The Greek derivation of the word geography is "earth description." Geography studies natural features such as mountain ranges, rivers, valleys, forests, deserts, and grasslands, as well as human-made features such as cities, roads, dams, and bridges. Geography examines how human societies dynamically interact with each other and the environment, including how they are affected by a changing climate. Geography is truly an integrated discipline. Geography is central to an understanding of the international global arena and provides an exciting and challenging way to examine our planet.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to interpret spatially distributed data and draw valid conclusions by using maps, graphs and/or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Students will be able to evaluate core concepts in cultural and physical geography and apply them to contemporary events and issues.

Career Opportunities

Geography serves as an excellent undergraduate major. City, county, and state governments are hiring geographers in the field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), urban planning, and environmental studies because of their broad training. The national mapping division of the United States Geological Survey traditionally needs geographers in map making and its related job openings such as photo-interpretation, satellite image analysis, land use and land cover mapping. In addition, the analytical skills gained through a geography major provide a strong foundation for graduate study in law, urban planning and architecture. Geographers with advanced degrees are also in demand in colleges and universities around the world. Students should enhance their major with a strong array of courses in the international arena, statistics, physical sciences, computer science, and basic business principles.