The Graduate School Bulletin
Department of Geography
129 Graham Building
(336) 334-5489
Department of Geography Homepage
Admissions Information
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Faculty
Overview
Requirements for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Geographic Information Science
Requirements for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Urban and Economic Development
Requirements for the Master of Arts in Applied Geography
Urban Planning and Economic Development Concentration
Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Geography
GEO Geography Courses
Faculty
Professors
D. Gordon Bennett, Ph.D.
Demographic analysis, world population problems.
Keith G. Debbage, Ph.D.
Urban planning, regional development, tourism.
Paul Knapp, Ph.D.
Biogeography, climatology, dendroecology.
Jeffrey C. Patton, Ph.D.
Cartographic theory, history of cartography, earth science (Head of Department).
John Rees, Ph.D.
Economic development, public policy.
Associate Professors
Michael E. Lewis, Ph.D.
Natural resources, environmental management, applied physical geography.
Elisabeth S. Nelson, Ph.D.
Cartographic perception and cognition.
Phillip Royall, Ph.D.
Geomorphology, drainage basin dynamics, soil science, water resources.
Roy S. Stine, Ph.D.
Geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing (Director of Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program, Director of Graduate Study).
Susan M. Walcott, Ph.D.
Urban, economic, East Asia.
Assistant Professors
Ricky L. Bunch, Ph.D.
Geographic information systems (GIS), spatial cognition, cartography.
Gerald J. Lennartson, Ph.D.
Environmental planning, hazards, meteorology.
Zhi-Jun Liu, Ph.D.
Environmental geography, GIS, spatial statistics, hydrologic/ecological modeling.
Selima Sultana, Ph.D.
Urban/transport geography and GIS applications, quantitative methods, geography of race/ethnicity.
Overview
The Department of Geography offers the Master of Arts in applied geography, the Doctor of Philosophy in geography, and Post-Baccalaureate Certificates in Geographic Information Science (GIS) and in Urban and Economic Development. The programs focus on the application of theory and methods in geography toward the understanding of problems related to economic development, environmental quality, population change, and social well-being in urban, rural, regional and international contexts.
The master's degree in applied geography prepares and educates graduates for professional careers in industrial and commercial site selection, transportation planning, environmental assessment, and urban and regional development. The program emphasizes the application of theoretical constructs in geography to solve problems, particularly within the Triad and the State but also at the national and international levels.
The program also leads to the acquisition of research skills and expertise appropriate to geographic analysis, including spatial statistics, cartography, remote sensing, and geographic information systems.
The doctoral degree in geography is designed primarily for persons who are preparing for careers that apply geographic theory, method, information technology and other skills to solving problems in urban and regional planning, natural resource management and environmental assessment, demographic analysis, and economic development, as well as those preparing for careers in teaching and research in colleges and universities. The main areas of research of the faculty are in urban planning, earth science/environmental studies, and the geographic information sciences; these serve as the main orientation of the doctoral program.
Requirements for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Geographic Information Science
The Department of Geography offers a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Geographic Information Science (GIS) requiring 18 semester hours of course work (15 hours of core courses and 3 hours of approved electives). The purpose of the certificate is to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively utilize spatial analytic tools, geographic data visualization techniques, spatial programming, and geographic information and image processing software. The certificate program emphasizes the application of Geographic Information Science in the fields of urban and regional planning, environmental assessment, remote sensing, spatial software development, cartography, and economic development.
Required Core Courses (15 hours)
GEO 520 Advanced Remote Sensing-Imaging (3)
GEO 521 Advanced Cartography (3)
GEO 613 Advanced Geographic Information Systems (3)
GEO 614 GIS Programming, Design and Application (3)
GEO 620 Spatial Analysis (3)
*Electives (3 hours)
Select one from the following:
GEO 623 Seminar in Geographic Information Science (3)
STA 571 Statistical Methods for Research I (3)
BIO 522 Landscape Ecology (3)
*Additional elective courses may be approved by the Director of Graduate Study
Requirements for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Urban and Economic Development
The Departments of Geography and Political Science jointly offer a program of study leading to a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in urban and economic development. The certificate requires 18 semester hours of course work (12 hours of core courses and 6 hours of approved electives). Courses emphasize the knowledge and skills needed to prepare students to work in organizations focusing on urban planning and community economic development activities in government and nonprofit organizations.
Required Core Courses (12 hours)
GEO 502 Urban Planning (3)
GEO 533 Industrial Development: State and Local (3)
PSC 520 The Urban Political System (3)
PSC 630 Community and Economic Development: Theory and Practice (3)
Electives (6 hours)
Select two from the following:
GEO 602 Regional Planning (3)
GEO 603 Understanding Geographic Information Systems (3)
GEO 622 GIS Applications in Urban Planning (3)
GEO 631 Transportation Planning (3)
PSC 613 Local Government Administration (3)
PSC 620 Urban Development Policy (3)
Requirements for the Master of Arts in Applied Geography
The Department of Geography offers a graduate program of study requiring a minimum of 34 hours of graduate work, including a maximum of 6 hours of GEO 695 or GEO 699. Seventeen of these 34 hours must be at the 600-749 level. As part of the master's degree, students may choose to either complete a thesis or internship project or pursue a non-thesis option. The non-thesis option requires a minimum of 37 hours of course work, excluding GEO 695 and GEO 699, and completion of a competency portfolio. The non-thesis option is considered to result in a terminal degree.
Required Core Courses (4 hours)
GEO 601 Research Trends in Geography (1)
GEO 620 Spatial Analysis (3)
Electives (24-33 hours)
The student, in consultation with the advisor, will determine the appropriate courses to be taken in that individual's program, including any cognate courses.
Research Courses (3-6 hours)
GEO 695 Internship (3-6) or GEO 699 Thesis (3-6)
Formal Review and Examinations
- Approval of master's Plan of Study.
- Comprehensive examination (taken after the completion of 24 hours of course work; administered at the beginning of the fall and spring terms).
- Approval of Thesis or internship proposal.
- Final Thesis defense, internship presentation of completion of portfolio.
Details concerning specific core requirements, the comprehensive examination, admission to candidacy, plans of study, theses, internships, and competency portfolios can be obtained from the Director of Graduate Study.
Urban Planning and Economic Development Concentration
The Department of Geography offers a concentration in urban planning and economic development. This concentration is directed towards students who have an interest in preserving and enhancing the quality-of-life of urban areas and dealing effectively with growth and development issues. Students completing this concentration will combine the core requirements of the master's degree in applied geography with courses emphasizing the knowledge and skills required to provide effective leadership in urban and economic development for metropolitan areas. The required core courses, electives, research courses, collateral expertise, and formal reviews and examinations are the same as for the Master of Arts degree in applied geography. Within this framework, the following 15 hours must be completed.
Required Core Courses (12 hours)
GEO 502 Urban Planning (3)
GEO 522 Seminar in Population and Urban Studies (3)
GEO 533 Industrial Development: State and Local (3)
GEO 603 Understanding Geographic Information Systems (3)
Elective Courses (3 hours)
Choose one from the following:
GEO 602 Regional Planning (3)
GEO 622 GIS Applications in Urban Planning (3)
GEO 631 Transportation Planning (3)
PSC 620 Urban Development Policy (3)
PSC 630 Community and Economic Development: Theory and Practice (3)
Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Geography
The Department of Geography offers a graduate program of study leading to the Ph.D. degree. This innovative program is centered on the research-oriented application of geographical concepts and theories to the solving of real-world problems. The total number of hours required for the degree is 48-54. Of the 33 hours in required core and cluster courses (excluding dissertation hours), 27 hours must be at the 600 level or higher. Up to nine hours of course work may be transferred from another institution on approval of the Department.
Required Core Courses (9 hours)
GEO 750 Advanced Spatial Analysis (3)
GEO 760 Research Design (3)
GEO 761 History of Geographic Thought (3)
Courses Required from Geography Clusters (24 hours)
Clusters of courses from three broad areas of applied geography form the basis of the doctoral program. These three clusters are: geographic information sciences (GIS), urban and regional economic development and planning, and earth science and natural resource management. Students are required to complete two courses in each of the three clusters and an additional two courses related to the dissertation research cluster.
Dissertation (15-21 hours)
GEO 799 Dissertation (15-21)
Formal Reviews and Examinations
- Diagnostic Exam.
- Approval of Doctoral Plan of Study.
- Comprehensive preliminary examination (taken after the completion of 33 hours of course work).
- Dissertation proposal approval.
- Public dissertation defense
GEO Geography Courses
| 502 | Urban Planning (3:3) |
| Experiences in planning and primary concepts and procedures utilized by planners in city and other local government agencies for improving the quality of the urban environment. | |
| 510 | Biogeography (3:3) |
| Pr. one of the following: 311, 314, BIO 301, admission to graduate program in geography, or permission of instructor Geographic distribution of organisms and the factors/processess accountable with emphasis on the increasingly important role humans play in influencing biogeographic processes. | |
| 511 | Advanced Weather and Climate (3:3) |
| Pr. one of the following: 311, admission to graduate program in geography, or permission of instructor Exploration of atmospheric dynamics and general circulation patterns throughout the world. Emphasis on cyclogensis, surface-upper atmosphere links, tropospheric waves, vorticity, and forecasting. | |
| 520 | Advanced Remote Sensing-Imaging (3:3) |
| Pr. 323 Remote sensing of the environment using scientific visualization and digital image processing techniques. | |
| 521 | Advanced Cartography (3:3) |
| Pr. 321 or permission of instructor Advanced instruction in cartographic production techniques and introduction to cartographic research. Students will learn to evaluate academic literature and to implement research ideas using state-of-the-art technology. | |
| 522 | Seminar in Population and Urban Studies (3:3) |
| Advanced study of population processes and urban concepts from an interdisciplinary viewpoint. Emphasis on accessing and interpreting data from the U.S. census and other sources. | |
| 533 | Industrial Development: State and Local (3:3) |
| Theories of industrial location; techniques to measure impact of industry on communities; policy and institutional issues related to state and local industrial development. | |
| 560 | Seminar in Regional Geography (3:3) |
| Case studies of regionalism and the regional method in geography. May be repeated once for credit when topic changes. | |
| 570 | Applied Physical Geography (3:1:6) |
| Applications in physical geography. Topics include field experience in hydrology, dendrochronology, geomorphology, climatology, and mapping. May be repeated once for credit when topic changes. | |
| 589 | Experimental Course |
| This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings. | |
| 601 | Research Trends in Geography (1:1) |
| Pr. admission to graduate program in geography Overview of major research themes in geography. Student will meet faculty and other professional geographers, facilitating the development of research through field experience, colloquia, and conferences. (Graded on S-U basis) | |
| 602 | Regional Planning (3:3) |
| Regional development and planning processes focused on regional planning techniques and law. | |
| 603 | Understanding Geographic Information Systems (3:3) |
| Study and application of geographic information systems for professional problem-solving, spatial analysis, and mapping. | |
| 605 | Seminar in Environmental Studies (3:3) |
| Selected topics of current interest in environmental studies. May be repeated once for credit when topic changes. | |
| 606 | Environmental Planning (3:3) |
| Examination and analysis of environmental concepts and their relationship to various planning and management scenarios, including environmental issues, strategies, and plans. | |
| 612 | Natural Resource Geography (3:3) |
| Application of geographical theory to natural resource use and distribution. Emphasis on resource use and constraints to development. | |
| 613 | Advanced Geographic Information Systems (3:3) |
| Pr. 603 or permission of instructor Development and application of geographic information systems. Emphasis on spatial data structures and their relationship to the analytic processes of geography and planning. | |
| 614 | GIS Programming and Design Application (3:3) |
| Pr. 613 Theory and practice in the creation of Geographic Information Systems using logic based programming and database construction tools. Emphasis on modeling of spatial information and logic-based approaches to GIS. | |
| 620 | Spatial Analysis (3:3) |
| Pr. 613 and STA 571 or equivalent Theory and practice in combining Geographic Information Systems software with statistical analysis software. Emphasis will be on the quantitative analysis and visual display of spatial information. | |
| 622 | GIS Applications in Urban Planning (3:3) |
| Pr. 322 (or equivalent) and 613 or permission of instructor Theory and practice integrating Geographic Information Systems with land use planning practice. Emphasis on advanced analysis and display of spatial data and information in support of land use planning decision-making. | |
| 623 | Seminar in Geographic Information Science (3:3) |
| Pr. 323 and 613 or permission of instructor Research in geographic information science. Focus on current research in application of remotely sensed imagery, geographic information systems, and maps in the visualization and analysis of spatial data. May be repeated once for credit when topic changes. | |
| 631 | Transportation Planning (3:3) |
| Pr. 502 or permission of instructor Theory and practice of transportation planning with an emphasis on urban transportation systems. | |
| 635 | Geography of Asia (3:3) |
| Examines dynamic economic, sociocultural, and political changes in Asia by looking at their roots in physical and human resources influencing rapid modernization within an ancient cultural framework. | |
| 641 | Earth Surface Processes and Landforms (3:3) |
| Pr. 314/314L or equivalent advanced undergraduate course in geomorphology Advanced systematic study of geomorphology with applications to human responses to natural hazards and environmental management. | |
| 690 | Research Problems in Applied Geography (3) |
| Pr. graduate course on the topic Independent study on a topic of special interest. | |
| 695 | Internship (1-6) |
| Pr. 18 hours in the M.A. in applied geography program Practical experience in a professional setting related to the student's main topic of interest. Includes written paper linking the topic to the experience. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours credit. | |
| 699 | Thesis (1-6) |
| Pr. permission of Geography Thesis Committee | |
| 711 | Experimental Course |
| This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings. | |
| 750 | Advanced Spatial Analysis (3:3) |
| Pr. 620 Theory and practice in spatial analysis with an emphasis on spatial statistics. Spatial pattern analysis, spatial association and interpolation, spatial data mining. | |
| 760 | Research Design (3:3) |
| Pr. STA 571 or equivalent Design and execution of applied research projects as practiced by professional geographers. | |
| 761 | History of Geographic Thought (3:3) |
| Pr. admission to doctoral program in geography or allied field Seminar on the nature of geography and what geographers do. Focus on the history of the discipline, approaches to its study, major paradigms, and application of geographic theory. | |
| 771 | Doctoral Seminar in Geographic Information Science (3:3) |
| Advanced seminar in the theory, practice, and technical aspects of Geographic Information Science. May be repeated once for credit when topic changes. | |
| 781 | Seminar in Earth Science/Natural Resources (3:3) |
| Pr. 612 or 641 or permission of instructor Directed readings and research proposal development on selected aspects of natural resource policy and management from the perspective of earth science. May be repeated once for credit when topic changes. | |
| 790 | Independent Geographic Research (3:3) |
| Pr. graduate course in topic Independent study on topic of interest in theoretical geography. May be repeated for credit for up to 6 semester hours. | |
| 791 | Seminar in Urban Planning/Economic Development (3:3) |
| Pr. 502 or 533 or permission of instructor Directed readings on selected aspects of urban planning/economic development focused on theory and policy issues from a geographic perspective. May be repeated once for credit when topic changes. | |
| 792 | Seminar in Regional Economic Development (3:3) |
| Pr. 533 or permission of instructor A geographic perspective is applied to analysis of regional economic performance and change in the developed and developing world. Theory is integrated with strategies for development policy and planning. | |
| 799 | Dissertation (1-21) |
| Pr. completion of all Ph.D. course requirements and examinations Required of all Ph.D. in geography candidates. May be taken in two or more semesters. | |
| 801 | Thesis Extension (1-3) |
| 802 | Dissertation Extension (1-3) |
| 803 | Research Extension (1-3) |