Geography BS, GIScience Specialization

This GIScience specialization recognizes the increasing importance of spatial information in understanding and managing environmental and human systems, providing majors training in the processing, display, and analysis of geographical data. Students develop familiarity with the theoretical underpinnings of spatial analytical tools and techniques as well as their application to real-world problems. Issues pertaining to the collection, management, analysis, and dissemination of spatial information are covered through courses in GIS, aerial photo interpretation, remote sensing, and quantitative analysis. Graduates of the program will be well-prepared for employment as managers and analysts of spatial information, including positions in business, governmental agencies, and private consulting, as well as graduate study and advanced professional certification.

Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate improved familiarity with the basic geography of the Earth, especially the distribution of countries, major cities, and key physical features.
• Demonstrate improved familiarity with the discipline’s vocabulary, concepts and themes.
• Demonstrate improved critical thinking ability with respect to the interactions of human systems and physical systems, the networks of intra-and inter-national interdependence, and the manner in which human and physical systems modify each other and control the Earth’s surface and resources.
• Effectively prepared by the Department of Geography for future careers.