Major Improvements

The Department of Geography is pleased to announce the final approval of four new concentrations in geography at BSU. After an extensive process of internal review, external review, further internal discussion, and working with campus-wide governance and Academic Affairs, we are pleased to announce that all newly declared majors will have four options, each tailored to particular facets of the intellectual and professional life of geographers.

Mandela Fellows from throughout Africa visiting the department's
EarthView and Africa floor map.
Map & photo: BSU alum Kevin Bean.

As in the past, all of our majors will complete a common set of course requirements, which serves to provide a common grounding in the discipline and ample opportunity to develop professional and personal connections with other geographers. All four concentrations also require study of a foreign language through the equivalent of a third-semester course.

The concentrations are: 

BS, Applied Geography

This concentration meets the needs of students seeking careers in government, business and non-profit organizations and for students who wish to pursue a graduate degree in geography. An appropriate sequence of courses enables students to acquire a geographic perspective and the spatial interdependence of human and environmental phenomena.

BS, Environmental Sustainability and Climate Resilience 

This concentration prepares students seeking careers related to environmental policy, climate change or urban planning and in pursuit of graduate degrees in geography. Emphasis is on social-science based understanding of climate change issues, climate justice, policy, mitigation and adaptation, as well as environmental issues and environmental policies and a foundational understanding of physical geography and climatology. Students will address the vulnerability that communities, states and countries currently have with regards to the environmental consequences of climate change. An appropriate sequence of courses enables students to acquire an appreciation of the challenges engaging in and communicating sustainable solutions and climate resiliency.

BA, Geography and International Development

This concentration offers a balanced view of political, economic, social and cultural connections. Policy and geographic advantages and disadvantages impact citizens’ economic well-being and quality of life. In its broadest scope, development includes advances in social justice (such as women’s and minority rights, education and access to healthcare), and in economic progress (such as equitable distribution of income, access to employment opportunities and improvements to infrastructure). The degree offers exceptional preparation in the human-environmental framework of geography toward a critical worldview for anyone considering a career in globally-connected non-profit groups, non-governmental organization, or US or foreign government agencies or businesses effecting change on local, regional and national development problems.

BA, Geography for Educators

This concentration combine rigorous preparation in human, physical and regional geography with coursework that focuses on the cultivation of geographically-informed learners. although its roots are found in ancient Greece, geography is an ideal way to learn about the modern world. Students of geography practice both a social science and a natural science, while learning to use mapping and geoprocessing to better understand and communicate about local,regional or global problems. As a broad, integrative discipline, geography is ideal preparation for classroom teachers, including generalists in the lower grades and social studies or earth science teachers in higher grades. Students who wish to be elementary teachers are required to double major in Elementary Education. Students should also refer to the Educator Preparation and Licensure Policies and Procedures section of the catalog for specific licensure and major requirements.

Lagniappe

The department has also recently proposed new academic minors; these have also been approved by university governance and will soon be published. Watch this space, the course catalog, and Degree Works for details.