Geography

What Is Geography ?

Geography focuses on the spatial dimensions of human activities and their interactions with physical landscapes.  The interrelationships between humans and their environments uniquely allow geographers to link the social and physical sciences.  Geographers analyze information represented on maps, both maps representing data produced in the traditional form (computer generated or drawn by hand) or images generated by satellites (remote sensing).

Success Factors

Students are successful when they have an interest in learning about and understanding (1) world events, (2) local events within cities, (3) the urban, global, economic, and political processes underlying world and local events, (4) human impact on the physical environment, and (5) the skills necessary to process, display, and analyze geographic information.

Career Possibilities

Geography provides a good educational background for students interested in a variety of careers in business, various government agencies (federal, state, county, city), non-profit agencies, or careers as college and university professors.  Geography provides strong preparation for professional and graduate schools (law, medicine, business, geography, or other physical or social sciences).  Employment for students with strong geographic computer skills (GIS) is particularly strong.  Examples of geography related jobs in various areas include:

• Agency of Internal Development
• Audobon Society
• Bureau of Land Management
• Bureau of the Census
• Cartographer
• Geographic Software Programming
• Housing and Urban Development
• Market Research
• Sierra Club
• Teaching
• Travel Industry

Major Details

Geography majors in UC McMicken College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) are encouraged to develop individualized programs within one of the three geography B.S. tracks in consultation with the geography undergraduate advisor. The Department of Geography offers the following tracks/specializations:

• B.S. - Environmental and Physical Geography (15BS GEOG-E)
• B.S. - Geographic Information Science (15BS GEOG-G)
• B.S. - Geography, Remote Sensing (15BS GEOG-RS)

McMicken College's flexible degree requirements allow for and highly encourage students to pursue multiple areas of study. Free electives allow for enough credits for students to pursue a minor, certificate program or even complete a second major. Some of the most common pairings are listed below.

• Anthropology
• Communication
• Environmental Studies
• History
• International Human Rights
• Journalism
• Languages or Area Studies
• Psychology
• Security Studies
• Sociology

Minor Details

Students minoring in geography choose a concentration in one of the following: human geography, urban and economic geography, environmental geography, regional geography, or geographic information systems (GIS).

*Students must pass all required geography courses with a C or better.

Human Geography. 31 credits total.

• (1) Environmental Geography. 3 credits.
  • Choose one course from among the following:
  • GEOG 101, Introduction to Environmental Geography I, (3 credits)
  • GEOG 102, Introduction to Environmental Geography II, (3 credits)
  • GEOG 103, Introduction to Environmental Geography III, (3 credits)
• (2) Human Geography. 9 credits.
  • Complete the following sequence:
  • GEOG 104, 105, 106, Introduction to Human Geography I, II, & III, (9 credits)
• (3) Upper Division (300+) Human Geography. 15 credits, minimum.
  • Select 300-level and above courses in Geography.
• (4) Spatial Techniques. 4 credits.
  • Choose one course from among the following:
  • GEOG 574, Principles of Computer Cartography, (4 credits)
  • GEOG 580, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, (4 credits)

Urban and Economic Geography. 31 credits total.

• (1) Environmental Geography. 6 credits.
  • Choose two courses from among the following:
  • GEOG 101, Introduction to Environmental Geography I, (3 credits)
  • GEOG 102, Introduction to Environmental Geography II, (3 credits)
  • GEOG 103, Introduction to Environmental Geography III, (3 credits)
• (2) Human Geography. 6 credits.
  • Complete the following two courses:
  • GEOG 104, 105, Introduction to Human Geography I & II, (6 credits)
• (3) Regional Geography. 3 credits.
  • Choose one course from the department's list of Regional Geography courses.
• (4) Urban and Economics. 12 credits
  • Complete each of the following four courses:
  • GEOG 323, Urban Geography, (3 credits)
  • GEOG 341, Economic Geography: Consumption, (3 credits)
  • GEOG 342, Economic Geography: Production, (3 credits)
  • GEOG 522, Urban Problems, (3 credits)
• (5) Spatial Techniques. 4 credits.
  • Choose one course from among the following:
  • GEOG 574, Principles of Computer Cartography, (4 credits)
  • GEOG 580, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, (4 credits)

Environmental Geography. 34 credits.

• (1) Environmental Geography. 9 credits.
  • Complete the following sequence:
  • GEOG 101, Introduction to Environmental Geography I, (3 credits)
  • GEOG 102, Introduction to Environmental Geography II, (3 credits)
  • GEOG 103, Introduction to Environmental Geography III, (3 credits)
• (2) Human Geography. 6 credits.
  • Choose two courses from among the following:
  • GEOG 104, Introduction to Human Geography I, (3 credits)
  • GEOG 105, Introduction to Human Geography II, (3 credits)
  • GEOG 106, Introduction to Human Geography III, (3 credits)
• (3) Regional Geography. 3 credits.
  • Choose one course from the department's list of Regional Geography courses.
• (4) Upper Division (300+) Physical Geography. 9 credits.
  • Choose three 300-level or above courses from the department's list of Physical Geography courses.
• (5) People and the Environment. 3 credits.
  • GEOG 261, People and the Environment, (3 credits)
• (6) Spatial Techniques. 4 credits.
  • Choose one course from among the following:
  • GEOG 574, Principles of Computer Cartography, (4 credits)
  • GEOG 580, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, (4 credits)

Regional Geography. 34 credits.

• (1) Environmental Geography. 6 credits.
  • Choose two courses from among the following:
  • GEOG 101, Introduction to Environmental Geography I, (3 credits)
  • GEOG 102, Introduction to Environmental Geography II, (3 credits)
  • GEOG 103, Introduction to Environmental Geography III, (3 credits)
• (2) Human Geography. 6 credits.
  • Choose two courses from among the following:
  • GEOG 104, Introduction to Human Geography I, (3 credits)
  • GEOG 105, Introduction to Human Geography II, (3 credits)
  • GEOG 106, Introduction to Human Geography III, (3 credits)
• (3) Regional Geography. 9 credits.
  • Choose three courses from the department's list of Regional Geography courses.
• (4) Upper Division (300+) Human Geography. 6 credits.
  • Choose two 300-level or above courses from the department's list of Human Geography courses.
• (5) Spatial Techniques. 4 credits.
  • Choose one course from among the following:
  • GEOG 574, Principles of Computer Cartography, (4 credits)
  • GEOG 580, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, (4 credits)

Geographic Information Systems (GIS). 33 credits.

• (1) Environmental Geography. 3 credits.
  • Choose one course from among the following:
  • GEOG 101, Introduction to Environmental Geography I, (3 credits)
  • GEOG 102, Introduction to Environmental Geography II, (3 credits)
  • GEOG 103, Introduction to Environmental Geography III, (3 credits)
• (2) Human Geography. 3 credits.
  • Choose one course from among the following:
  • GEOG 104, Introduction to Human Geography I, (3 credits)
  • GEOG 105, Introduction to Human Geography II, (3 credits)
  • GEOG 106, Introduction to Human Geography III, (3 credits)
• (3) Regional Geography. 3 credits.
  • Choose one course from the department's list of Regional Geography courses.
• (4) Upper Division (300+) Geography. 12 credits.
  • Choose four 300-level or above Geography courses.
• (5) Spatial Techniques. 12 credits.
  • Choose three courses from among the following:
  • GEOG 574, Principles of Computer Cartography, (4 credits)
  • GEOG 580, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, (4 credits)
  • GEOG 581, GIS: Environmental Applications, (4 credits)
  • GEOG 582, GIS: Urban Economic Applications, (4 credits)

Curriculum

This curriculum information is intended as a general information guide for students considering enrollment in this major. These online tools are designed to assist you, but are not a substitute for planning with an academic or faculty advisor.

If you are currently enrolled at UC, you can audit your degree online. If you are considering transferring to this major from another school use the course applicability system (CAS) to see how credits you have earned will apply to this major at UC. For course descriptions by college, click here.

College Requirements Checklist

Geography Major Checklists

Geography majors are encouraged to develop individualized programs within one of the five geography tracks in consultation with the geography undergraduate advisor. Students must refer to the checklist for their particular chosen track within the Geography major. A typical four-year plan appears below, but students' individual plans will vary based upon their chosen track and interests.

First Year	Course Number	Credits
*English Composition	ENGL 101, 102	6
Introduction to Environmental Geography with Lab	GEOG 101/111, 102/112, 103/113	15
Choose either option (A) or (B) below, depending on track:		9
Elementary Probability & Statistics	STAT 147, 148, 149
Applied Calculus	MATH 224, 226, 227
*Foreign Language	see checklist	9-15
Free electives (recommended to count in a minor or other program)	see options	0-6
Total for first year		45

Second Year	Course Number	Credits
*Intermediate Composition	ENGL 289	3
Introduction to Human Geography (pick two courses)	GEOG 104, 105, or 106	6
Regional Geography	see checklist for track	3-6
First Year Chemistry with Labs (depending on track)	CHEM 101/111, 102/112, 103/113	0-15
*Historical Perspectives (HP)	see offerings	9
*Humanities (HU)	see offerings	3
*Literature (LT)	see offerings	3
Free electives (recommended to count in a minor or other program)	see options	0-21
Total for second year		45

Third & Fourth Years	Course Number	Credits
Physical, or Urban & Economic Geography	see checklist for track	12
Spatial Techniques	see checklist for track	15
Capstone Experience	see checklist for track	5
Additional courses for chosen track	see checklist for track	approx. 17-18
*Humanities, Literature, or Fine Arts (HU, LT, or FA)	see offerings	3
*Social & Ethical Issues (if not already taken, SE)	see offerings	3
Free electives (recommended to count in a minor or other program)	see options	34-35
Total for third and fourth years		90
Total overall		Minimum 180

*Needed to fulfill A&S College Core requirements.

Special Opportunities

Students in McMicken College of Arts and Sciences enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-extensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, tri-state location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 faculty-student ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies, and a highly successful First Year Experience Program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

Special Programs

Geography majors often engage in study abroad opportunities or international field trips. Some students pursue professional internships arranged on an ad hoc basis.

Admission Requirements

Admission criteria for this program vary based on the relative strength of test scores, class rank and GPA. Please see the Freshman Class Profile for this major in the Quick Facts sidebar on this page for the range of academic credentials typically accepted into this program. Test scores in the lower range may be acceptable with higher class rank and/or GPA.Freshmen applying to this program should also have completed the following state of Ohio articulation requirements with no more than two units missing:

• English (4 units)*
• College-preparatory Mathematics (3 units)*
• Science (2 units)
• Social Science (2 units)
• Foreign Language (2 units)*
• Additional college prep subjects (3 units)

*McMicken College of Arts and Sciences does not allow units missing from these areas.

Transfer Requirements

Applicants to A&S whose most recent enrollment was not in any of the UC colleges must apply through the Office of Admissions. Applicants in this category must submit transcripts for all secondary school and college-level work. A cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all college-level work is required for admission consideration. Admission to A&S is generally available for any off-campus applicants who have received an associate degree from an accredited college or university and whose cumulative GPA is 2.0 or higher.

University transfer scholarships are available to those who meet specific requirements and ANY admitted A&S transfer student might qualify for an A&S transfer scholarship. Deadlines and eligibility criteria are online via the previous links.

Changing Major Requirements

Applicants to A&S whose most recent enrollment was as a degree student in one of UC’s other colleges can apply directly to the A&S college office. Admission to A&S is generally available for any on-campus students who have:

• at least a 2.0 GPA in all college-level courses (both at UC and at other institutions),
• successfully completed two quarters of English Composition or its equivalent, and
• gained credit for a college-level mathematics course.

A&S students must meet the college residency requirement of 45.0 hours which begins immediately upon matriculation in the college and consists of courses taught within McMicken College of Arts and Sciences.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from McMicken College of Arts and Sciences, students must:

• Earn at least 180 credits. This can include transfer credit, AP credit and free electives, but does not include preparatory coursework. Students who have met all other degree requirements must continue earning credit until the total number of their earned hours comes to at least 180.
• Attain a 2.0 grade point average for all courses taken at the University of Cincinnati.
• Be in good academic standing, that is, not on either academic probation or disciplinary probation or suspension.
• Complete the residency requirement by earning at least 45 credits after matriculating into the college. These minimum 45 credits must be taught within A&S, and also must be completed after gaining admission to the college.
• Complete all of the requirements of at least one major (see major requirements above).
• Complete the College Core Requirements.
• Submit an application for graduation to the registrar's office by their posted deadline.

Application Deadlines

UC operates on a quarter system, with 10-week grading periods beginning in late September, early January, late March and mid-June. While midyear admission is possible, fall quarter is generally the best time to enter the college, since many course sequences begin in that quarter. Applicants to McMicken College of Arts and Sciences who are enrolled or who were previously enrolled as degree-seeking students in A&S or in other UC colleges should apply for admission directly to A&S (in French West, 2nd Floor). All other applicants who wish to earn an undergraduate degree from A&S should apply through the Office of Admissions (3rd Floor, University Pavilion).