Geography and Environment, B.A.

Note: Modifications to the curriculum were under review at the time this catalog was published. Please check with the Department of Geography, Environment, and Planning for the most current degree requirements.

In keeping with the disciplines of Geography and Environmental studies, our Geography and Environment degree focuses upon bridging the natural and social sciences in order to produce more holistic and systemic analysis.

Our Geography and Environment degree offers students the option of five concentrations within the broader discipline. These concentrations provide students with disciplinary breadth and allows them to pursue their interests in: Environmental Systems, Society, Environment, and Development, Geospatial Analysis and Technology, Sustainable Communities, and Urban Planning.

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the degree program all concentrations share foundational and intermediate courses, which ensure that graduates have a strong background in both the natural, social, and quantitative sciences while developing their research and problem-solving skills. The foundational and intermediate courses focus on four areas reflecting our concentrations: Human/Environmental Relations, Environmental Systems, Geospatial, Sustainable Communities and Geospatial and Applied Quantitative Analysis.

More specialized concentration courses provide a depth of knowledge in the student’s chosen concentration. All students culminate their studies by taking Professional Development, a minimum of 4 units of Practical Experience, and a two semester Capstone course. In addition, the curriculum strengthens students’ writing, critical thinking, and oral presentation skills; areas that are important for any successful career. The department’s strong intern program further affords students on-the-job experience.

Note: Courses required for the major must be taken for a traditional letter grade, except for courses that are offered CR/NC only. Students must earn a C- or better in any course applied to the major.