Geography, B.A.

The B.A in Geography is for students interested in the spatial and human dimensions of places, cities, and regions. Students will explore concepts and issues related to population dynamics and migration, globalization, planning, economic development, transportation systems, connectivity and accessibility, segregation, urban growth and decline. These themes are explored at the local, regional, and global scales. Students will have a chance to benefit from our areas of regional specialization: West Virginia, Appalachia, U.S. and Canada, and Latin America.

Geography Core Requirements

• GEO 100 Human Geography (3 credits)
• GEO 101 Physical Geography (4 credits)
• Any Regional Geography course (3 credits)
• GEO 300 Methods in Geography (3 credits; prerequisite STA150 and 150L (preferred), STA225 or MGT 218, PSY 223, SOC 345/ANT 301 or equivalent)
• GEO 423 Cartography and GIS (3 credits)
• GEO 499 Senior Capstone (3 credits)

Course Requirements

The B.A. in Geography degree requires a minimum total of 39 hours of Geography coursework. Beyond the Geography Core Requirements, students choose a minimum of 12 credit hours from Human or Regional Geography. Remaining electives may be chosen from any GEO courses.

Major Information

• The total number of free electives will depend on the amount of double and triple counting of requirements.
• See course attributes each semester for courses that meet multiple requirements.
• Questions about requirements should be directed to the College of Liberal Arts.
• Core II and COLA requirements may not be double counted.
• Forty-eight credit hours (sixteen 3-hour courses) must be at the 300/400 level.
• Students must earn a C or better in ENG 201 Advanced Composition and all foreign language courses.
• Minimum of 120 hours to graduate.

Geography Electives

Human Geography Courses

• GEO 203 Economic Geography (CT)
• GEO 207 Biblical Geography
• GEO 222 Global Environment Issues (CT)
• GEO 405 Political Geography
• GEO 406 Population Geography
• GEO 410 Urban Geography
• GEO 422 Environmental Geography
• GEO 424 Transportation Geography
• Other Human Geography courses offered infrequently

Regional Geography Courses

• GEO 206 Geography West Virginia
• GEO 305 Geog of USA & Canada
• GEO 402 Geography of Appalachia
• GEO 404 Geography of Europe
• GEO 408 Geog of South & Middle America
• Other Regional Geography courses offered infrequently

GIScience Courses

• GEO 110 Basic GIS
• GEO 111 Air Photos & Satellite Imagery
• GEO 112 Smartphone GPS
• GEO 113 Web GIS
• GEO 426 Geographic Information Systems
• GEO 427 Programming GIS
• GEO 429 GIS Location Analytics
• GEO 430 GIS-Raster Analysis
• GEO 431 Remote Sensing & Photogram
• GEO 434 Floods Hazards and GIS
• GEO 440 Spatial Statistics using GIS
• GEO 454 Drones: Remote Sensing & GIS

Physical Geography

• GEO 222 Global Environment Issues (CT)
• GEO 230 Intro to Meteorology (CT)
• GEO 355 Aviation Weather
• GEO 422 Environmental Geography
• GEO 425 Climatology
• GEO 450 Extreme Weather
• GEO 460 Weather Analysis

Semester Plan

The plan of study for the Geography B.A. program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in geography, including both human and physical geography, as well as GIScience. The program requires a minimum of 120 credit hours, with 48 of those hours at the 300/400 level. The plan of study includes the following courses:

• First Year:
  • First Semester:
    • CMM 103 Fund Speech-Communication (3 credits)
    • ENG 101 Beginning Composition (3 credits)
    • FYS 100 First Yr Sem Critical Thinking (3 credits)
    • GEO 100 Intro to Human Geography (CT) (3 credits)
    • STA 225 Introductory Statistics (CT) (3 credits)
    • UNI 100 Freshman First Class (1 credit)
  • Second Semester:
    • ENG 201 Advanced Composition (3 credits)
    • GEO 101 Physical Geography (CT) (4 credits)
    • Writing Intensive (3 credits)
    • Core II Humanities (3 credits)
    • Core II Fine Arts (3 credits)
• Second Year:
  • First Semester:
    • Foreign Language 101 (3 credits)
    • COLA Humanities (3 credits)
    • Regional Geography (3 credits)
    • COLA Humanities (3 credits)
    • COLA Social Science (3 credits)
  • Second Semester:
    • GEO 300 Methods in Geography (3 credits)
    • Foreign Language 102 (3 credits)
    • COLA Physical/Natural Science (4 credits)
    • COLA Humanities (3 credits)
    • COLA Social Science (3 credits)
• Third Year:
  • First Semester:
    • GEO 423 Cartography & GIS (3 credits)
    • Foreign Language 203 or MC, I or GLC Course (3 credits)
    • Human or Regional GEO Elective (3 credits)
    • COLA Social Science (3 credits)
    • COLA 300/400 Elective (3 credits)
  • Second Semester:
    • Human or Regional GEO Elective (3 credits)
    • Foreign Language 204 or MC, I or GLC Course (3 credits)
    • 300/400 Writing Intensive (3 credits)
    • COLA 300/400 Elective (3 credits)
    • Free Elective (3 credits)
• Fourth Year:
  • First Semester:
    • GEO 498 Senior Capstone (2 credits)
    • Human or Regional GEO Elective (3 credits)
    • GEO Elective (3 credits)
    • Free Elective (3 credits)
    • Free Elective (3 credits)
  • Second Semester:
    • GEO 499 Senior Capstone II (2 credits)
    • GEO Elective (3 credits)
    • Free Elective (3 credits)
    • Free Elective (3 credits)
    • Free Elective (2 credits)

Marshall University

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Overview:

Marshall University is a public research university located in Huntington, West Virginia. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as online and professional degrees. The university is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to community outreach.

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Services Offered:

Admissions:

The university offers admissions services for first-year freshmen, transfer students, international undergraduate students, graduate students, international graduate students, and online students.

Financial Aid:

Marshall University provides financial aid options including tuition assistance, scholarships, and grants.

Student Resources:

Students have access to various resources such as residence halls, student affairs, student health services, and student policies.

Campus Resources:

The university offers libraries, online research tools, internship and career development services, and a campus bookstore.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Student Organizations:

Students can participate in various clubs, organizations, student government, Greek life, and athletics.

Student Activities:

The university offers opportunities for community service, leadership development, and campus recreation.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Programs:

Marshall University boasts a variety of academic programs across various disciplines.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university provides a lively campus environment with numerous student organizations, activities, and events.

Community Engagement:

Marshall University is deeply involved in the local community through outreach programs and initiatives.

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Academic Programs:

Undergraduate:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various colleges and schools.

Graduate:

Marshall University provides graduate programs in various fields, including medicine and pharmacy.

Online:

The university offers online degree programs for students seeking flexible learning options.

Professional:

Marshall University offers professional programs designed to enhance career skills and knowledge.