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

Cost

$8,585

Additional cost may apply.

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

Cost: $8,585

Person with glasses and a flannel pointing at a world map

Career Opportunities

  • Postsecondary Teachers

    1434

    Annual Openings*

    $35.69

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $74,235

    Annual Median Salary

    45.6%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Managers, All Other

    All managers not listed separately.

    548

    Annual Openings*

    $27.11

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $56,389

    Annual Median Salary

    27.37%

    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.

    69

    Annual Openings*

    $22.84

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $47,507

    Annual Median Salary

    16.12%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Geographers

    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.

    N/A

    Annual Openings*

    $34.13

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $70,990

    Annual Median Salary

    N/A

    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. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.

“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

Admissions

Step 1

Step 2

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Academic CalendarNew Student Checklist

News

Those interested in learning more about Boise State University’s Environmental and Urban Studies program can learn from four visiting professors on Thursday, April 4.

Read more about Interested in Environmental and Urban Studies? Explore Boise State Transfer Opportunities at Panel Event

Faculty from Boise State’s Environmental and Urban Studies Program will be on campus to discuss transfer opportunities, make connections, and help students explore career paths.

Read more about Environmental and Urban Studies Transfer Opportunities

Congratulations to Kathy Guthrie, College of Western Idaho’s Staff of the Month for July 2019.

Read more about Staff of the Month—July 2019

"CWI empowered me by showing me I am smart, outgoing, and able to do so many more things than I thought I could.”

Read more about A Better Self

Department Chair of History, Culture, and Politics, Dr. Justin Vance, has been named to the National Geographic Idaho Advisory Council. 

Read more about Vance Named to National Geographic Idaho Advisory Council

University of Idaho geographer will lecture on his project mapping the militarization of police.

Read more about Geography Program Welcomes Dr. Steven M. Radil

College of Western Idaho (CWI) has been sharing stories of success from several of this year’s graduates as we countdown to the 2017 commencement ceremony. The road traveled by students to arrive at...

Read more about Celebrating Student Success

Kelsey Wilber, who will graduate on May 13, 2017, came to CWI in 2014 to pursue her education after feeling “intellectually unsatisfied” and desiring a means to find her true potential.

Read more about Connection, Involvement, and Opportunity

College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Geography program presents, John Abatzoglou, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Geography at University of Idaho, on April 20 to discuss the topic of “How much has climate...

Read more about CWI Geography Program Hosts Guest Speaker
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