BS Geography: emphasis in Physical Environment Studies
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The science and management of environmental processes
This program gives students a spatial understanding of our natural landscape, and the skills to effectively manage human activities that impact the natural environment. It therefore focuses on three areas:
- physical geography, the study of spatial patterns and processes of natural phenomena (biological, geological, and climatic)
- human-environmental interactions, the historical and contemporary two-way relationship between the natural environment and human activities, including issues such as hazards response, environmental degradation, and human adaptation to physical constraints
- environmental management, the practical application of the above principles to make policy and operational decisions that balance human needs and environmental needs
In each of these areas, students gain conceptual knowledge, as well as practical skills in primary data collection in the field, and data analysis (statistical and GIS). The program prepares students for graduate studies and careers in basic research, land management, conservation, environmental protection and education.
This emphasis is ideal for students who: enjoy the outdoors, love to sit and contemplate a spectacular view, are concerned about environmental issues, and want a mix of field work and computer work.
Career Opportunities
- Typical employers include: federal government, consultants, non-profit organizations
- Job titles include: land management planner, environmental scientist, park ranger, hazardous waste manager
Expected Learning Outcomes
Successful graduates of this program will be able to
- describe the geography of the earth's physical landscape, including elements such as climate, landforms, flora, and fauna (Courses: Geog 101, 120, 303, 304, 305, regional geography electives)
- explain the dynamics, mechanisms, and interactions among physical processes that shape the Earth's landscape at multiple scales (Courses: Biology 350, Geog 101, 303, 304, 305, 307)
- examine the patterns and consequences of human-environmental interaction (Courses: Biology 150, Geog 110, 303, 304, 306, 307, 415, human geography electives)
- develop solutions to environmental issues that incorporate political, ethical, economic, legal, and cultural factors in addition to environmental concerns (Courses: Geog 110, 306, 307, human, regional, and planning electives, capstone options)
- gather data in the field, and analyze primary and secondary data sets (statistical, qualitative, GIS) to understand environmental issues and develop solutions, and communicate results in verbal, written, and cartographic forms (Courses: Stat 221, Geog 222, 223, 307, human and GIS electives, capstone options)
- evaluate the causes and potential impacts on human systems of global and local environmental change (Courses: Geog 101, 110, 303, 304, 306, 307)
