Geography Curriculum - Southwestern Illinois College

Refer to the following suggested curriculum and the graduation requirements as a guide for completing this program.

ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE DEGREE (0002) – GEOGRAPHY PRE-MAJOR

Are you planning to earn an Associate in Science degree and then transfer to a four-year college or university to major in Geography? We strongly encourage you to consult with a SWIC Advisor prior to enrolling each semester.  We also advise you to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of the four-year institution where you plan to transfer.

Fulfill the General Education and other institutional requirements for the Associate in Science degree listed in the printed or Online College Catalog. General Education course preferences may vary by transfer institution.

As you fulfill your degree requirements, it is strongly recommended that you take the following classes:

  • GEOG 151 – Geography of the U.S. and Canada
  • GEOG 152 – World Regional Geography
  • ES 101 – Earth Science

Most four-year colleges and universities will accept the following classes as Geography major credit:

  • GEOG 202 – Economic Geography
  • GEOG 240 – GIS I

The optional courses listed below may be applicable toward a baccalaureate Geography major. Please keep in mind that most transfer institutions limit the number of credit hours taken within a student’s major field of study at the community college level. To ensure the acceptance of such courses toward your intended major, check with the four-year institution where you are transferring or a SWIC Advisor regarding their applicability.

  • GEOG 241 – GIS II
  • ES 250 – Intro to Weather and Climate

Fulfill all other Associate in Science degree requirements listed in the printed or Online College Catalog.

Apply for graduation by the date published in the College Calendar.

Earn at least 64 transferable credits with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 to graduate from SWIC. Many transfer institutions require a higher GPA for admission to the institution and/or specific majors.

Note: Enrollment in many transfer classes is based on your score on the assessment placement test and/or your fulfillment of course prerequisites.