Geography
Undergraduate Programs
Description
Geography studies the relationships and interactions between people and our environment, and it uses cutting-edge geospatial technologies to solve real-world problems. Geospatial technologies provide students with skills in high demand in the workforce including: GIS – Geographic Information Systems, GPS - Global Positioning Systems, Satellite Remote Sensing, and Computer Cartography. To understand both environment and people, geography offers in-depth study in both. Environmental and physical geography studies weather, climate, soils, rivers, landforms, and natural resources. Cultural geography explores our society, including: development, economy, energy, migration, population, policy, and religion. Programs offered by the department provide background and training that enable students to enter careers in the public and private sectors, as well as prepare them for graduate study.
Majors |
Program | Locations | Major / Total Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geography BA | BA - Bachelor of Arts |
|
40 / 120 |
| Geography BS | BS - Bachelor of Science |
|
32 / 120 |
| Geospatial Science BS | BS - Bachelor of Science |
|
48 / 120 |
Certificates |
Program | Locations | Major / Total Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geographic Information Science GISc CERT |
|
19 / 19 |
Minors |
Program | Locations | Total Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geography Minor |
|
19 |
Policies & Faculty
Policies
Admission to Major. Admission to major is granted by the department. Contact the department for application procedures.
GPA Policy. A GPA of 2.0 or higher in a major or minor in Geography is required for graduation.
Pass/No Credit Policy. P/N grading will be accepted in the major only for GEOG 401: Colloquium, and GEOG 497: Internship, and GEOG 409: Selected Topics at the instructor's discretion. All other courses must be taken for letter grades. All courses for the minor must be taken for letter grades.
Combined Bachelors and MS GISc Program. Current undergraduate students interested in pursuing the Master of Science in Geographical Information Science (MS GISc) degree may be granted permission to double count up to 12 credits of GISc classes from the "Restricted Electives" list of MS GISc program toward both the undergraduate and the MS GISc program. To apply for this option, students must have completed their sophomore year, have and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0, and declare their intent to complete the graduate program following the completion of the baccalaureate degree. If accepted, students must obtain special permission to register for double counted courses and will receive graduate student credit when the undergraduate degree has been conferred and they have been fully admitted to the MS GISc program. Please contact the department for detailed information.
Contact Information
206 Morris Hall
Department of Geography
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
https://hss.mnsu.edu/academic-programs/geography/
Faculty
Chair
- Fei Yuan, Ph.D.
Faculty
100 Level
Credits: 3
An introduction to Geography and its themes of study. The course will familiarize students with where places are located in the world together with their cultural and physical features. Students will be tasked to think critically and diversely about various cultures and features of the modern world.Prerequisites: none
Goal Areas: GE-08, GE-10
Diverse Cultures: Purple
Credits: 4
An introduction to the science of understanding earth's physical environment, with focus on the processes that drive fundamental earth systems. Includes investigation of natural hazards, earth-sun relationships, climate and climate change, weather, flora and fauna, soil, landforms, and surfaces processes driven by rivers, glaciers, wind, rock decay, gravity. North American and world-wide examples are used to demonstrate spatial distribution and interrelationships. Some coverage of human-environmental relations.Prerequisites: none
Goal Areas: GE-03, GE-10
Credits: 3
This course will introduce students to the diverse physical, social, environmental, economic, political, and cultural aspects of the major regions and countries of the world. Students will gain knowledge of the similarities and differences in the cultural and natural environments in various regions. Other areas introduced in this course will be the significance of each major region at the global scale; relationships between regions and their population; and ways and means by which people live their lives in diverse societies.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Cultural aspects of interactions between people and their environment focusing on spatial patterns of population, agriculture, politics, language, religion, industrialization, and urbanization. Emphasis is placed on the processes that create the cultural landscape and on management of land and natural resources.Prerequisites: none
Goal Areas: GE-05, GE-08
Diverse Cultures: Purple
Credits: 3
This non-lab gateway course introduces geospatial thinking, scientific theories and cutting-edge technologies in Geospatial Science (GISc) through lectures and hands-on activities. It focuses on field data collection, space and ground based sensors, satellite imagery, aerial photography, LiDAR, digital mapping, data visualization, and geoanalytics. It prepares students for higher-level courses such as Cartography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, and the Global Positioning System (GPS). Students will learn how to solve problem with a variety of geospatial science methods. Topics include interrelationships between environmental, economic and cultural systems, social and ecological dimensions of health, and natural resource issues.Prerequisites: none
Goal Areas: GE-03, GE-10
200 Level
Credits: 3
Introduction to the concepts of landscape and place in a variety of geographical writings. Emphasizes works with strong regional overtones. The interaction between the physical and cultural environments is paramount. Field observation and integrating imagery into original student writing documents is also addressed.Prerequisites: none
Goal Areas: GE-10
Credits: 4
An examination of the processes involved in weather formation. Students will be introduced to weather map analysis, simple forecasting and observational techniques, and weather instruments.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1-3
An assignment that is tailored to individual needs of a student. The instructor and the student arrange the type of project for the student, such as a term paper, readings, mapping, field investigation, or computer cartography.Prerequisites: Consent
300 Level
Credits: 4
An examination of the underlying causes of natural disasters occurring over the globe. Focus will be primarily upon weather and climate related disasters. Students will also be exposed to concepts of plate tectonics and how these affect the distribution of earthquakes and volcanism over the planet.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 4
This course explores the scientific study of earth's surface, through investigating landscapes and landforms, their characteristics, origin and evolution, and the biologic, chemical, and physical processes that create these landscapes and landforms through time. Fundamental linkages between process and form and climate/climate change, earth materials, geologic structures, plate tectonics, and biological systems will be examined. Implications of anthropogenic influences on processes and modification of earth's surface will also be assessed. Laboratory exercises and field trips are required.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Students will develop a knowledge of the similarities and contrasts in regional landscapes and cultures of the United States.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
The course involves the natural and human environments of Minnesota. The physical resources, population history, and current issues are emphasized.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This is a hands-on, exercise-based GIS for Law Enforcement course analyzing the contemporary realities of the spatial and geographic aspects of crime. Students acquire practical tools necessary to conduct effective mapping and spatial analyses of crime using GIS software. Lab activities are designed to benefit those working with public safety and emergency response systems.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 4
The lecture material addresses map projections, technology changes in production, basic analysis and depiction of quantitative point, line and areal data. Also, the evaluation of maps and the history of cartography from a European, Oriental, and American Indian perspective is discussed. All maps are drawn using computer assistance.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 4
The course will be an introduction to the analysis of spatial data using the concept of a geographic information system (GIS). Content of the course will be, to a great extent, based on the NCGIA core curriculum with assignments tailored to the data and software available within the department such as ArcGIS.Prerequisites: none
400 Level
Credits: 1
Overview of geographic work, interests, and research by guest speakers.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1-4
The instructor will develop a specific course on a geographic topic, such as soils, landforms, water resources, energy, housing, population geography, or some other topic for the class.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
The characteristics of particular climates and understanding the factors that control their spatial distribution.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 4
This course examines the dynamic nature of soils including the processes that control formation and degradation, anthropogenic impacts, spatial distribution across landscapes, and links among soils and other components of the earth system. A combination of lectures and hands-on exercises in field and laboratory settings are utilized to explore the complex interactions between soils and landscapes.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 4
Meteorological principles and theory are applied to the analysis and interpretation of weather data in order to better understand the structure and evolution of synoptic-scale weather systems. Basic knowledge of mathematics will be assumed.Prerequisites: GEOG 217
Credits: 4
This course examines basic concepts and components of soils, factors that influence formation and degradation, soil as a natural resource for ecosystems and societies, and the importance of soil conservation to restore functions that reduce erosion, improve water quality and quantity, mitigate climate change, enhance biodiversity, and increase agricultural productivity to feed an expanding population. Students will gain hands-on experience in field and laboratory settings to assess soil quality and quantity, investigate site-specific and landscape-scale impacts to soils, and develop management strategies to protect and improve soils in urban and agricultural systems.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course analyzes the distribution and concentration of plants and animals throughout the world. Emphasis is placed on the role of evolution, tectonics, and physical barriers to the distribution and migration of species. Special emphasis is placed on the role of humans in the modern redistribution of species.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 4
This course examines the natural processes that operate on our planet and shape the landscape presently. This will be done through a focus on applied exercises, measurements and direct/indirect observations. Through applied projects students will have an understanding of how these processes interact within a variety of Earth Systems.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 4
An in-depth investigation into fluvial systems including sediment transport, sediment budget analysis, channel geometry/morphology, drainage basin analysis, geomorphic evolution of fluvial landscapes, hydrology (i.e., runoff generation and channel formation, storm hydrograph and flood analysis, discharge measurements) of fluvial systems, and effects of anthropogenic modification and use of fluvial systems. Registration with completed prereqs or instructor consent.Prerequisites: Either Geog 101 or Geol 121 and Geog 315 or 415 are recommended. Or instructor consent.
Credits: 4
An interdisciplinary investigation into Quaternary environmental/climatic change and the impact of change on the behavior and evolution of humans. This course has three segments: 1) An examination of natural systems responsible for climatic change, the impact climatic fluctuations have on Earth systems, timing of Quaternary changes, evidence of climatic/environmental change from spatially distant, climatically distinct environments; 2) Investigation into worldwide evidence of human evolution, global dispersion, and adaptation to environmental systems; 3) Introduction into various methodological approaches in Quaternary archeologic, geomorphic, and climatic studies. Focus is on proxy records used for climate/environmental reconstruction, archeologic/geomorphic field methods, geochronologic dating methods.Prerequisites: Either GEOG 101 or ANTH 210; We strongly encourage students to take GEOG 315 before enrolling. Geol 121 can be substituted for GEOG 101 with instructor permission.
Credits: 3
Survey of natural resources emphasizing energy, minerals, soils, fisheries, and water resources. Also addresses timber, wetlands, and wildlife on public and private lands.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Examines national and international economic geographical order and trade activities. Topics include economic development, competition, international trade, and impacts on the environment and people.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course will introduce students to the multidimensional causes of human migration including immigrant and refugee populations, and their consequences for societies around the world. Students will gain knowledge on the trends and patterns of global migration across diverse geographic, socio-economic, and cultural regions. Additionally, the course will address contemporary issues like migrant and refugee categories; globalization and migrant labor in the economy; role of the state in migration processes; migration policies; migrant identities (race, class, gender, age, citizenship); and migrant rights as they relate to issues of equity and inclusion.Prerequisites: none
Diverse Cultures: Purple
Credits: 3
Hypotheses and generalization related to urban functions, structure, land use, distribution, growth, and sometimes decline. Emphasis will be mostly on the United States' urban places.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Introduction to theoretical frameworks for analyzing processes of economic, environmental, and social change in rural regions. Includes basic and advanced geographical principles and techniques for studying non-urban areas. Designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for carrying out research projects on rural environments.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Spatial problems and structure of governments, focusing on countries of the world and their geographic internal order. Covers such topics as boundary problems, strategic locations, and geopolitical explanations of international and internal relations and conflicts.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Concepts and theories concerning global and national social problems and the significance of geographic analytic methods for social research. Study of factors related to variations in regional standards of living.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 4
Four major sets of ideas will be covered: (1) Introduction to Spatial Organization, (2) Network Analysis, (3) Allocation Methods, and (4) Urban Transportation. The emphasis is on these approaches to understanding the geography of transport by description, explanation, and normative or optimal methods.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1-4
Various excursions to study physical and cultural landscapes inside and outside of Minnesota.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Regional geography covering the ecological and human environment of Middle and South America, including the Caribbean. Students can pick specific topics to study in detail. The geographic relations between the USA and Latin America are also covered.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Students will develop a knowledge of the environmental, cultural, historical, and economic geographies of Canada. Readings of bestselling fiction and scholarly works written by Canadians will provide a Canadian perspective on the nation's past, present, and future.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Cultural, environmental, and economic background of Europe west of Russia and Ukraine. Following a general geographic survey, the course will cover major regions and countries.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Examines the physical and human environments of eastern Asia, mainly China, Korea and Japan. The class will be assisted by visual sources and hands-on use of primary documents.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 4
This course covers the basic strategies for field mapping using data acquired from global positioning systems (GPS).Prerequisites: GEOG 373 or equivalent
Credits: 4
Comprehensive examination of GIS for manipulation and analysis of spatially-referenced data, including data structure and organization, input and output problems, data management, and strategies for analytical work.Prerequisites: GEOG 373
Credits: 4
This is an introductory course on theories and techniques of remote sensing. Focus will be placed on providing students with a general overview of the application of remote sensing to practical problems, and hands-on experience for image processing and analysis.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 4
This course will introduce students to the fundamental knowledge and techniques of open-source GIS and geospatial data analysis. Students will learn the basic and advanced GIS functions in QGIS, a popular open-source GIS with advanced capabilities. The major topics that will be covered include open source GIS data standards; working with projections and available GIS data; making maps in QGIS; spatial and attribute data query, editing, and manipulation; multi-criteria overlay analysis; raster image styling and analysis; 3D and terrain analysis; spatial pattern analysis; spatial interpolation; automating map creation and complex workflows using processing models; customize and extend QGIS.Prerequisites: GEOG 373, GEOG 474
Credits: 3
Descriptive statistics, probability, hypothesis testing, introduction to non-parametric statistics, correlation, introduction to regression analysis, spatial statistics, and principles of data representation in graphs and tables.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1-3
This offering will include a variety of selected technical topics in geography, including but not necessarily limited to manual cartographic drafting and negative scribing, photomechanical techniques in production cartography, aerial photo interpretation, and advanced coverage of digital analysis of satellite-derived remote sensor data and global positioning systems.Prerequisites: Consent
Credits: 3
Introduction to theoretical frameworks for spatial analysis and geographic quantitative methods. Includes basic and advanced geographic principles and techniques for studying spatial patterns. Designed to equip students with the skills necessary to carry out research projects that demand advanced statistics.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1-4
This offering will include supervised project work in raster-based and/or vector-based GIS, using problems and data drawn from local or regional agencies or other professional-level organizations with whom the Geography Department maintains a relationship. Students must have completed one of the prerequisite courses, or a course or professional-level experience.Prerequisites: Prerequisite: GEOG 373, or 473/573, or permission of instructor.
Credits: 1-4
Topics vary in physical, cultural, economic, political, and historical geography, as well as environmental conservation and geographic techniques.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course teaches students to reconstruct past landscapes and identify environmental hazards related to historical land use using GIS and remote sensing software. Applications include the identification of hazardous waste sites, wetland drainage, bluff erosion and other environmental hazards relevant to local history research, environmental consulting, archaeology, resource management, real estate, planning and civil engineering. Students will learn to use and interpret historical air photos and maps, digital imagery and LiDAR in problem-solving contexts and to report research findings in effective written, graphic and verbal presentation formats used by government agencies and private consulting firms.Prerequisites: GEOG 373
Credits: 4
This course provides students as well as natural resource professionals the opportunity to develop knowledge of natural resources management based on GIS science. Detailed examples and discussions of GIS operations and analyses associated with managing natural resources are provided. Weekly labs and the final project will focus on various GIS applications in this field. For example, integrating GIS and remote sensing techniques for sustainable land development, conservation biology, forest, water, wetland, wildlife, and agriculture management. Students will also learn how to combine GIS concepts with GIS software skills and apply them to real-world natural resources management tasks.Prerequisites: GEOG 373
Credits: 4
In this course, instruction is provided on foundational knowledge related to cloud mapping and visualization of geographical data. In addition, primarily through ArcGIS Online cloud platform, students will be introduced to the concepts of Hosted Layers, Web Maps, Predominance Maps, Web Apps, Story Maps, Web AppBuilder, Widgets, Geodata Visualization, ArcGIS Arcade Expressions, Custom Pop-ups, 3D Mapping and Visualization, ArcGIS Scene Viewer, Visualize Temporal Change, Real-time Mapping, Mapping Internet of Things, Landsat Explorer, and Business Analyst. Cloud mapping and visualization theories and techniques are introduced through a combination of lectures, hands-on exercises, reading materials, and individual or team projects.Prerequisites: GEOG 373
Credits: 4
In this course, instruction is provided on foundational knowledge related to mapping and analysis of geospatial data using both open source and enterprise level Web Mapping and Web GIS platforms. Students will learn how to use HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Google Maps API, ArcGIS Online, and ArcGIS API for JavaScript to store, retrieve, manage, analyze, and display geographical information. In addition, students will be introduced to the concepts of mobile GIS technologies and Web based 3D mapping. Web mapping and Web GIS theories and techniques are introduced through a combination of lectures, hands-on exercises, reading materials, and individual or team projects.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 4
This is an introductory course of GIS programming. It consists of lecture and laboratory components covering fundamentals of GIS programming concepts and techniques, as well as hands-on practice with Model builder and Python supported by ESRI'S ArcGIS platforms.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1-4
.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1-10
An applied work and learning experience. The student will provide a written internship report on professional practicum and the work supervisor will be consulted on how much the student has accomplished.Prerequisites: Consent
Credits: 1-3
An assignment that is tailored to individual needs of a student. An arrangement is made that the student works on a project (term paper, readings, mapping, field investigation,GIS, or related topics).Prerequisites: Consent
