Bachelor's degree in geography

The geotechnologies concentration emphasizes proficiency in geo-spatial methods. Students taking geotechnologies courses will learn the tools, methods and software necessary to manage and analyze spatial data and information. Students interested in this area of geography are encouraged to enroll in the GIS certificate. The courses and certificate can be applied toward becoming a certified GIS Professional (GISP) from the GIS Certification Institute. Regardless of other interests, courses in this area are recommended for students interested in employment as a GIS or remote sensing analyst, cartographer, planner or graduate study in geography or related geotechnology field.

Courses in this area of focus provide students with an understanding of climate, climate change, ecological processes, water management, and the interactions between water, climate and life. Many courses in this area also explore human impacts on these systems and how they influence society. Students studying in this area of focus will understand the climate system, the environment, human impacts on the climate and environment and environmental sustainability. Many of these courses are valuable training for students interested in employment in environmental consulting firms, planning agencies, numerous government agencies (e.g. EPA, USGS, NRCS) and non-governmental organizations.

Decision-making regarding future use of renewable and non-renewable resources requires an interdisciplinary approach that engages with the physical, economic, and political processes that govern human interactions with the natural world. In addition understanding the role that humans play in shaping and being impacted by the natural world is critical to sustainable development, natural hazards and the research methods and policy tools used to understand and allocate the use of natural resources. These courses are recommended for students interested in employment as natural resource specialists, water managers, emergency management, public works planners, sustainability planners or graduate study in geography or related disciplines.

The globalization, politics and place concentration emphasizes proficiency in social and cultural geography and develops skills in critical thinking, research techniques, and oral and written communication. Students taking these courses will learn and apply geographic information about cultural and political systems and processes to understand how people, places and regions are linked globally. This specialization is recommended for students interested in career fields that involve international relations and diplomacy, development, government, urban policy, non-profit and non-governmental work, teaching and graduate studies in geography or related disciplines.