Department of Geography
...Making a World of Difference
The diverse discipline of geography exposes students to the multitude of ways in which geographers study the world. Geographers study human-environment interactions and their spatially varying expression. Numerous tools and techniques are employed in geographic research including cartography (the art and science of map-making and use), geographic information systems (GIS), satellite imagery and air photo interpretation, surveys, and mathematical modeling and statistical analysis.
Mission Statement
Through diverse and academically rigorous coursework, graduates will acquire high-demand skills in geospatial information technology, plus the ability to draw upon and synthesize information, concepts, and methods from the natural and social sciences to address geographical research questions relevant to today’s changing world. Furthermore, graduates will be able to effectively communicate their findings to various audiences through oral, written, and graphical means. Thus equipped, graduates will be able to successfully compete for entry-level positions in state and local government, non-governmental agencies, and private industry, or to continue on to graduate school.
New Environment & Planning Track
Beginning with the Spring 2024 semester, the Department of Geography will offer a new track that combines the academic requirements and job potentials of our two most popular tracks: Environmental Geography, and Planning. Where majors on either of these previous tracks could not minor in the other, the new Environment and Planning track assures that majors get the best from both. The Environment and Planning track begins with four core courses that establish a foundation in Cultural and Physical Geography, as well as in mapping in the GIS environment. Majors will then select courses from lists of environmentally-related and planning-related geography courses. The major concludes with capstone courses, including Internship in Geography.
The existing Environmental Geography, and Planning tracks will no longer be offered in favor of the more comprehensive Environment and Planning track.
New Global and Regional Studies Track
Beginning with the Spring 2024 semester, the Department of Geography will offer a new track in Global and Regional Studies. The new track begins with six core courses that establish a foundation in Cultural and Physical Geography, World Regional Geography, and Globalization, as well as in mapping in the GIS environment. Majors then select courses from lists of cultural, economic, and regional geography courses. The major concludes with capstone courses, including Internship in Geography.
The existing Globalization track will no longer be offered in favor of this new track configuration.
New Minor in Cultural Geography
Beginning Fall 2022, the Department of Geography will offer a new minor in Cultural Geography. The 18-credit minor includes GEG 020: Our Human Earth: Introduction to Cultural Geography, and GEG 101: World Regional Geography as required courses. Minors will then take one course each from Cultural Geography, Economic Geography, and Regional Geography categories. An additional elective course will be selected from one of the above categories.
If interested in the new minor in Cultural Geography, please visit the Geography Department Office to add the minor to your academic program.
Certificate in Geospatial Information Technology
Effective Spring 2020, the Department of Geography offers a Sub-Baccalaureate Certificate in Geospatial Information Technology (click here for details).
Currently enrolled students interested in adding the certificate to their academic programs must come to the Geography Department Office to complete the required form.
Recent graduates (with at least one of the required courses yet to take) may return to complete the GIT Certificate by enrolling under Professional Credit Status through Graduate Admissions.
Don't miss this great opportunity to add the GIT Certificate to your resume.
Contact Information:
Geography Department Office
Graduate Center 105
Ph: (610) 683-4364
FAX: (610) 683-4941
Geography is the study of earth as the home of people.
Yi-Fu Tuan