B.A. in Geography | Geography, Environment, and Sustainability

B.A. in Geography

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B.A. in Geography

The B.A. in Geography applies geographic concepts and methods in order to understand the locational dimensions of human behavior in their environmental context, understand economic, environmental and social problems at the urban and regional scale, and promote international understanding through area studies.  

Students completing a B.A. in Geography are expected 1) to demonstrate a basic competence in earth science, human geography, and regional geography, 2) to successfully investigate geographic problems using the current research techniques and methodologies of the discipline, 3) to clearly and effectively express their findings in both written and oral form.

The B.A. in Geography offers three areas of concentration:

A central theme in geography is human interaction with the earth’s physical environment. This concentration permits students to apply the basic scientific principles of physical geography, cartography and natural resource analysis to the problem of ensuring a high quality of life through maintenance of the natural processes that support human existence. This concentration also provides training to enhance the employment opportunities of students with a strong interest in environmental assessment and resource evaluation.

Requirements

  • Satisfaction of Geography core requirements
  • GES 319 and 319L, GES 314 and 314L
  • Five courses from GES 205, 305, 312, 330, 357, 358, 359, 418, 419, 450, 457, 459

Students with this concentration will develop skills in using maps, geospatial computer programs, and remotely sensed images to answer geographic questions relevant to land use planning, urban development, geomorphic or biogeographic processes, or environmental impact assessment. A capstone course (GES 421), including a faculty directed major project is completed in the final semester.

Requirements

  • Satisfaction of Geography core requirements
  • GES 121, 357, 358, and 359
  • A minimum of one of the following: GES 457 or 459
  • GES 421 is to be taken after completion of requirements 1 and 2.

The inter-regional shift of people and jobs in the United States and elsewhere over the past decades coupled with the movement away from large central cities has increased the need for formal urban and regional planning. Planners are needed in the private sector as well as in state and local governments to provide the appropriate kinds of economic and community development that will ensure a high quality of life in both developed and developing countries. In a growth region like the Southeastern United States, geographers with a planning background are in increasing demand.

Requirements

  • Satisfaction of Geography core requirements
  • GES 105, 301 and 306
  • Five courses from GES 302, 303, 304, 320, 322, 331, 344, 357, 402, 432, 433