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 EventGeography
Explore Cultural and Physical Landscapes Through Interdisciplinary Studies
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
Additional cost may apply.
Time to Complete
2 years
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
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)*
*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.
Testimonial Carousel
“CWI has a sense of community and family that is hard to find at larger institutions.” Read more > about A Better Self
Admissions
Step 1
- Apply to CWI.
- Choose Geography as your major.
Step 2
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
Transfer Information
Plan ahead for a smooth transition to a four-year college or university.
Related Programs
News
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 SpeakerRequest More Information
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