Introduction

Geography explores the patterns and processes that shape the natural and human worlds.  Geography majors can specialize in four areas:  environmental geography; culture, politics and place; geographic information science; and geographic education. This page provides you with information on the requirements for completing a major in geography at UO.  It also suggests the types of employment offered in the field of geography. The Department of Geography offers a major that can lead to either a B.A. or a B.S. degree, and the choice depends on the individual interests of the student.

In addition to providing a broad background in the content, skills, and perspectives of the discipline, the geography major offers the opportunity to specialize in one of the following tracks:

• Environmental Geography (the physical environment and human interactions with it)
• Culture, Politics, and Place (cultural and political influences on geographical patterns and places)
• Geographic Information Science (mapping and data analysis)
• Geographic Education (preparation for teaching K-12 social studies)

Our lower division courses are open to any student at the University.  With the exception of GEOG. 143, Global Environmental Change, none of our lower division classes have prerequisites or require particular high school preparation.  Transfer students are encouraged to have completed these introductory classes at a community college or other college or university prior to declaring their major in geography. In addition, if you place high enough on the College Board exam in Advanced Placement Human Geography, you will be able to use this course to meet one of the classes required for the major.

A geography major at UO has led to employment in both the private and public sectors.  Here are a few job titles of positions held by recent UO geographers:

Aerial Photo Interpreter, Cartographer, Climatologist, Community Development Specialist, Demographer, Ecologist, Economic Development Analyst, Editorial Assistant, Environmental Analyst, Environmental Planner, Geographic Information Systems Analyst, Health Planner, Land Economist, Land Use Planner, Map Analyst, Map Editor, Medical Geographer, Mortgage Investment Analyst,  Political Analyst, Recreational Resources Manager, Regional Planner, Soil Conservationist, Surveyor, Teacher, Travel Agent, Transportation Planner, Trade Analyst, and Urban Planner.

For more information about employment in the field of geography, see the “Careers in Geography” section on the web page of the Association of American Geographers (http://www.aag.org).

Major Requirements

The Geography major requires a minimum of 48 credits in geography (or specifically noted Environmental      Studies or Math) courses. At least 10 courses (40 credits) must be taken in geography core subjects and at least two elective courses are required in a chosen geography track (8 credits). At least eight Geography courses must be taken for a letter grade. A grade of C- or better (or P (pass)) is required in each course, and a GPA of 2.25 or better is required in courses used for the major.

General Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Geography

Bachelor of Science.  All Geography majors seeking a B.S. degree will be required to complete any math sequence that satisfies the University’s math requirement for a B.S. degree.  Math classes must be passed with a grade of at least C- or P.  For the Environmental Geography Track we recommend either a statistics sequence or a calculus sequence.  For the Geographic Information Science Track, we recommend a computer programming sequence 

Bachelor of Arts.  All Geography majors seeking a B.A. degree must demonstrate proficiency in a second language either by passing the third quarter of a second-year university language course with a grade of C- or better or by an examination indicating an equivalent level of proficiency.

If you are considering applying to graduate school in the future, we strongly recommended that you complete both the math and language requirements.

Group Requirements

All undergraduates must satisfy group requirements. For details see Group Requirements in the Registration and Academic Policies section of the UO Catalog.  Geography majors should consult the Geography Department undergraduate advisor to determine which group-satisfying courses best support their major.

Specific Course Requirements and Geography Major Checklists

All Geography majors must complete three introductory courses, one regional or synthesis course, two techniques classes, two physical geography classes, two human geography classes, and two track classes, as listed below.  Note that a single course may fulfill only one core requirement or track.

Introductory Geography -- 12 credits.  All three (3) introductory courses are required.   The Natural Environment (GEOG 141), Human Geography (GEOG 142), and Global Environmental Change (GEOG 143).

Regional/Synthetic Geography -- 4 credits. Any one (1) course selected from World Regional Geography (GEOG 201), Geography of Europe (GEOG 202), Geography of Russia and Neighbors (GEOG 204), Geography of Pacific Asia (GEOG 205), Geography of Oregon (GEOG 206), Geography of the United States and Canada (GEOG 208), Geography of the Middle East and North Africa (GEOG 209), Geography of Latin America (GEOG 214), Watershed Science and Policy (GEOG 360), Advanced Geography of European-American Regions (GEOG 470), North American Historical Landscapes (GEOG 471), Advanced Geography of Non-European-American Regions (GEOG 475), Introduction to Environmental Studies:  Social Sciences (ENVS 201).

Techniques for Geographers -- 8 credits. Any two (2) courses selected from Cartographic Methods (GEOG 311), Geographic Field Studies (GEOG 313), Practicum (GEOG409)(with faculty advisor approval), Advanced Cartography (GEOG 411), Advanced Geographic Data Analysis (GEOG 414), Qualitative Methods in Geography (GEOG 415), Introductory Geographic Information Systems (GEOG 416), Fundamentals of Remote Sensing (GEOG 418), Advanced Geographic Information Systems (GEOG 472), Statistical Methods I (MATH 425).

Physical Geography -- 8 credits. Any two (2) courses selected from Climatology (GEOG 321), Geomorphology (GEOG 322), Biogeography (GEOG 323), Advanced Climatology (GEOG 421), Advanced Geomorphology (GEOG 422), Advanced Biogeography (GEOG 423), Hydrology and Water Resources (GEOG 425), Fluvial Geomorphology (GEOG 427), Long-Term Environmental Change (GEOG 430), Vegetation History and Ecosystem Dynamics (GEOG 431), Climatological Aspects of Global Change (GEOG 432).

Human Geography -- 8 credits. Any two (2) courses selected from Population and Environment (GEOG 341), Geography of Globalization (GEOG 342), Society, Culture, and Place (GEOG 343), Political Geography (GEOG 441), Urban Geography (GEOG 442), Culture, Ethnicity, and Nationalism (GEOG 445), Geography of Religion (GEOG 446), Environmental Alteration (GEOG 461), Historical and Contemporary Views of the Environment (GEOG 462), Geography, Law and Environment (GEOG 463), Forests and Human Experience (GEOG 464), Environment and Development (GEOG 465), North American Historical Landscapes (GEOG 471), Perspectives in Nature and Society, ENVS 420 (if taught by Peter Walker), Political Ecology, ENVS 450 (if taught by Peter Walker).

Track Electives -- 8 credits.  Two (2) additional 400-level courses chosen within one of four tracks:

• Environmental Geography (B.A. or B.S.): Any two of GEOG 414, 421, 422, 423, 425, 427, 430, 431, 432, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465.
• Culture, Politics and Place (B.A.): Any two of GEOG 441, 442, 445, 446, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 471. 
• Geographic Information Science (B.S.): Any two of GEOG 411, 414, 415, 416, 418, 472.
• Geographic Education (B.S. with foreign language recommended; B.A. accepted): Any two of GEOG**, 441, 442, 445, 462, 470, 471, 475 or other upper division classes with advisor approval. (**441 approved for Geog Ed track only if major was declared by Fall 2006)

Note that GEOG 407 (Seminar) and 410 (Experimental Course) or other upper division classes with advisor's approval may also count towards any course category. Check with an advisor to see if a particular class qualifies.  Note also that it is possible to create an independent track with the approval of a department advisor. 

Honors Programs

Students with GPAs of 3.6 or higher in courses used for the major, plus any other GEOG courses, earn Department Honors.

The Clark Honors College student majoring in geography must design a course of study in consultation with a major adviser in geography.

The University of Oregon offers a Professional Distinctions Program which enables students with a 3.0 GPA and at least 60 credits to enhance their undergraduate experience with a set of skills and knowledge that complements their majors. Geography majors should look into getting a distinction (area of interest) in Data Analysis or Geographic Information Science and Technology. 

See:  https://uodistinctions.uoregon.edu/distinctions/distinctions.asp

Minor Requirements

To complete the Geography minor, students must take at least six courses (24 credits) in Geography, including one regional or techniques course, one upper-division physical course, and one upper-division human course.  At least 16 credit hours in Geography must be taken for a letter grade, and a grade of C- or better (or P (pass)) is required in all Geography courses. 

Double Major

Many Geography students also complete another major.  This may be done in any field of the student's choice.

One of the most common double majors is Geography with Environmental Studies or Environmental Science.  These make an excellent combination because they both offer grounding in the physical and human systems within which environmental issues are situated in a larger global context.  A double major in Geography and Environmental Studies or Environmental Science will help deepen an understanding of the earth's human and environmental systems. 

Middle and Secondary School Teaching

The College of Education offers a fifth-year program for middle-secondary teaching licensure in social studies.  See Susan Hardwick to learn more about the Geographic Education track or contact the College of Education Teacher Licensing Office.  More information about becoming a teacher is available at the Education in Geography (EDGE) web site.

Internships in Geographical Techniques

Internships are unpaid off-campus work experiences involving approximately ten hours of work per week. Students receive up to four credits in one term, and internships may be extended to a second term with prior approval. Interns use geographic techniques in the service of government, private industry, or non-governmental organizations. Internships are initiated by the student or may come at the suggestion of a faculty member or the request of an employer. Past interns have worked in the Eugene City Planning Department, the National Forest Service, Lane County Soil Conservation District, and many other agencies and organizations.  Check with Professor Nelson or Professor Lobben for more information.

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last update:  28 February 2008 11:56 AM