The constantly changing physical and human landscapes on the Earth's surface challenge the geographer to provide continuing interpretations of all parts of the world from the spatial point of view. Geography is the original environmental science and continues to be the most comprehensive of all environmental studies as it deals with both the natural and cultural worlds. The Geography Program provides a wide range of opportunities for students to pursue. It is designed to give students a broad background and knowledge of the various avenues of intellectual pursuit within the discipline. Students are introduced to the basic themes explored by geographers, the theory associated with these themes, and the various methods used in studying these themes.
Students are prepared to pursue further study or to move directly into the job market.
Basic skills related to cartography, aerial photo interpretation, computer mapping, satellite image analysis, and geographic information systems form an integral component of many geography courses and make possible the professional orientation of the liberal arts major. The program also provides a strong background for individuals interested in pursuing careers in environmental or community planning. The geography major consists of three concentrations, namely a General Geography Track, a Cartography and Remote Sensing Track, and an Urban and Regional Planning Track. In addition, the Geography Department coordinates the environmental planning component of the Environmental Sciences Major and has dual majors with the 3-2 Engineering Program and the Secondary Social Studies Education Program. It also provides one of the liberal arts concentrations required under the Ele-mentary Education major.