Nov 16, 2024

2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Geography, Specialization in Geographic Information Systems, B.A.

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Geography is the study of human activity, and the environment it takes place in, as it varies across space. Thus, geographers analyze the complex interactions that take place between people, culture, society, and place, and they investigate the impacts that people have on the natural world as well as our responses to environmental change caused by natural factors and human activity. Geographers create maps that illustrate these relationships by using geospatial analysis techniques and technologies (such as geographic information systems) that utilize a wide range of data that are either remotely sensed or collected at the earth’s surface. Because of the wide scope of geography, the discipline is strongly linked with fields in the social sciences, natural sciences, computing, and business.

Learning in the Discipline

The Geography major integrates the study of interactions that take place between people, culture, society and place with the acquisition of data analysis and geospatial technology skills. Students who successfully complete the Geography people will develop the ability to:

Analyze and compare spatial phenomena and the underlying processes that shape them.
Examine and understand human-environment interactions and their impacts at various spatial and temporal scales.
Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills related to geographic knowledge.
Use geospatial technologies to integrate, manage, process, analyze and visualize spatial and statistical data.

Experiential and Applied Learning

Through completion of an internship or engagement in undergraduate research, all Geography majors will develop the ability to:

Effectively collaborate on projects and exhibit professional judgment, responsibility and dependability.
Students who choose the undergraduate research option will also develop the ability to:
Conduct a research project that incorporates a sound research plan, appropriate methods of data collection and analysis, and effective communication of results.
Upon completion of this degree, graduates will be prepared for employment in an area that requires analytic and geospatial technology skills or for graduate studies that focus more narrowly on one or more geographic sub-disciplines.

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialization is appropriate for students who have a strong interest in the use of geographic information systems to analyze, visualize, query, and interpret spatial and non-spatial data. Besides mapping our environment more accurately, GIS allows us to ask and answer spatial questions and solve problems using “what-if” scenarios. Upon completion of this degree, graduates will be prepared for applied GIS careers in areas such as information technology, government (military, intelligence, census), urban planning, health care, emergency management, the environment and business or for graduate studies that focus on more narrowly on GIS applications, research, design, and production of GIS technology.

Students pursing the GIS specialization in Geography must maintain a grade of “C” or higher in the Core, Specialization, and Major Electives requirements.

BG Perspective (BGP) Requirements

Must complete at least 1 course in each of the following:

English Composition and Oral Communication
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Quantitative Literacy
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Must Complete at least 2 courses in each of the following:

Humanities and the Arts
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Natural Sciences - at least one Lab Science required
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Social and Behavioral Sciences
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Complete total required BGP credit hours by selecting courses from any of the above categories:

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University Requirements

Designated courses in Humanities and the Arts and the Social and Behavioral Sciences domains may be used to fulfill both the BGP requirement and one of the following university requirements:

Cultural Diversity in the US ____________
International Perspective ____________

Composition Requirement:
WRIT 1120

Total BGP Credits: Must be at least 36

Arts & Sciences Requirements (WLC)

World Languages and Cultures (_ yrs of HS___)

Consult the Undergraduate Catalog or the Arts and Sciences Student Handbook regarding approved course options in the different language and culture areas.
________1010_________________   ________
________1020_________________   ________
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Lab Science

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Multidisciplinary Component

Select from approved offerings, in consultation with an advisor and a faculty mentor. Four courses total, each with a different subject prefix. At least two courses at 3000/4000 level. Courses applied to the Arts & Sciences MDC may not be used to fulfill other Arts and Sciences degree requirements, nor may they be used to fulfill major, minor, BGP or other program requirements.
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Major Requirements

No Minor Required

Grade of “C” or higher required for all Core, Specialization, and Major Elective requirements.

Geography Core Requirements

(25-26 Hours)

Geographic Information Systems Specialization

(18 Hours)

Required Courses

(9 Hours)

Electives

(9 Hours)

Choose Three From The List Below:

Total Hours: 55-56

Major Electives

(12 Hours)

Any GEOG or SEES course not applied to the Geography Core Requirement and GEOG courses not applied to the Geographic Information Systems Specialization Electives can fulfill the Major Electives requirement

Electives and Non-Credit Courses

For Graduation You Will Need:

122 credit hours minimum.
Minimum GPA 2.00.
At least 30 credit hours of BGSU course work.
40 credit hours at the 3000/4000 level.
Completion of all degree requirements, including the BG Perspective Core.
A major, and if required, a minor, specialization or emphasis.

Any substitution or waiver of courses required for your major or minor program must originate in the department/school offering the major or minor and must be approved by the College Office.

To ensure a timely graduation, see a College Advisor during the semester prior to your intended graduation.

Remember to complete an Application for Graduation by the end of the second week of classes during the fall semester or spring regular session, or by the end of the first week of the summer semester. For the specific dates, check your DARS. You may log onto MyBGSU to complete the online application. After the deadlines, you will need to complete an application in person in the College Office.