2024-2025 Academic Catalog 
    
    Oct 06, 2024  
2024-2025 Academic Catalog

Geography, BS


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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 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.

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 must 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.

Admission Requirements

Direct from High School

3.25 minimum cumulative high school grade point average

22 ACT/1030 SAT

Current Wright State Students

Minimum 2.0 Wright State cumulative grade point average

C or better in ENG 1100

Two liberal arts core classes

Transfer Students

Minimum 2.0 grade point average from last institution attended (may be higher for certain programs)

C or better in ENG 1100

Two Wright State Core courses offered in the liberal arts

Returning Students

Students who return to Wright State after being absent for three or more semesters must reapply for admission and satisfy the same admission requirements listed above. Returning students will be required to complete the program requirements in effect at the time of their re-admission to the College of Liberal Arts.

 

Program Learning Objectives:

Students in the BS in Geography program will learn to:

-utilize geospatial data and apply spatial methods and techniques 

-develop critical thinking skills to understand important global geographical issues

-recognize the cultural and ecological diversity of the planet

-write clearly and effectively.

 

Program Learning Outcomes:

Students graduating with the BS in Geography can:

-apply spatial tools and methods to analyze geospatial data 

-use critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate cultural and ecological issues across the globe

-demonstrate an understanding of the value of diversity and multicultural competence in today’s global environment

-communicate effectively in writing.

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 program coordinator or their advisor.

For More Information

Program Requirements:


I. Wright State Core: 39 Hours


Element 1: Communication: 6 Hours


Element 2: Mathematics: 4 Hours


Element 3: Global Traditions: 6 Hours


Element 4: Arts and Humanities: 3 Hours


Element 5: Social Sciences: 6 Hours


Element 6: Natural Sciences: 8 Hours


Additional Core Courses: 6 Hours


II. Departmental Requirements: 52 Hours


Major Electives: 6 Hours


Choose 2 from

Outside Research Requirements: 4 Hours


Outside Electives: 12 Hours


  • One other College of Liberal Arts class. Credits / Units: 3

  • Two 3000-level courses in Anthropology, Sociology or Political Science Credits / Units: 6

  • Credit Hour(s): 3

III. College Requirements: 6 hours


  • PLS 3100 or any approved Research Methods course from the approved list of COLA courses Credits / Units: 3

  • Credit Hour(s): 3

IV. University Electives: 23 Hours


Total: 120 Hours


Graduation Planning Strategy


The Graduation Planning Strategy (GPS) has been created to illustrate one option to complete degree requirements within a particular time frame. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to adjust this plan based on credit already earned, individual needs or curricular changes that may not be reflected in this year’s catalog.

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