Geography Major B.S.

Requires concentration in Physical/Geospatial courses
Flexible curriculum combining physical and human geography with analytical skills
Career preparation for environmental planning, international and community development, foreign service, cultural and historic preservation, and management of geographic information systems

Major code BS4231

Faculty Contact: Brad Jokisch

Program Overview

The Geography Bachelor of Science major affords students flexibility in designing a curriculum that combines the traditions of physical and human geography with analytical and technical skills. Unlike the Bachelor of Arts program in Geography, the B.S. degree requires a concentration in Physical/Geospatial courses.

Geographers are interested in the spatial patterns observed on Earth. Bridging the natural and social sciences, geography is the interdisciplinary study of environments and how people interact with the environment. It is important to study geography because many of the world's problems require understanding the interdependence between human activities and the environment. Geography is therefore a beneficial major for students because its theories and methods provide them with analytical skills relevant to occupations focused on solving social and environmental problems. The Geography Department offers eight majors that help students tailor their focus of study. The Geography Bachelor of Science major affords students flexibility in designing a curriculum that combines the traditions of physical and human geography with analytical and technical skills.

The department is committed to excellence in both teaching and advising. Several faculty members have received teaching awards, and faculty are known across campus for the quality of their advising. As a geography major, students meet one-on-one with their faculty adviser every semester during advising week, and they are always welcome to talk with their adviser at any time throughout the semester whenever questions may arise. In addition to advising students about their academic programs, the department provides timely information about internships, nationally competitive awards, and other opportunities as they arise. Many students complete internships, and several over the last few years have received nationally competitive awards.

Careers and Graduate School

A degree in geography prepares students for a variety of career paths, including environmental planning, international and community development, foreign service, cultural and historic preservation, and management of geographic information systems. Examples of potential employers include, but are not limited to, the following: private and public firms and agencies that employ geographic information systems; education (public and private K-12 schools and higher education); local, state, or federal governments; city and regional planning agencies; architecture firms; non-profit organizations; museum and historical sites; etc.

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Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission: No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Change to Program Policy: No selective or limited admission requirements.

External Transfer Admission: No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Degree Requirements

University-wide Graduation Requirements

To complete this program, students must meet all University-wide graduation requirements.

College-Level Requirements for the College of Arts & Sciences

View the College-Level Requirements for the College of Arts & Sciences.