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Geography

The Stephen and Mary Birch Foundation Chair in Geographical Studies

The Stephen and Mary Birch Foundation Chair in Geographical Studies was created through the Birch Foundation's grant to the Geography Department to endow a chair and create a Center for Earth Systems Analysis Research. Dr. Arthur Getis, internationally recognized for his expertise in theory and methodology of spatial analysis applied to urban and economic systems, is the second holder of the Chair.

The Major

Geography is the study of spatial aspects of the physical environment, human activities and landscapes, and the nature of their interactions. Geographers draw upon theories from both the physical and social sciences. As physical scientists, they study the processes and resulting features of the earth's surface, such as vegetation, climate, soils, landforms, and resources. As social scientists, geographers explore such topics as the arrangement of societies on the earth's surface, land use patterns, urbanization, resource and energy usage, and environmental conservation.

The Department of Geography offers a broad range of fields from which to select an emphasis. These include physical geography- focusing on scientific explanations of the earth's physical features and processes; natural resource and environmental geography-concerned with human impacts on the earth; urban and regional analysis-dealing with the form of cities and the dynamics of regional systems; methods of geographical analysis-providing a background in cartography, geographic information systems, remote sensing and spatial statistics. A comprehensive program is offered in general geography-encompassing topics from all of the emphases.

The Department also offers a Certificate in Geographic Information Systems. This program is for students interested in mapping, computer graphics, surveying, aerial photography, and the use of satellite technology to study earth resources.

A variety of career opportunities exist for geography majors. In recent years many graduates with bachelor degrees have entered the fields of urban and environmental planning, both in the public and private sectors. Employment is also available as geographic information systems specialists, cartographers, park naturalists, and remote sensing specialists. The following represent some of the jobs held by recent graduates: environmental impact analyst, urban planner, cartographer, park ranger, transportation planner, travel agent, teacher, zoning investigator, terrain analyst. Some graduates have chosen to pursue opportunities in business where firms are interested in hiring college graduates with broad academic backgrounds.

Advising

All College of Arts and Letters majors are urged to consult with their department adviser as soon as possible; they are required to meet with their department adviser within the first two semesters after declaration or change of major.