Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Geography Major, B.A.


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Our Goal: Mission Statement of the Geography Degree Program

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 or sustainability. Geographers study the 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.  Although many people have received academic training in geography, few have the job title of “geographer.”  Geographers pursue rewarding careers in education, business, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.  

Notes


In addition to prerequisite coursework, students must fulfill General Studies and Global Diversity requirements as well as the University Multicultural requirement. Some courses can be used to meet General Studies categories as well as Multicultural and Global Diversity requirements. Students may also use unrestricted electives to satisfy these requirements. Students should meet with an academic advisor for clarification.

Geography Core Courses for Physical and Sustainability Concentrations


Geography: Physical Concentration


Physical geographers are concerned with the occurrence, distribution, and interrelationships of physical (natural) earth systems and their connection with human activities. The Physical Geography concentration is designed to develop competence in the description, recognition, and explanation of geographic phenomena. Geographic research, through the use of spatial analysis techniques, is emphasized to develop skills so that students can construct applied solutions to problems arising from human use and modification of natural resources. This concentration is appropriate for students who want a broad, interdisciplinary understanding of the Earth Sciences. The major prepares students for professional careers in both the private and public sectors as well as for graduate studies.

Physical Geography Concentration Required Prerequisite


Physical Geography Electives


Students are required to select at least 15 additional credits in Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences disciplines (Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Geospatial Sciences, and/or Meteorology). These should be upper division credits, with the exception of GEL 1010 or Math 1410. Each student must have a department advisor for consultation regarding course work and program planning.

Internship Course


Students are required to select at least 3 hours of internship credit.

Senior Experience Course


Students are required to select 3 hours of senior experience credit.

Geography: Sustainability Concentration


The Geography degree with a concentration in Sustainability provides a multidisciplinary education that integrates physical and social science with planning and spatial analysis. This provides a foundation for understanding problems and implementing solutions to improve the quality of the built environment in a manner that promotes sustainability and social justice. The curriculum offers courses in the socio, economic, and ecological dimensions of sustainability to reflect the increased need for professionals versed in the crucial, emerging field of sustainable development. The major provides the analytical tools for understanding the causes and magnitude of environmental problems, is broad in scope, prepares students to initiate, foster, and manage the pace of change, and can be applied to a number of career objectives and graduate school opportunities. Professional opportunities exist in different areas such as urban and regional planning, environment and resource management, sustainable business practices, education, and a variety of other interrelated fields.

Sustainability Elective Courses


Students are required to select at least 18 credit hours (9 in GEG) from the list below.

Internship Course


Students are required to select at least 3 hours of internship credit

Senior Experience Course


Students are required to take 3 hours of senior experience credit.

Notes


 

* Course requires additional prerequisites or corequisites

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