Geography and the Environment, B.A.

Program Overview

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The Bachelor of Arts in Geography and the Environment combines a liberal arts education with technical skills in geography, preparing students to understand the world based on location and address social and environmental problems. The program emphasizes project-driven learning and offers a minor in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) for added expertise. Graduates pursue careers in emergency management, urban planning, GIS, academia, and research.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Bachelor of Arts in Geography and the Environment combines a liberal arts education with the technical skills necessary to be successful in the modern workforce. The program provides a foundation for graduate study in geography or a related field.

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Objectives:

• Equip students to understand the world based on location.
• Provide a broad understanding of the world's physical environment and the human experience.
• Empower students to address social and environmental problems.
• Allow students to pursue interests in social and cultural change, globalization, urbanization, climate change, natural resource management, natural hazards, food and water security, resilience, and sustainability.

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Program Description:

The program emphasizes coursework in both social and physical sciences. Students are encouraged to pursue a minor in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) for added knowledge and technical expertise. Graduates have pursued careers as emergency managers, urban planners, GIS specialists, faculty members, and researchers in federal labs.

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Outline:

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Content:

The program focuses on understanding the world's physical environment and the human experience, encompassing topics like social and cultural change, globalization, urbanization, climate change, natural resource management, natural hazards, food and water security, resilience, and sustainability.

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Structure:

The program typically takes four years to complete and involves a combination of core courses, electives, and a minor (optional).

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Course Schedule:

• The sample curriculum provided outlines the courses typically taken each semester.
• Courses cover various aspects of geography, including environmental science, human geography, geographic information systems, hazards and disasters, social and cultural geography, and urban geography.
However, it is reasonable to assume that the program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including exams, essays, projects, presentations, and potentially field-based assessments. However, common criteria may include:
• Knowledge and understanding: Demonstrating a thorough understanding of the key concepts and principles covered in the course.
• Communication: Communicating ideas effectively in written and oral formats.
However, it is likely that the program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, fieldwork, and laboratory sessions. However, it is assumed that the program is taught by qualified and experienced professors with expertise in various areas of geography.

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Unique Approaches:

The program emphasizes a "project-driven curriculum," suggesting that students are actively involved in applying their knowledge and skills through real-world projects and case studies. This approach promotes deeper learning and engagement with the subject matter.

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

The program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in government, private industry, and academic institutions.

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Examples of Career Paths:

• Emergency Manager
• Urban Planner
• GIS Specialist
• Faculty Member
• Researcher in Federal Labs

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Career Outcomes:

Graduates from the program have gone on to successful careers in various fields, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in preparing students for the workforce.

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Other:

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Communication Literacy:

The program emphasizes communication literacy through courses in reading, writing, oral presentation, and cartography.

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Multicultural Requirement:

GEOG 2300 counts as a Multicultural requirement.

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Foreign Language Requirement:

Students must complete 6 hours at the sophomore level or above in a single language.

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Minor in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST):

Students are strongly encouraged to pursue this minor to gain valuable technical expertise in geographic information science.