Students can obtain either a Bachelor of Arts in Geography or a Bachelor of Science degree. The BA focuses on the social and behavioral aspects of geography, and is suitable for those students who are interested in understanding human experience as it relates to the physical aspects of our world. The BS gives students insight into the physical and environmental features of the Earth. Students in both degree programs learn descriptive and analytical skills, such as statistical analysis and cartography.
Any bachelor's degree in geography requires common core courses to introduce all areas of geography. Courses in physical geography and human geography introduce the social and the physical aspects of geography, and courses in geospatial technology introduce the technological side of the subject. All geographers need an understanding of basic research methods, both in the field and on the computer. In addition, study of a region other than the U.S. provides a breadth of geographical knowledge. Elective courses in fields such as anthropology, computer information systems, history and environmental studies will complement the knowledge obtained in the geography core courses. A second language is valuable for geographers planning to work abroad.
Concentrations or specializations within a Bachelor of Arts geography degree focus on our social and behavioral interactions with the Earth. An environmental concentration will include courses on climate and the biosphere, as well as on the political geography of globalization, and use of the Earth's resources. Students study topics within social and cultural geography, such as economic and pollution geography, in addition to health and regional development. A developmental studies concentration includes urban growth and development courses. Other areas of specialization in the BA degree are urban and regional planning and travel and tourism.
The main specialization within this degree is physical geography. Students learn about the biosphere and the changing global and regional climates. They study the landscape as well as geomorphology. A concentration in geographic information science introduces geographic information systems and their use in cartography as well as in spatial analysis and modeling. A water, land and society specialization involves the student in the study of both the physical and political aspects of the production, ownership and distribution of water. It also focuses on environmental and resource geography.