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

Students who major in Geography and who demonstrate exceptional ability may be invited to enter the Honors in the Major Program. For details, see Honors in the Major Program.

[3] Baccalaureate Degree: Bachelor of Science

The degree of 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.

Mathematics Pathway: First-time, first-year students majoring in Geography enter the Quantitative Literacy Mathematics Pathway and must enroll in MATH 1360 during their first year of study, unless they have been awarded credit that completes their 1000-level math requirements.

NOTE: Both the major in geography and major in geography with a geospatial concentration have required courses that will fulfill the UCA upper-division UCA 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 (39 hours)

Required Courses (30 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 (23 hours)

Required courses (11 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 (24 hours)

Required Courses (21 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.