Geographic Science and Technology, B.A.

Earth and Geographic Sciences

Objectives for the Program in Earth and Geographic Sciences

The Earth and Geographic Sciences department encompasses the disciplines of Earth Science, Geographic Science, and Physics. Students may choose a major in Environmental and Earth Science or Geographic Science and Technology. In both fields, successful students pursue courses of instruction and are supported in undertaking internship experiences which prepare them for entry into the job market or for acceptance to graduate school. Minors are offered in Earth Science, Geographic Science and Technology, and Geographic Information Systems. All three disciplines that make up the Earth and Geographic Sciences offer courses that satisfy various requirements of the General Education Program, as well as those of majors in other departments.

Requirements for the Major in Environmental and Earth Science and Geographic Science and Technology

The degrees of Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Environmental and Earth Science or Geographic Science and Technology each require a minimum of 36 semester hours of coursework. Bachelor of Arts students are required to have foreign language proficiency at the intermediate level.

Geographic Science and Technology Major

Student Learning Outcomes

• Each Geographic Science and Technology graduate should have a well-rounded understanding of geographic knowledge and skills. With this intent, the program requires the students to take a series of courses that include the following essential elements of geography:
• The use of maps to present and interpret patterns of physical and human characteristics on the Earth’s surface;
• The distinctiveness of places and regions with respect to the integration of physical and human characteristics;
• Description and explanation of human characteristics and their spatial distribution on the Earth’s surface, including composition of population, cultural complexes, economic interdependence, settlement and political patterns;
• Human-environment interactions, including the perception, distribution and use of natural resources.

Required Courses

• GEOG 1000 - Earth Systems Science 3 cr.
• GEOG 1100 - Principles of Human Geography 3 cr. ***
• GEOG 2400 - Introduction to Geospatial Technologies 3 cr.
• GEOG 3120 - Computer Cartography 3 cr.
• GEOG 4000 - Geographic Information System 3 cr. or
• GEOG 4003 - Geographic Information Systems II 3 cr.

• (one of the two could count as a major elective if both are taken)

• GEOG 4500 - Remote Sensing of the Environment 3 cr.

Note:

* GEOG 4000  meets the Computer Literacy requirement for Geographic Science and Technology and Environmental and Earth Science.

** GEOG 3250 , GEOG 3270 , GEOG 4200 , GEOG 4220  and GEOG 4600  meets the Speaking/Listening and Jr/Sr Writing requirement for Environmental and Earth Science.

*** GEOG 1100  meets the Speaking/Listening requirement and GEOG 3400  or GEOG 4700  meets the Jr/Sr Writing requirement for Geographic Science and Technology.