Academic Programs / Majors

Geography

Program Details

• Major: Geography
• Degree Program: Geography
• Program Web Site
• Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
• Degree Designation: Bachelor's (B.A.)

Program Description

Geography matters! In resource management, business, urban planning, and information technology, geography is essential for location and environmental decision-making.

Geographers are especially concerned about the type of society we build and how human activities shape community, regional, and national landscapes. Information about human-environmental relations is gathered and analyzed from a variety of sources to develop geographic knowledge and understanding.

Courses in the Geography Program at West Virginia University develop critical thinking skills in writing and teach students how to use the most advanced computer technologies.

For qualified students, there is a departmental Honors program, which begins either the second semester of the junior year or the first semester of the senior year and ends with the completion of a senior thesis. Entry requires at least a 3.3 cumulative grade point average.

To graduate with a bachelor of arts in geography, a student must complete a minimum of 33 credit hours in geography, comprising a core curriculum and electives that provide specialized training. Among the core courses are introductory classes in human, physical, and world regional geography. After they are completed, students may specialize in one of four areas: geographic information science (GIS); planning and development; natural resources and the environment; and international area studies. In addition, students may design their own programs with faculty approval.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) encompasses digital mapping, geographic information processing and analysis, remote sensing, global positioning systems, and related topics. Students may add statistical and computer-oriented analysis and modeling, and technical and managerial issues of GIS in their course work. The Department houses the state GIS Technical Center, in addition to computer facilities for teaching and research. Practical experience is available through various University research projects or internships with state and local agencies. Additional recommended courses are in computer science, statistics, mathematics, and resource economics.

The Planning and Regional Development focus gives students the skills and knowledge to participate in the social processes that influence contemporary rural, urban, and regional systems. Issues studied include community development, land use planning, urban revitalization, and third world development. Students are also encouraged to participate in a planning internship.

The interaction between Natural Resources and the Environment in both developed and developing regions is the focus of the third option. Students interested in problems concerning the environmental impact of economic activity, conservation of natural resources, and strategies for sustainable development should concentrate in this area. The curriculum may include course work in biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, and/or political science.

When concentrating in the International Studies option, majors may specialize in one or more regions of the world and gain a basic background in international economic, political, and cultural relationships. The program has a special relationship with southern and western Africa. Global issues including colonialism, nationalism, development, international cooperation and trade, and multinational corporations are examined.

Career Profile

The number of geographers finding employment has expanded rapidly in the last few years because of the rise of GIS. Job candidates can expect to encounter keen competition, so skills development and flexibility are important. Many Geography graduates will find good employment opportunities in areas outside social science, often in jobs that are related to social science where their research, information technology, communication, and quantitative skills can be put to good use. Prospects generally are better for students who have had opportunities in nonacademic settings, such as through the internship program. Government agencies, health and social service organizations, marketing, research and consulting firms, and a wide range of businesses seek geography graduates, although often in jobs with titles unrelated to their academic discipline. Geographers face stiff competition for academic positions. However, the growing importance and popularity of social science subjects in secondary schools is strengthening the demand for social science teachers at this level.

English Language Proficiency

All applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency. WVU accepts either the TOEFL or the IELTS for this purpose. Please see Office of Admissions - English Language Proficiency for more information.

Apply Now

Prospective students should apply online at:
apply.wvu.edu.

Accreditation

WVU is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.