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Geography - B.A.

Geography - B.A.

The Geography B.A. program offers a comprehensive education in the field of geography, including the physical, social and cultural aspects of the world. With experienced faculty and real-world opportunities, you'll gain the skills needed to succeed in a variety of geography-related careers.

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Bachelor's Degree in Geography

The aim of Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State University’s Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geography is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between people, places, and the environment. This program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, covering key topics such as physical geography, human geography, and geographic information systems (GIS). We strive to equip students with the analytical tools and critical thinking abilities needed to address contemporary global challenges, prepare for diverse careers in fields like urban planning and environmental management, and foster an appreciation for the complexities of our world.

Program Information for Geography - B.A.

Program Description

Full Description

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography emphasizes a growing field that offers a wide range of career options. Geographers study both natural science and social science. Natural science topics include spatial patterns of rocks, soils, animals, plants, climate and weather. Social science topics include spatial patterns of culture, policy, conflict, demographics, economics, resources and waste, with an emphasis on investigating the intersection of human activity and environmental processes. Geographers use a variety of geospatial technologies to map the world in different ways from the global to the local.

Geographers use data (environmental and social statistics, interviews, textual and landscape analysis and archival documents) to describe natural and social patterns. They then apply their knowledge of human and environmental processes to analyze why these patterns exist. Geographers work at the intersection of multiple disciplines — geology, ecology, climate science, urban planning, economics, sociology, computer science and the humanities — using this knowledge to examine spatial processes. Geographers use GIS software and remote sensing for spatial analysis and cartography.

Geography offers a unique way of seeing and understanding the world, combined with the ability to communicate this understanding to others. Geographers find work in the environmental sciences, GIS and mapping and working with people in planning and other government and non-profit agencies.

Geography students may apply early to the and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs. See the policy in the University Catalog for more information.

Admissions for Geography - B.A.

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

First-Year Students on the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Campus: First-year admission policy on the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the .

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning a minimum 525 TOEFL score (71 on the Internet-based version), minimum 75 MELAB score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score or minimum 48 PTE Academic score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive Program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Transfer Students: Students who have attended any other educational institution after graduating from high school must apply as undergraduate transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Former Students: Former Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State students or graduates who have not attended another college or university since Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State may complete the reenrollment or reinstatement form on the University Registrar’s website.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's .

Some programs may require that students meet certain requirements before progressing through the program. For programs with progression requirements, the information is shown on the program's Coursework tab.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Describe spatial patterns of human and environmental features at multiple scales.
  2. Use geographic research tools, including geographic information systems, to analyze spatial patterns and identify processes that create these patterns.
  3. Explain linkages and interactions between social and environmental processes.
  4. Communicate these patterns, processes and interconnections through writing, speaking and map making.
  5. Apply a geographic perspective and geospatial skills to contemporary social and environmental issues, informing policy and practice.
Coursework

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
ENVS 22070NATURE AND SOCIETY (KSS) 3
GEOG 17063WORLD GEOGRAPHY (DIVG) (KSS) 3
or GEOG 17064 GEOGRAPHY OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA (DIVD) (KSS)
GEOG 21062PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY (KBS) 3
GEOG 21063PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
GEOG 22061HUMAN GEOGRAPHY (DIVG) (KSS) 3
GEOG 39002STATISTICAL METHODS IN GEOGRAPHY 3
or GEOG 40285 FIELD EXPERIENCE IN GEOGRAPHY
GEOG 39070MAPPING, SPACE AND POWER 3
GEOG 40191SEMINAR IN GEOGRAPHY (ELR) (WIC) 13
or GEOG 40199 CAPSTONE IN APPLIED GEOGRAPHY (ELR) (WIC)
GEOG 49070GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE 4
Geography (GEOG) Upper-Division Electives (30000 or 40000 level)18
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
UC 10001FLASHES 101 1
Foreign Language (see Foreign Language College Requirement below)14-16
6
3
9
2-3
3
General Electives (total credit hours depends on earning 120 credit hours, including 39 upper-division credit hours)37
Minimum Total Credit Hours:120
1

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000

Foreign Language College Requirement, B.A.

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Arts and Sciences must complete 14-16 credit hours of foreign language.1
To complete the requirement, students need the equivalent of Elementary I and II in any language, plus one of the following options2:

  1. Intermediate I and II of the same language
  2. Elementary I and II of a second language
  3. Any combination of two courses from the following list:
  • Intermediate I of the same language
  • ARAB 21401
  • ASL 19401
  • CHIN 25421
  • MCLS 10001
  • MCLS 20001
  • MCLS 20091
  • MCLS 21417
  • MCLS 21420
  • MCLS 22217
  • MCLS 28403
  • MCLS 28404
1

All students with prior foreign language experience should take the foreign language placement test to determine the appropriate level at which to start. Some students may start beyond the Elementary I level and will complete the requirement with fewer credit hours and fewer courses. This may be accomplished by (1) passing a course beyond Elementary I through Intermediate II level; (2) receiving credit through one of the programs offered by Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State University; or (3) demonstrating comparable to Elementary II of a foreign language. When students complete the requirement with fewer than 14 credit hours and four courses, they will complete remaining credit hours with general electives.

2

Certain majors, concentrations and minors may require specific languages, limit the languages from which a student may choose or require coursework through Intermediate II. Students who plan to pursue graduate study may need particular language coursework.

Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
GEOG 17063
or GEOG 17064
WORLD GEOGRAPHY (DIVG) (KSS)
or GEOGRAPHY OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA (DIVD) (KSS)
3
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Core Requirement 3
Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Core Requirement 3
Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Core Requirement 3
Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Two
GEOG 21062 PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY (KBS) 3
GEOG 21063 PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
GEOG 22061 HUMAN GEOGRAPHY (DIVG) (KSS) 3
Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Core Requirement 3
Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Core Requirement 3
Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Three
ENVS 22070 NATURE AND SOCIETY (KSS) 3
GEOG 39070 MAPPING, SPACE AND POWER 3
Foreign Language 4
Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Core Requirement 3
General Elective 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Four
GEOG 49070 GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE 4
Foreign Language 4
General Electives 6
 Credit Hours14
Semester Five
GEOG 39002
or GEOG 40285
STATISTICAL METHODS IN GEOGRAPHY
or FIELD EXPERIENCE IN GEOGRAPHY
3
Geography (GEOG) Upper-Division Elective (30000 or 40000 level) 3
Foreign Language 3
General Electives 6
 Credit Hours15
Semester Six
Geography (GEOG) Upper-Division Elective (30000 or 40000 level) 3
Foreign Language 3
General Electives 9
 Credit Hours15
Semester Seven
Geography (GEOG) Upper-Division Electives (30000 or 40000 level) 9
General Electives 6
 Credit Hours15
Semester Eight
GEOG 40191
or GEOG 40199
SEMINAR IN GEOGRAPHY (ELR) (WIC)
or CAPSTONE IN APPLIED GEOGRAPHY (ELR) (WIC)
3
Geography (GEOG) Upper-Division Elective (30000 or 40000 level) 3
General Electives 7
 Credit Hours13
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:120
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Campus
Why Geography?

Find out more about our Geography program here.

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Geography - B.A.

Graduates of Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State’s Bachelor’s Degree in Geography are well-prepared for a variety of careers in fields such as urban planning, environmental management, geographic information systems, and transportation planning. The program’s focus on practical skills and interdisciplinary approaches equips students to address real-world issues, making them competitive candidates for roles such as cartographers, environmental analysts, and sustainability consultants. With a strong foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of geography, graduates are ready to contribute to effective solutions in community development, resource management, and policy-making.

Calibration technologists and technicians and engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other

2.1%

slower than the average

91,600

number of jobs

$64,190

potential earnings

Geographers

-1.2%

decline

1,600

number of jobs

$85,430

potential earnings

Geography teachers, postsecondary

2.9%

slower than the average

4,800

number of jobs

$82,330

potential earnings

Surveying and mapping technicians

0.7%

little or no change

58,400

number of jobs

$46,200

potential earnings

Cartographers and photogrammetrists

4.5%

about as fast as the average

12,000

number of jobs

$68,380

potential earnings

Urban and regional planners

11.0%

much faster than the average

39,700

number of jobs

$75,950

potential earnings

Social scientists and related workers, all other

0.8%

little or no change

38,800

number of jobs

$87,260

potential earnings

Social science research assistants

5.8%

faster than the average

40,100

number of jobs

$49,210

potential earnings

Social and community service managers

17.0%

much faster than the average

175,500

number of jobs

$69,600

potential earnings

Natural sciences managers

4.8%

about as fast as the average

71,400

number of jobs

$137,940

potential earnings

Forest and conservation technicians

0.6%

little or no change

21,200

number of jobs

$38,940

potential earnings

Forest and conservation workers

-0.5%

little or no change

13,200

number of jobs

$30,640

potential earnings

Environmental scientists and specialists, including health

7.8%

faster than the average

90,900

number of jobs

$73,230

potential earnings

Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers

4.9%

about as fast as the average

31,800

number of jobs

$93,580

potential earnings

Community and social service specialists, all other

11.7%

much faster than the average

105,200

number of jobs

$46,770

potential earnings

Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary

4.9%

about as fast as the average

13,400

number of jobs

$78,840

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' . Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.