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Academic Catalog 2021/2022

Geography

Bachelor of Arts
School of Sciences, Sustainability, and Health

Students majoring in Geography 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, Geography 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 Geography program provides students a deep understanding of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and its application to areas as diverse as conservation, public health, transportation, marketing, and public safety.
Geography prepares students for careers in urban and regional planning, outdoor recreation, economic development, and natural resource management. Professional geographers find work as business analysts, market researchers, planners, field scientists and consultants. The U.S. Department of Labor has identified spatial technologies and expertise (geography/GIS) as one of the three primary areas of employment opportunity for the 21st century. Geography students who complete the educator preparation option are eligible for Secondary Social Studies certification. The geography major requires 40 credits of geography courses. One statistics course is recommended.

Integrative Studies Requirements

40 credits minimum

Major Requirements

40 credits

Core

28 credits

ISGEOG 100 Introduction to Geography
ISGEOG 203 Globalization Culture and Place
INGEOS 201 The Physical Earth
GEOG 395 Community Research Seminar I
GEOG 495 Community Research Seminar II

Select any two of the following GIS courses:

  • GEOG 323 Environmental Modeling in GIS
  • GEOG 324 GIS Analysis
  • GEOG 325 GIS Maps and Data Visualization

Upper-level Electives

12 credits

Select any three electives:

  • ENST 301 Environmental Research Methods
  • ENST 344 Community Solutions to Climate Change
  • IIGEOG 302 Apocalypse, Science and Society
  • GEOG 303 The Politics of Place
  • GEOG 307 Urban Geography
  • GEOG 308 Planning for Sustainability
  • GEOG 330 Natural Resource Management
  • GEOG 334 Outdoor Recreation
  • GEOG 335 Sustainable Tourism
  • GEOG 340 Topics in Regional Geography
  • GEOG 371 Geography Field Studies
  • GEOG 390 Advanced Topics 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 International Relations

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
40 credits at the upper-level