Department of Geography

[1] Purposes

Programs of study in geography are designed to meet the following needs:

• Acquaint students with the contribution of geography to the understanding of the world through the study of its varied physical and human environments and the spatial relationships that exist between them.
• Give students a fundamental background in human-natural environment relationships in preparation for geography-related positions in environmental planning, natural resources management, urban and regional planning and development, water resources, cartography, education, and geographic information systems.
• Prepare students for advanced work in geography at the graduate level.

[2] Honors in Geography

[Jump to Recognition of Academic Achievement for general information about Honors in the Majors.]

Exceptional students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 and a major grade point average of 3.50 and who have completed 15 hours of geography coursework may be nominated by a faculty member for the Honors in Geography program. Students will pursue intensive research guided by a director and a committee of faculty members. Students must have taken or be enrolled in GEOG 4391 and write a paper while enrolled in GEOG 4360. Students complete the process by giving an oral presentation and defense of his/her paper before an Honors Committee. This presentation is to be followed at a later date by a presentation at a geography student seminar.

[3] Baccalaureate Degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science

The degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, with a major in geography, requires successful completion of 120 hours, including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using major, minor, or elective courses (see the UCA Core requirements); (2) degree requirements; (3) the geography courses listed below; and (4) a minor as worked out with the student’s advisor.
NOTE: both the major in geography and major in geography with a geospatial concentration have required courses that will fulfill the UCA upper-division Core requirements for Critical Inquiry, Diversity, Communication, and a Capstone. The Responsible Living upper-division Core requirement may be covered by taking any of the following electives: GEOG 3301, 3325, 3333, 4304, or 4313; or it may be taken outside of the department. The Communication requirement may be fulfilled by taking courses outside of the department.

[3.1] Major in Geography (39 hours)

Geography Core (24 hours)

[3.1.1] Major in Geography: Geospatial Technology Concentration (38 hours)

Required Courses (29 hours)

Choose one of the regional classes (3 hours)

Choose one of the upper-level geography GIS-electives from the following choices (3 hours)

Plus 3 hours of upper-level geography electives.

[3.1.2] Minor in Geography (22 hours)

Required courses (10 hours)

Choose one of the regional classes (3 hours)

Plus 9 hours of upper-division geography electives

[3.1.3] Minor in Geographic Information Science (22 hours)

Required Courses (19 hours)

Choose one of the upper-level geography GIS electives from the following choices (3 hours)

NOTE: A Geospatial Concentration geography major may not minor in geographic information science.

[4] Courses in Geography (GEOG)

Follow this link for GEOG course descriptions: course link.