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Degrees & Programs


Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) & Minor in Geographyimage of a globe

Geography is concerned with the spatial variations and interrelationships between the natural and cultural features of the earth. It forms an interdisciplinary bridge between the physical and cultural worlds, examining both humans and their environment. Its body of theory and methodologies provides an analytic technique applicable to a wide range of questions. Our department offers both a B.A. and Minor in Geography offering students diverse experiences to apply spatial thinking to an array of human and environmental applications. 

Career opportunities in Geography include K-12 and public teaching, business, government, armed forces, conservation and water resources, urban and regional planning, applications of geographic information systems (GIS) and local to international perspectives. 

For more information on degree and minor requirements please visit the  Bachelor of Arts in Geography Bulletin and the Minor in Geography Bulletin


Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) & Minor in Environmental Studiesimage of someone marking a tree

Our department offers both a B.A. and Minor degree program in Environmental Studies. These degree programs offer an interdisciplinary approach to examining the interactions of human society and nature through approaches of the natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. Courses introduce foundation principles of ecology and environmental science in relation to issues of policy, economics, planning, pollution control, and natural resources management. Two degree concentrations are designed to prepare students for a broad field of environmental career pathways: Environmental Sustainability and Environmental Systems.  

Career opportunities in Environmental Studies include the work in the areas of natural sciences, public administration, planning, environmental law, environmental health, or education. 

For more information on degree, minor and concentration requirements please visit the Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies Bulletin, and the Minor Bulletin.


Minor in Geographic Information Science and Certificate in Geographic Information Systems
image of a design software

Geographic Information Science (GISc) and Geographic Information Systems are used to collect, manage, store, analyze, and display georeferenced data. It has been widely applied in a variety of areas including natural resources, public safety, sustainability, transportation, health & human services, conservation, business, Energy utilities. Upon completion of our Minor in GISc or Certificate in GIS programs, students are well prepared for pursuing higher degrees in GIS or as a GIS professional.   

For more information on minor and certificate requirements please visit the Minor in Geographic Information Science Bulletin, and the Certificate in Geographic Information Systems Bulletin.

Please visit the Degree Roadmaps page and speak with an Academic Advisor to support you with planning your courses and ensuring you meet your professional, personal and academic goals. 


Departmental Honors

Students majoring in geography are eligible to receive honors in geography at graduation if they have:

  1. Completed at least one-half of the course work required by the major at this university.
  2. Earned a grade point average of at least 3.5 in the major, both at this university and overall.
  3. Earned an overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better.
  4. Completed a senior project approved in advance by the Department Chair.

 

Honors Society Gamma Theta Upsilon theta gamma upsilon logo

The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies supports student initiates to join the Gamma Theta Upsilon Honors Society (GTU), with initiations typically occurring in the Spring semester. To qualify, initiates must have completed the equivalent of three semesters of college coursework, a minimum of three courses in geography with a 3.3 GPA (on the 4.0 scale) in those courses, and rank in the top 35% of their class (a 3.3 GPA can be used as a substitute for the ranking if the institution does not calculate rankings). Members have a variety of opportunities for scholarships, travel awards, and activities. Please contact the Department Chair for more information. 

Click here to learn more about the Gamma Theta Upsilon Honors Society.

Model United Nations Program  model nations program logo

Model UN is a popular activity for those interested in learning more about how the UN operates. Hundreds of thousands of students worldwide take part every year at all educational levels. Many of today’s leaders in law, government, business and the arts – including at the UN itself – participated in Model UN as students. 

Click here to learn more about the Model United Nations Program