Interpret.
Geography is an integrative discipline that describes and examines the earth and the relationships between the natural and human environments. Planning is the profession that uses geography to manage the growth, development, and decline of cities and regions where people live.
The Geography and Planning Department provides its students with close individual attention and innovative, hands-on experience in the classroom and in the field.
We offer two different undergraduate degrees, a B.A. in geography and a B.S. in planning, as well as minors in geography, planning, meteorology and climatology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and peace.
By studying geography and planning you'll learn how to:
- Collect and analyze soil, water, and air samples
- Conduct an environmental impact assessment
- Use computerized geographic tools including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
- Use economic geography knowledge to work in different fields including, but are not limited to, international business, marketing, tourism, real estate, and urban and regional planning
- Develop and present weather forecasts
- Apply weather and climate theory to address real world issues
- Plan distribution and collection systems for water, electricity, oil, natural gas, storm runoff, and sewage
- Interpret maps, air photographs, and satellite images
- Develop plans to meet transportation and housing needs
- Provide assistance in local and regional development
