Geography Major, B.A.

Background and Mission Statement

Geographers study Earth and its land, features, and inhabitants, ranging in scale from local to global. Geography is unique in bridging the social sciences and the natural sciences. Geographers pursue rewarding careers in education, business, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. For additional career information, please visit http://www.msudenver.edu/eas/students/careers/. Students must complete each course with a grade of “C-” or better. The degree is an extended major that does not require a minor. Students must complete 120 hours or more of coursework of which 40-hours or more must be upper division course work (3000 & 4000 level). Students must select a concentration in Physical Geography or Sustainability.

The mission of the geography program is to provide a multidisciplinary education that integrates physical and social science with spatial analysis. This provides a foundation for understanding problems and implementing solutions to improve the quality of human-environment dynamics. The geography curriculum combines general courses in the natural and social systems of the landscapes of the Earth. The vital thread of human relationships to the environment links concentrations in Physical Geography and Sustainability.

Program Goals

1. To prepare students for professional practice that stresses critical analysis and innovative problem solving.
2. To introduce and train students to multidisciplinary, sustainable approaches to address the natural and social systems of landscapes of the earth.
3. To use spatial analysis as a tool for explaining the occurrence, distribution, and interrelationships of the physical earth systems and human activities.
4. To develop a competency in obtaining, comprehending, and presenting geographic data though fieldwork and use of geospatial techniques.
5. To prepare students for a professional career while encouraging students to engage in life-long learning.
6. To emphasize current and future global problems as well as the best practices to deal with the problems.
7. To encourage social learning through community engagement and creative problem-solving activities.
8. To strengthen institutional linkages between academic programs at MSU Denver with public and private sector entities in the Metropolitan Denver region.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Examine and identify the relationship between human and physical patterns on Earth.
2. Discuss the interaction among natural and social factors and explain their influence on the landscapes of Earth.
3. Demonstrate competency in both writing and oral presentation of geographic information using appropriate technology.
4. Select and apply an array of analytic tools to examine spatial issues, problems, and conflicts.
5. Design, plan, and evaluate solutions for complex multi-dimensional geographical problems.