Geography Major

Major Requirements

A major in geography consists of nine courses. The classes comprising the major will be selected in a manner that builds from the introductory classes to the advanced seminars and will include the following:

One foundation course: GEOG 111 - Human Geography of Global Issues , GEOG 113 - World Regional Geography: People, Places and Globalization or GEOG 115 - Thinking Geographically: The Fundamentals of Human Geography .

Note: Students can earn credit equivalent to GEOG 111 , GEOG 113 ,or GEOG 115 by scoring a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Exam in Human Geography. Students who do so are still required to take nine geography courses for the major.

Two research methods courses: GEOG 225 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and GEOG 378 - Statistical Research Methods in Geography
One area studies course, which may be satisfied through one of the following:
- A regional geography course in the department (e.g., GEOG 242 - Regional Geography of the US and Canada , GEOG 243 - Geography of Africa: Local Resources and Livelihoods in a Global Context , GEOG 244 - Geography of Asia: the Political Economy , GEOG 249 - Environment and Society in Latin America ), or GEOG 265 - Contemporary Mongolia: Livelihoods, Economies and Environments .
- An approved study away program
- The student may petition to count a comprehensive area studies course in another department for regions not covered by the geography department

If the student fulfills the area studies requirement through a study abroad program or a non-geography course, they must still take nine geography courses for the major.

Four intermediate courses – 200 or 300 level
One research seminar course:

The senior capstone requirement in geography will be satisfied by completing one 400-level research seminar course. GEOG 277 - Qualitative Research Methods in Geography is strongly recommended for majors planning to attend graduate school.