Geography

With a geography major from Valpo, students can graduate with a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree.

Why Geography at Valpo?

Understanding the spatial interrelationships between people, cultures, landscapes, societies, and environments is the heart of Valpo geographers. Mapping and visualizing our complex world is an integral part of your field. The geography BA opens the door to your career in sustainability, urban planning, geospatial science and analysis, and many more. Our Valpo faculty engage you in research on diverse subjects from urban analysis and mapping, invasive vegetation mapping, country music, soil analysis, and 3-D modelling of landforms from aerial imagery.

All of Valpo’s geography majors combine dynamic classroom instruction with field and professional experience to introduce students to a wide variety of careers. With a geography major from Valpo, students can graduate with a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree.

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About Our Geography Degrees

The programs emphasizes practical experience through field trips, field courses, internships, and opportunities to work with faculty on original research. The foundational courses prepare geographers to reach their fullest potential.

General Information

What do Geographers do?

Geographers study the earth and its diverse people and environments seeking to understand how humans perceive and transform places and landscapes around the world. Geographers explore and analyze the spatial organization of natural and social phenomena by utilizing field observations, modeling skills, and computer mapping tools, such as geographic information systems (GIS). With one of the oldest and most respected geography departments in the United States, Valpo has produced a steady stream of successful professional geographers.

Occupational Outlook

Check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational outlook for:

Urban and Regional Planners

Geographers

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Major Requirements

Bachelor of Arts

The B.A. degree (minimum 32 Cr.) integrates approaches from the social sciences and humanities with the natural sciences and technical skills. Students may choose to focus their studies by pursuing one of four concentrations.

Urban Planning Concentration
Geography BA Core (14-15 Cr)
Geography Electives (3-4 Cr)
Concentrations (21 Cr)
Geography Concentration
Geo-Sustainability Concentration

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Bachelor of Science

The B.S. degree (33 Cr.) integrates approaches from the social sciences and humanities with the natural sciences and technical skills. Students may choose to focus their studies by pursuing one of four concentrations.

Earth Science Concentration
Geography BS Core (14 Cr)
Concentrations (30 Cr)
Geospatial Analysis Concentration

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Minor Requirements

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Minor

GIS involves using computers to map and analyze multiple layers of spatial data, an eminently marketable skill. The minor in GIS is designed for any student interested in acquiring these skills. Examples of students who might benefit from learning to work with GIS:

A biology major interested in mapping and understanding the factors that affect the distribution of invasive species
A civil engineering major who wants to better understand and map multiple site conditions for a project
A chemistry major seeking to document and map water sampling sites as well as the potential sources of water pollution
A business or economics major who wants to find the ideal location for a new store or understanding variations in consumer demographics
An art major who wants to add cartographic skills to their graphic design skill set or to explore technologies of mapping as a tool for making art
A social work or nursing major interested in exploring client access to services
A political science major interested in mapping election results
A sociology major interested in understanding spatial variations in social indicators

Required Courses

A minimum of 16 credit hours is required for the geographic information systems minor and must include the following courses:

GEO 101 World Human Geography or
GEO 104 Introduction to Geomorphology in Earth System Science
GEO 215 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
GEO 330 Remote Sensing of the Environment
GEO 415 Advanced Geographic Information Systems

and three additional credits from the following:

GEO 486 Internship in Geography. If selecting GEO 486, the internship must involve GIS, remote sensing, or cartography.
GEO 225 Cartography and Map Design
GEO 285 Natural Hazards
GEO 315 Environmental Applications of GIS
GEO 316 Internet Mapping and Web GIS

Geography Minor

A minimum of 16 credit hours in geography, chosen by the student in consultation with the chair of the department, constitutes a minor. One 100-level, one 200-level, and two 300-level or higher courses must be included.

College of Arts & Sciences

Program Rankings and Highlights

Students learn how to frame research questions, design projects, collect and analyze data, and present their research in many formats.

Internships

Employers are eager to offer internships to students who bring the skills of a Valpo Geography Major to the workplace.

Experiential Learning

Geography is a hands-on field, and Valpo’s program emphasizes practical experience.

Alumni Highlights

The skills and knowledge you develop here will lead to careers in the National Park Service, Geospatial intelligence, City and Regional Planning, Computer Mapping, Emergency Management, Environmental Geoscience, Strategic Consulting, and Policy making.

experiential learning

College of Arts & Sciences

Meet Our Faculty

Professors. Mentors. Friends. At Valparaiso University, you will work on real-life problems alongside faculty leaders with decades of business experience and a true desire to do what’s best for you.

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