Geography, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science

Geography is an all-encompassing discipline that involves the interdisciplinary study of places and the relationships between people and their environment from a spatial perspective. As an academic subject, it includes the study of both the physical or natural environment, as well as the cultural world within which we live. Thus, geographers focus on understanding climates, landforms, vegetation, soils and water, yet also study urban areas, international affairs, population, economics, public health, transportation, religion, language, and other human-related phenomena. Geography also entails the use and application of a host of geospatial tools and technologies as a means to study the aforementioned subject matter, including geographic information science (GIS), remote sensing, global positioning systems (GPS), computer cartography, and web-based mapping. For an individual curious about the world, and their place in it, few disciplines satisfy that curiosity as much as geography.

Coursework

At Sam Houston State University, geography majors can choose to focus their studies around one of two concentrations:

Environment, Culture and Development
For students interested in the interdisciplinary study of physical and human environments, including physical geography, population, culture, conservation of natural resources, hydrology, race & ethnicity, urbanization, transportation, environmental sustainability, tourism, and sustainable development. This concentration is available as a BA or BS degree.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
For students interested in developing advanced skills with technologies such as remote sensing, GIS, computer cartography, digital image processing, and global positioning systems (GPS). The concentration is available as a BS degree.

Minors

Students should select a minor that suits their interests and career goals. Suggested minors include, but are not limited to, GSS (geospatial science), geology, education, community engagement, economics, sociology, history, international business, military science, political science, or foreign language.

Field Studies

Geography students have opportunities to participate in field study and/or travel courses across a variety of locations that directly immerse them within processes and concepts learned in the classroom. Past locations have included the Mississippi Delta, Hawaii, Thailand, Spain, Morocco, Brazil, Cuba, and Ecuador. In addition, many geography courses available on campus incorporate a variety of field activities and/or trips to local field sites that offer hands-on experience. 

Careers in Geography

• Urban and regional planning/local government
• GIS analyst/programmer
• Environmental consulting/emergency management
• Geoscientist/geo-technician
• Hydrologists
• Forestry/pipe-line management
• Location analyst
• State climatologist
• Public health consultant
• Community activist
• Education/teaching

Or continue your education with a graduate degree.

Program Breakdown