Program Overview

Introduction to the Geography Program

The Geography program provides an organized view of the earth as a whole and of its regions and human activities. It serves as a bridge between the natural and social sciences by studying the interrelationships between the earth's physical and biological systems, and how these environmental systems provide a natural resource base for human societies.

Program Description

Geographers are interested in patterns of human settlement, natural resources distribution, resources use and conservation. They are also interested in the sense of place among the peoples of the world. Geographic methodologies include observation, measurement, description, and analysis of places or areas, including their likenesses, differences, interdependence, and importance.

Career Opportunities

Geographic professions are diverse and include opportunities in:

• Mapping
• Remote sensing
• Demographics
• International relations
• Landscape analysis
• Environmental assessment and planning
• Regional planning
• Weather and climate analysis The program also provides an excellent background for specialized or interdisciplinary graduate study.

Degree Options

The Geography program offers two degree options:

• B.A. degree program, which provides a broad cultural background in the liberal arts, a geographic perspective based on world regions, preparation for teaching geography, earth science, or social science in elementary or secondary schools, and technical training for professional geographic work in government, business, or industry.
• B.S. degree program, subtitled "environmental studies," which provides the foundation necessary for understanding the natural and social environment, the analysis of environmental issues from an interdisciplinary geographic perspective, a diverse technical and scientific approach to environmental issues, and the ability to find balanced solutions to environmental problems.

Program Requirements

To complete the B.A. degree program, students must:

• Complete the general university requirements
• Complete the B.A. degree requirements
• Complete the following program (major) requirements:
  • Complete the following courses:
    • GEOG 101: World Regional Geography (3 credits)
    • GEOG 203: World Economic Geography (3 credits)
    • GEOG 205: Elements of Physical Geography (3 credits)
    • GEOG 339: Maps and Landscape Analysis (3 credits)
    • GEOG 401: Weather and Climate (3 credits)
    • GEOG 482W,O: Geography Seminar (3 credits)
    • GEOG elective (3 credits)
  • Complete three of the following regional courses:
    • GEOG 302: Geography of Alaska (3 credits)
    • GEOG 303: Geography of United States and Canada (3 credits)
    • GEOG 305W: Geography of Europe (3 credits)
    • GEOG 306: Geography of Russia (3 credits)
    • GEOG 311W: Geography of Asia (3 credits)
    • GEOG 427: Cold Lands (3 credits)
  • Complete two of the following cultural courses:
    • GEOG 402: Resources and Environment (3 credits)
    • GEOG 404W: Urban Geography (3 credits)
    • GEOG 405: Political Geography (3 credits)
  • Complete one of the following techniques courses:
    • GEOG 309: Cartography (4 credits)
    • GEOG 408: Quantitative Research Techniques (3 credits)
  • Complete approved electives
• Minimum credits required: 120 credits

Minor in Geography

A minor in geography is also available.