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Academic Catalog 2019/2020

Geography, Outdoor Recreation, and Planning

Bachelor of Arts
School of Sciences, Sustainability, and Health

Students majoring in Geography, Outdoor Recreation, and Planning develop the knowledge and skills to address some of the most interesting and challenging issues facing the world today. By focusing on topics at the intersection of natural and cultural environments, students learn how people influence Earth’s environments, and how places impact people. Through inquiry-based, hands-on learning, GORP majors acquire critical thinking and analytical problem-solving skills that prepare them for a wide variety of professional opportunities in the public and private sectors.

In addition, the program gives students a deep understanding of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and its application to areas as diverse as conservation, transportation, marketing, and natural hazards. The U.S. Department of Labor has identified GIS technologies and expertise as one of three primary areas of employment opportunity for the 21st century. The Geography, Outdoor Recreation, and Planning program prepares students to shape the future of local and regional planning, outdoor recreation, environmental resource management, and economic development through a variety of private and public occupations.

Integrative Studies Requirements

40 credits minimum

Major Requirements

40 credits

ISGEOG 203 Globalization Culture & Place
INGEOG 204 Earth's Changing Landscapes
GEOG 324 GIS I
GEOG 395 Seminar I
GEOG 495 Seminar II

Select one of the following regional courses:

  • GEOG 340 Topics in Regional Geography
  • GEOG 371 Geography Field Studies
  • GEOG 571 Geography Field Studies

Select two of the following systematic fields of geography:

  • GEOG 303 The Politics of Place
  • GEOG 304 Population Matters
  • GEOG 307 Urban Geography
  • GEOG 308 Planning for Sustainability
  • ISGEOG 309 Spatial Thinking
  • GEOG 330 Natural Resources Management
  • GEOG 332 Global Water Resources
  • GEOG 334 Outdoor Recreation
  • GEOG 335 Sustainable Tourism

Select one of the following geographic skills courses:

  • GEOG 325 Cartographic Design
  • GEOG 326 Field Surveying
  • GEOG 329 Applications in GIS
  • GEOG 424 GIS II

Select one additional elective in Geography.

Teacher Certification - Secondary Social Studies

Geography is an approved major for students seeking Secondary Social Studies certification. Students will need to take the following additional Certification requirements:

Dual Major in Education

  • Secondary Education – Secondary Social Studies certification

Additional Major Requirements

IHHIST 161 American Encounters to 1877
IHHIST 162 American Encounters from 1877
IHHIST 111 The Ancient and Medieval World
IHHIST 112 The Modern World
ISECON 104 Introduction to Macroeconomics
ISPSYC 101 General Psychology

Select one of the following:

  • ISPOSC 210 United States Politics
  • ISPOSC 220 Global Politics

Select one of the following:

  • 100- to 200-level course in Sociology
  • ISANTH 110 Cultural Anthropology

Electives

Select additional courses to reach a total of 120 credits.

Degree Requirements

120 credits