Program Description:
Geography is the study of the location and interrelationships of human and physical phenomena on the earth’s surface. Because of its emphasis on spatial organization and distribution of these phenomena, geography has a broad cross-disciplinary base. Such topics of study as cartography, climatology, land form analysis, photogrammetry and remote sensing, settlement theory, spatial interaction, and urban morphology indicate the breadth of contemporary geography. The undergraduate major in geography includes the study of cultural, economic, physical, and regional geography, as well as cartography, quantitative methods, and field work. Backgrounds in the natural and social sciences, humanities, statistical methods, and computer programming are useful to the geography major.
The geography program allows students to select a curriculum best suited to their particular interests. Geography majors select a program leading to either a Bachelor of Arts degree or Bachelor of Science degree. The Bachelor of Science program in geography emphasizes technical skills and logic. Courses in physical, economic, and social geography and in cartography, remote sensing, and geographic information are emphasized in the program. These courses are complemented by courses in mathematics, philosophy, and computer science.
Geography may be selected as an academic major, as a secondary teaching concentration in a social science or earth science program, or as part of an elementary teaching major. Students majoring in geography may qualify for licensure at the secondary level by meeting the minimum requirements in professional education courses for licensure by the state of Ohio. Because of sequential requirements and prerequisites, students are strongly urged to consult with a geography advisor before registering. Students in any major may also minor in Geography.
Geography majors should participate in the department’s internship program if they do not have professional experience in the field. The internship is designed to complement geography students’ class work and gives them experience in the actual work environment. Students interested in the internship should contact the department internship coordinator or their advisor.
Geography Honors Program
The geography honors program allows superior students to work on a geographic problem of their own choosing. Applicants must be majors in geography, have senior standing with 36 hours of geography courses to their credit, and meet certain minimum GPAs. Candidates are required to complete an honors project under the direction of a geography faculty member. Successful completion of the project, including written and oral project reports, carries three academic credits and entitles students to graduate with honors in geography. Geography honors students are encouraged to participate in the University Honors Program; interested students should contact the department coordinator or their advisor.
Campus Contact Information
School of Public and International Affairs
325 Millett Hall
(937) 775-2942
urbanaff_geo@wright.edu
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