Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science
Both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees are offered for undergraduate students. For more information about undergraduate degree options in Geography, contact the undergraduate advisor, Dr. David Wishart, 426 Bessey Hall, 402.472.2865.
The major in Geography consists of seven manditory courses with a common core in human-environment relations. Students should begin their programs with introductory physical and human courses, then move to courses dealing with environmental issues, world regions, and courses in techniques of acquiring and displaying geographic data. An undergraduate seminar which covers historical and philosophical aspects of geography as well as practical matters such as jobs and graduate schools, completes the set of required courses. Beyond this core of required courses are nine hours of electives.
Requirements for the Major in Geography
The major entails a total of 30 hours distributed as follows:
3 credits - GEOG 140 Introductory Human Geography or GEOG 120 Economic Geography
4 credits - GEOG 155 Elements of Physical Geography
3 credits - GEOG 181 Quality of the Environment
3 credits - GEOG 272 Geography of World Regions
6 credits - Techniques (see GIS & Cartography Courses), with at least 3 cr numbered 400 or above
2 credits - GEOG 402 Senior Seminar
9 credits - Electives in Geography
Of the total 30 hours, 14 hours must be numbered 300 or above. The Geography Department offers specializations in the following areas: cartography, environmental geography, geographical information processing, Great Plains studies, and historical geography. Additional information about these specializations is available from Dr. Wishart. Students wishing to combine a geography major with other majors - environmental studies, for example - should see respective advisers.
Requirements for the Minor in Geography
18 hours, including 10 hours in courses numbered 300 or above.
Program Assessment
In order to assist the department in evaluating the effectiveness of its programs, majors will be required to complete written and oral examinations in the Senior Seminar, GEOG 402, over knowledge in all components of the major, as well as over more detailed knowledge in the student's area of focus. Students will be informed of the scheduling and format of assessment exams in the Senior Seminar. Results of participation in this assessment activity will in no way affect a student's GPA or graduation.
