Online

Time to Complete

2 years

Two people sitting at a table talking in front of a world map

Learning Opportunities

  • GIS Certificate Option: Enhance your geography degree with practical skills in GIS, beneficial for a range of technical careers.
  • Versatile Career Pathways: Prepare for careers in environmental planning, urban planning, natural resources, marketing, GIS, and more.
  • Interdisciplinary Learning: Explore climate change, urban development, or cultural diversity with an interdisciplinary approach.
  • Skill Development: Develop analytical, computer, data visualization, critical thinking, and communication skills essential for geographers.
  • Hands-On Learning: Engage with geospatial technologies such as GIS, GPS, and remote sensing, vital for modern geographical studies.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Geography – Associate of Arts Degree

2

YEARS

AA

Available Fully Online

Degree Requirements
Person with glasses and a flannel pointing at a world map

Career Opportunities

  • Managers, All Other

    All managers not listed separately.

    279

    Annual Openings*

    $24.55

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $51,064

    Annual Median Salary

    39.33%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Computer Occupations, All Other

    All computer occupations not listed separately. Excludes “Computer and Information Systems Managers” (11-3021), “Computer Hardware Engineers” (17-2061), “Electrical and Electronics Engineers” (17-2070), “Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary” (25-1021), “Special Effects Artists and Animators” (27-1014), “Graphic Designers” (27-1024), “Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars” (29-9021), and “Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers” (49-2011).

    73

    Annual Openings*

    $29.70

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $61,776

    Annual Median Salary

    35.64%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

    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. Excludes “Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists” (19-1023), “Conservation Scientists” (19-1031), “Forest and Conservation Technicians” (19-4071), “Occupational Health and Safety Specialists” (19-5011), “Fish and Game Wardens” (33-3031), and “Forest and Conservation Workers” (45-4011).

    35

    Annual Openings*

    $30.65

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $63,752

    Annual Median Salary

    13.54%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Surveying and Mapping Technicians

    Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps. Excludes “Cartographers and Photogrammetrists” (17-1021), “Surveyors" (17-1022), and “Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers” (19-2042).

    22

    Annual Openings*

    $22.83

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $47,486

    Annual Median Salary

    14.54%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Social Science Research Assistants

    Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management. Excludes “Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary” (25-9044).

    18

    Annual Openings*

    $21.33

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $44,366

    Annual Median Salary

    34.7%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

    Apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

    15

    Annual Openings*

    $23.53

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $48,942

    Annual Median Salary

    10.14%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Urban and Regional Planners

    Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

    14

    Annual Openings*

    $30.13

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $62,670

    Annual Median Salary

    8.48%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

    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.

    10

    Annual Openings*

    $29.13

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $60,590

    Annual Median Salary

    8.94%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Archivists

    Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

    6

    Annual Openings*

    $23.09

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $48,027

    Annual Median Salary

    -2.63%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Curators

    Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.

    6

    Annual Openings*

    $8.56

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $17,805

    Annual Median Salary

    15.5%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians

    Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.

    5

    Annual Openings*

    $23.85

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $49,608

    Annual Median Salary

    10.71%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Atmospheric and Space Scientists

    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.

    4

    Annual Openings*

    $48.43

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $100,734

    Annual Median Salary

    -8.47%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

"CWI has a sense of community and family that is hard to find at larger institutions." Read more > about A Better Self
Katt Grossman
2016 Graduate, Anthropology, Geography & History

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