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Geography Major (GEOG)

Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Required: 122 semester hours, to include at least 36 hours at or above the 300 course level

AOS Codes:
 Geography (general), U163
Geographic Information Science, U164
Urban Planning, U165
Earth Science/Environmental Studies, U167
Geography with Social Studies High School Teaching Licensure, U169

The Geography Major requires four courses from a selection of fifteen and requires a minimum of 27 semester hours in geography above the 100 level. Students may elect a general geography major or they may complete additional courses for a concentration in Urban Planning, Earth Science/Environmental Studies, or Geographic Information Science. Students may also complete a major in Geography with Social Studies High School Teaching Licensure.

Student Learning Goals

Students completing this major are expected to demonstrate a basic competence in earth science, human geography, and regional geography. In addition, they are expected to be able to successfully investigate geographic problems using the current research techniques and methodologies of the discipline and to clearly and effectively express their findings in both written and oral form.

Requirements

I General Education Core Requirements (GEC)

See complete GEC requirements and approved course listings for all categories.

Core Category

S.H.

Students may select courses for:

 

Literature (GLT)

3

Fine Arts (GFA)

3

Philosophical, Religious, Ethical Principles (GPR)

3

Historical Perspectives on Western Culture (GHP)

3

Mathematics (GMT)

3

Reasoning and Discourse (GRD)
ENG 101 or FMS 115 or RCO 101, and one additional GRD course

6

Social and Behavioral Sciences (GSB)

6

 

 

Department specifies courses for:

 

One additional GLT course (student may select)

3

Required: GEO 103 or GEO 106/106L
and one additional GNS course with a different departmental prefix (if GEO 103 is selected, the second GNS must be a lab course)

6–7

 

II General Education Marker Requirements

See details and courses. It is possible to meet all GE Marker Requirements while completing the GE Core requirements or courses required by the major/ concentration.

Students may select courses for:

Global/Global Non-Western Perspectives (GL/GN)
four (4) courses carrying GL/GN markers, at least one of which must carry the GN marker

One Speaking Intensive (SI) Course
In addition to this SI Marker requirement, students must also complete a second SI course within the major. All programs have identified at least one course among their major requirements that is taught as Speaking Intensive.

One Writing Intensive (WI) Course
In addition to this WI Marker requirement, students must also complete a second WI course within the major. All programs have identified at least one course among their major requirements that is taught as Writing Intensive.

III College of Arts and Sciences Additional Requirements (CAR)

See requirements and approved courses.

Category

S.H.

Historical Perspectives on Western Culture
either a GHP/GPM or GMO course

3

Natural Sciences
one additional GNS/GLS or GPS course

3–4

Social and Behavioral Sciences (GSB)
one additional GSB course

3

Foreign Language (GFL)
intermediate-level proficiency in one language, demonstrated by placement test, or completion of course work through course number 204

0–12

Writing Intensive Courses (WI)
a total of four WI courses

 

 

IV Major Requirements

A minimum of 27 semester hours in geography above the 100 level. Only grades of C- or higher will count toward completion of the major and concentrations.

Core Courses for Geography Major and Concentrations

  1. One geographic techniques course from GEO 121, 322, 357, 359
  2. One earth science course: GEO 103* or GEO 106/106L*
  3. One human geography course from GEO 105, 114, 301, 302, 303, 306
  4. One regional geography course from GEO 102, 104, 313, 344, 491

*GEO 103 or GEO 106/106L satisfies one GNS requirement and GPS.

 

V Related Area Requirements for General Geography Major

No specific additional courses beyond the core are required. Suggested courses in other departments and schools are recommended by the department, depending on the interest of the student.

VI Electives

Electives sufficient to complete the 122 semester hours required for degree.