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Home Page > Academics > College Of Arts And Sciences > Geography > Undergraduate Curriculum
Undergraduate Curriculum

Two Majors are offered within the Department of Geography:
1.Geography Major
2.Geographic Information Sciences Major

Geography is the science that studies the distribution of both physical and human features of the Earth's surface.

Geographers seek to describe, relate and explain the natural and cultural phenomena that distinguish places around the world. Geographers focus upon "where" and "why" questions concerning the global environment.

Geography also functions as a bridge between the natural sciences; its perspective on the location of phenomena makes it unique among the academic disciplines. The process of change is a fundamental theme in geography and the examination of how humankind modifies the Earth is a continual emphasis. The study of geography is thus of vital concern to all citizens and should be a significant part of the education of all students.

The undergraduate program is designed to provide the student with a general education as well as a concentration in the major field of study.

The faculty recommends that majors take several courses in disciplines closely related to their specific area of interest in geography. Those interested in physical geography might register for associated courses in physics, agricultural sciences, botany or other allied disciplines. If one is interested in human geography, course work in sociology, economics, history, political science or foreign language or some other social science might be considered. For technical geography, computer science and mathematics courses are recommended.

The Department of Geography provides course work leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and the Bachelor of Science degree in Geographic Information Sciences. In addition to the standard degree programs, there are presently two options available in the Geography Major:
•Technical Geography-Science Option
•Environmental Planning and Management Option

The Technical Geography-Science Option stresses research techniques and is oriented toward future employment in governmental, industrial, military, or planning positions. The Environmental Planning and Management Option is designed to prepare students for careers in governmental, industrial, managerial, recreational areas, and commercial corporations.

Geography Major
Geog 131, Physical Geography I (4 credits)
Geog 132, Physical Geography II (4 credits)
Geog 200, Intro to Human Geography (3 credits)
Geog 210, World Regional Geography (3 credits)
Geog 382, Geographic Research Methods (3 credits)
Geog 487, Geographic Information Systems (3 credits)

Upper division geography courses or substitutions approved by the Department (15 credits)
Total 35 credits

Geographic Information Sciences Major
Geog 131, Physical Geography I (4 credits)
Geog 132, Physical Geography II (4credits)
Geog 200, Intro to Human Geography (3 credits)
Geog 210, World Regional Geography (3 credits)
Geog 382, Geographic Research Methods (3 credits)
Geog 383, Cartography (3credits)
Geog 483, Air Photo Interpretation (3 credits)
Geog 484, Remote Sensing (3 credits)
Geog 487, Geographic Information Systems I (3 credits)
Geog 488, Geographic Information Systems II (3 credits)
Geog 489, Geographic Information Systems III (3 credits)
Math 120, Trigonometry (3 credits)
Stat 281, Statisical Methods I (3 credits)

Total 35 Geography credits

Technical Geography-Science Option

It is strongly suggested that technical-science geographers choose a minor from the list of recommendations available in the Department.

Two Minors are available in the Departmnet:
1.Geography Minor
2.Geographic Information Sciences

1.Geography Minor
Required:
Geog 131 4 credits
Geog 132 4 credits
Geog 200 3 credits
Geog 210 3 credits
Plus 6 credits upper division geography
Total 20 Geography credits

2.Geographic Information Sciences Minor
Required (three of the four courses):
Geog 487 3 credits
Geog 488 3 credits
Geog 489 3 credits
C.E. 304 3 credits

Plus a minimum of 9 credits from Elective List I and/or List II
Elective List I
Geog 483 3 credits
Geog 484 3 credits
Geog 486 3 credits
C.E. 306 3 credits
Stat 281 3 credits


Elective List II
Geog 383 3 credits
CSC 300 3 credits
CSC 484 3 credits
BADM 370 3 credits
P.S. 310 3 credits
Rang 325 3 credits

Total Minimum Credits Required: 18

Certificate in Geographic Information Sciences

This program targets people seeking a different level of learning outside of a traditional degree format.
A total of 12 to 21 credits are required. Total credits for persons holding degrees in environmental sciences are 12, while 21 credits are required for those with degrees other than an environmental science.

Courses to select from include:
Geog 415 Environmental Geography (3 credits)
Geog 383 Carography (3 credits)
Geog 483 Air Phot Interpretation (3 credits)
Geog 484 Remote Sensing (3 credits)
Geog 487 Geographic Information Systems (3 credits)
Geog 488 Geographic Information Systems I (3 credits)
Geog 489 Geographic Information Systems II (3 credits)
Stat 281 Statistical Methods I (3 credits)

Since the targeted audience will in most cases minimally hold a bachelor's degree, some flexibility in the certificate plan of study need to be made on a case by case basis. Substitutions and alternate courses may be approved as the need arises.





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