College of Geosciences
Curriculum in Geography
Geography is the study of the relationships between people and their environments, relationships that vary from place to place over the Earth. Students inquire into those factors responsible for the variable and changing character of Earth’s surface, which over time has been transformed into the human habitat. Geography integrates physical science, social science and the humanities. The Department requires that students understand both physical and human systems and develop the spatial analytical skills to do so.
Physical geography emphasizes a systematic and interdisciplinary approach to the study of landforms, climate, soils and vegetation. Human geography seeks to describe and explain the spatial patterns of human activities on Earth. These range from such economic activities as the distribution of retail sales and industrial production to cultural landscapes, which often have strong historic roots. Both physical and human geography use a set of analytic techniques that includes cartography, Geographic Information Science (GISci), quantitative methods and remote sensing.
A student seeking a B.S. degree in Geography is expected to complete a minimum curriculum of 40 hours in geography. A student should decide on applicable electives with a department undergraduate advisor. Geography courses may include field trips outside scheduled class hours. Students are required to defray some or all of the expenses incurred on such trips.
Graduates with the B.S. degree may be able to qualify for a variety of jobs using their analytic skills in locational and environmental analysis for business or industry, or for a variety of positions in local, state or federal agencies. Advanced degrees provide greater opportunities.
The Department of Geography administers the bachelor of science degree programs in Environmental Studies and Spatial Sciences for the College of Geosciences.
For students interested in a career in education, the Department of Geography works closely with the Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture. Geography is part of a Social Studies composite degree program that prepares students to teach at middle and high school levels.