Bachelor of Arts in Geographic Information Systems

Program Overview

This interdisciplinary program in human geography explores the world's diverse cultures and environments. Students engage in collaborative research, internships, and service learning, gaining practical experience and skills for careers in government, business, education, and more. The program's faculty have real-world experience and emphasize a strong interdisciplinary approach, drawing from the physical and social sciences, as well as the humanities. Graduates have earned numerous grants and presented their research at academic conferences.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Year 1: Students take courses in human geography, exploring various effects on the world from a geographic perspective.
They also complete coursework focusing on how globalization influences the unique character and culture of other countries.
• Year 2: Students supplement their knowledge with classes in geology, remote sensing, and global health.
• Year 3: Students work closely on real-world projects with community partners, such as the Nature Conservancy, Great River Greening, and the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program emphasizes collaborative research between students and faculty, internships, student research grants, and service learning.
• Faculty: The program's faculty have real-world experience and are actively involved in research.
• Unique Approaches: The program has a strong interdisciplinary approach, meaning students will utilize knowledge from the physical and social sciences, as well as the humanities.

Careers:

• Career Paths: Graduates of the program are working in multiple sectors, including government, private business, and education.
• Opportunities: The program provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to work in a variety of different industries after graduation, including cartography, urban planning, surveying, GIS consulting, military intelligence, and academia.
• Outcomes: Students have earned multiple grants over the last few years, including two Sustainability Scholars Grants and two McNair Scholars Awards.
They have also completed over 90 research presentations in the last five years at academic conferences.