B.A. Degree in Geography
Geography has a long tradition of integrating the physical, human, and behavioral sciences, thereby providing the liberal arts student with many useful perspectives for intellectual development. Geographers receive training in both the physical and human elements of the field.
Human geographers examine settlement patterns, the connections between people and places, and the cultural and economic interdependence of the world system. Human geographers also relate their work to the physical environment and the interaction between human and physical systems. Topics of study include ethnicity, urban dynamics, economic patterns, migration, and the spatial difference between work and residential locations.
Physical geographers emphasize the study of weather and climate, landforms, water resources, the impact of the physical environment on human behavior, and how human behavior affects the natural world.
Geography also includes the study of cartography, the science and art of mapping. Cartographers design and use maps for spatial analysis, graphic communication, and the management of geographic information databases. Given the spatial orientation of their studies, geographers possess a special understanding of today¹s complex social, economic, and environmental problems. Increasingly, geographic specialists are involved in solving a broad range of economic, social, and environmental problems of global, regional, and local scale.
The geography curriculum is designed to provide students with broad experiences so that they may understand such problems as environmental deterioration, third-world poverty, overpopulation, rapid urbanization, cultural variation, and shifts in world economic and political patterns. Recognition of the broad applicability of geographically based problem solving has allowed geographers to find employment in many areas. Employment opportunities exist in government agencies at local, regional, state, and national levels. Private consulting and research organizations and planning agencies provide many opportunities for geographers to apply their skills in positions that include urban and regional planners, technical analysts, marketing specialists, environmental program managers, cartographers, geographic information systems specialists, location analysts, transportation planners, and historic preservation officers.
The computer and telecommunication fields provide additional opportunities for geographers to work as database managers, graphics specialists, production managers, and geographic information systems (GIS) specialists. With the diversity of their liberal arts training, geographers also qualify for professional management positions as well as more traditional work as teachers or professors in educational institutions.
The department has excellent facilities for geographic research. These include both a geospatial instructional and research laboratory. These laboratories provide state-of-the- art training and research facilities for students, employing the latest mapping and GIS software as well as full Internet access. Additionally, mapping and GIS services provided by the department offer employment opportunities for students.
Students interested in any geography course, or in majoring or minoring in the department, are invited to contact the departmental undergraduate adviser or chair to discuss how the department may best help make their college experience positive and productive.
