The Undergraduate Program | Geography

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Undergraduate Program

Geography offers a unique perspective on many of today’s most important issues--from globalization, international development and ethnic conflict to environmental problems, population growth, and climate change. Its theories and methods provide analytical techniques applicable to a wide range of questions significant to a broad spectrum of occupations.

The Department of Geography provides students with the opportunity to enhance their analytical skills, gain a critical global perspective on resource issues and societal problems, obtain an appreciation of the significance of human-environment relations, and gain training in advanced computer-based techniques such as Geogaphic Information Systems (ESRI ArcGIS products, Idrisi analytical tools), web mapping (Google Map and Google Earth), and remote sensing (Erdas Imagine, ENVI).

We have three formal learning objectives for our undergraduate program:

Students will know and apply principal traditions of geographic inquiry: location, regions, place, scale, and human-environment interaction

Students will make appropriate use of methods for geographic inquiry to determine, to analyze, and to interpret spatial and temporal patterns and processes
Students will exercise critical thinking and demonstrate skill in written, oral, and graphic communication

The job market in Geography continues to be strong, offering a variety of employment opportunities in government, industry, and education. Government agencies recognize the quality of our undergraduate program, often seeking our students for employment. A Spring 2005 U.S. Department of Labor brochure highlights the numerous opportunities available for geography majors.The Association of American Geographers also has an excellent website on careers in the field.

The U.S. Department of Labor also notes that the geospatial industry (involving GIS, remote sensing, and GPS) will be one of the top three growth sectors in the future for the U.S. economy.

To learn more about the Geography major, there are two brochures to view. One is in regular format and the other is a tri-fold brochure. Both are in Adobe Acrobat format.

CHECKSHEETS

Below arelinks to the checksheets for your year of graduation. All are available in Adobe Acrobat format:

Geospatial and Environmental Analysis focuses on providing extensive skills in making and interpreting maps, Geographic Information Systems, and remote sensing. Students also gain competence in physical geography, which examines human-environment interactions and the processes affecting climate, land forms, vegetation, soils, and water. Click on your year of graduation (2010-2011, 2011-2012*) to access the checksheet in Adobe Acrobat format.

Culture, Regions, and International Development provides a geographic perspective on critical contemporary issues involving society, economy, and resources. Key themes include population and resources, land-use patterns, health and environment, the significance of location, and how the processes of globalization are transforming regions, countries, and localities. Click on your year of graduation (2010-2011, 2011-2012*) to access the checksheet in Adobe Acrobat format.

*2011-2012 sheets are not yet finally approved

GEOGRAPHY MINOR REQUIREMENTS

Click here to access the requirements for the Geography minor (Adobe Acrobat format).

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information on a major or minor in Geography, contact Maureen Deisinger (mdeising@vt.edu), Undergraduate Academic Adviser, 115 Major Williams, 231-6886.