Geography Major, B.A.

To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements.

• Degree and Certificate Requirements
• General Studies Requirements 
• Multicultural Graduation Requirements 
• Senior Experience Graduation Requirements 

• A total of 120 semester hours are required for graduation.
• A grade of C- or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.
• A minor is required for this program. Any minor may be chosen.

Students should consult the General Studies Requirements for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.

• Written Communication (6 credits)
• Oral Communication (3 credits) 
• Quantitative Literacy (3 credits)
  • Recommended: For students interested in upper division coursework or graduate study in Geographic Information Science or Physical Geography: MTH 1110 - College Algebra for Calculus, or the equivalent ( MTH 1109 - College Algebra Stretch, Part II or MTH 1111 - College Algebra for Calculus with Laboratory), or a higher algebra course. 
• Arts and Humanities (6 credits) 
• Historical (3 credits) 
• Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits) 

  • Recommended: Students may fulfill this requirement by taking GEG 1100 - Introduction to Physical Geography and GEG 1910 - Global Water Concerns. While both courses will count for General Studies, only one is required (and will count) for the Geography major.

• Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)

  • Recommended: Students may fulfill this requirement by taking GEG 1000 - World Regional Geography, GEG 1300 - Introduction to Human Geography, and/or GEG 1700 - Principles of Sustainability. While two courses will count for General Studies, only one is required (and will count) for the Geography major.

• Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits**)

  • Recommended: Students may fulfill this requirement by taking GEG 1000 - World Regional Geography, GEG 1300 - Introduction to Human Geography, GEG 1910 - Global Water Concerns, or GEG 3230 - Latin American Geographies, which also may count for the major.

 

** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences.

• Students should consult the Multicultural Graduation Requirements for a list of courses that fulfill the Multicultural Requirement for degree completion. .
• Many programs include courses that meet this requirement. Students should consult with their advisor to determine what program courses may fulfill this requirement.

  • Recommended: Students may fulfill this requirement by taking GEG 2700 - Geographies of Environmental Justice (which does not count towards the major), or GEG 3300 - Indigenous Geographies of North America (which is an approved elective within the major).

 

For students interested in upper division coursework or graduate study in Geographic Information Science or Physical Geography: At least one algebra course ( MTH 1110 - College Algebra for Calculus or higher) and one statistics course ( MTH 1210 - Introduction to Statistics or higher) are recommended. Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor to discuss upper division course prerequisites, optional courses, minors, and electives which support their interests.

Students should select one course from each area listed below. These courses provide an introduction to the main sub-fields of Geography, and methods of geographic inquiry. Four courses are required. All courses must be passed with at least a “C-” to count towards the major.

Students are required to select a minimum of 24 credits of elective courses in Geography (GEG) or Geographic Information Science (GIS) from any of the core geographical knowledge areas listed below. Students may take courses from multiple areas towards the major. At least 22 credits must be from upper division courses (3000- and 4000-level). All courses must be passed with at least a “C-” to count towards the major.

Courses integrate physical and social sciences with planning and spatial analysis as a foundation for understanding problems and implementing solutions to improve the quality of the built environment, economies, and policies to promote sustainability and social justice.

Courses develop theoretical knowledge and technical training in Geographic Information Systems, remote sensing, cartography and database systems in order to define and solve problems in the management, conservation, and improvement of natural and human environments.

Courses examine natural processes and phenomena at the Earth surface, and their connections with human activities.

Courses provide students with the skills to address the social, economic, environmental, and spatial relationships that shape urban regions.

This core area allows students to pursue individual interests via directed study or internship experiences, and to explore additional coursework in Geography, as opportunities arise.

All Geography majors are required to take the Geography capstone course, which culminates the degree by providing an opportunity for hands-on geographic inquiry. This course must be passed with at least a “C-” to count towards the major.

General Studies Requirement	33 credits
Multicultural Requirement	0-3 credits
Major Requirements	13 credits
Geography Electives	24 credits
Minor and Unrestricted Electives	43-47 credits
Senior Experience Course	3 credits
Total for Geography Major, B.A.	120 credits

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and Multicultural requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.