2015-2016 University Catalog

Geography, BA

Banner Code: SC-BA-GEOG

This program of study is offered by the Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science in the College of Science .

The Geography, BA is designed to offer students the opportunity to study the integrated social and environmental processes that continuously shape and reshape the world we live in. This major provides students with broad training across the core subdisciplines of geography (human, physical, and GIScience), while also offering the requisite flexibility for those students seeking a multidisciplinary educational experience. Students will find numerous opportunities for employment in both the private and public sectors, as well as in academia, as geographers are well suited to address important local, regional, and global challenges in today’s world, given their interdisciplinary approach and uniquely spatial perspective.

The Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science fosters a supportive, active learning environment in which students are encouraged to work closely with both faculty and peers. The curriculum in this major provides students with the synthesis skills and broad base of knowledge that prepares them to be successful in an ever-evolving job market. For students who wish to pursue their interest in geography with a more technical curriculum, the department also offers a Geography, BS .

The Geography, BA consists of three required components: (1) 22-23 credits of core courses; (2) 6 credits of systematic and regional courses; (3) 3 GGS elective courses; and (4) an approved double major, disciplinary minor, interdisciplinary minor, or certificate.

Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees , including the Mason Core . Through the coursework below, students will satisfy the Mason Core requirements in ‘Social and Behavioral Science’ and ‘Synthesis’. Additionally, students in the Geography, BA must complete the College of Science Bachelor of Arts requirements . Candidates for a degree in geography must also complete 37-39 credits of approved GGS geography courses with a minimum GPA of 2.00 in addition to 18 credits of electives.

GGS 415 meets the writing intensive requirement for this major.

Degree Requirements

Core Courses (22-23 credits)

Select one of the following three courses:

GGS 102 - Physical Geography Credits: 3 (Mason Core: Natural Science course)
GGS 121 - Dynamic Atmosphere and Hydrosphere Credits: 4 (Mason Core: Natural Science course)
GGS 122 - Dynamic Geosphere and Ecosphere Credits: 4
Take all of the following courses:
GGS 103 - Human Geography Credits: 3
GGS 110 - Maps and Mapping Credits: 3
GGS 300 - Quantitative Methods for Geographical Analysis Credits: 3
GGS 310 - Introduction to Digital Cartography Credits: 4
GGS 311 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Credits: 3
GGS 415 - Seminar in Geography Credits: 3 (fulfills writing intensive requirement)

Systematic and Regional Geography (6 credits)

Students must take one regional course and one systematic course from the list below.

Systematic Courses (one course must be taken from the following)
GGS 301 - Political Geography Credits: 3
GGS 302 - Global Environmental Hazards Credits: 3
GGS 303 - Conservation of Resources and Environment Credits: 3 (Mason Core: Synthesis course)
GGS 304 - Populations Dimensions of Global Change Credits: 3 (Mason Core: Synthesis course)
GGS 305 - Economic Geography Credits: 3
GGS 306 - Urban Geography Credits: 3
GGS 307 - Sustainable Development Credits: 3
GGS 309 - Meteorology and Climate Credits: 3
GGS 312 - Physical Climatology Credits: 3
GGS 314 - Severe and Extreme Weather Credits: 3
GGS 319 - Air Pollution Credits: 3
GGS 321 - Biogeography: Space, Time and Life Credits: 3
GGS 322 - Issues in Global Change Credits: 3
GGS 357 - Structures in Urban Governance and Planning Credits: 3
GGS 455 - Environmental Impact Assessment Credits: 3
GGS 456 - Introduction to Atmospheric Radiation Credits: 3
Regional Courses (one course must be taken from the following)
GGS 315 - Geography of the United States Credits: 3
GGS 316 - Geography of Latin America Credits: 3
GGS 320 - Geography of Europe Credits: 3
GGS 325 - Geography of North Africa and the Middle East Credits: 3
GGS 330 - Geography of the Soviet Succession States Credits: 3
GGS 333 - Issues in Regional Geography Credits: 3
GGS 380 - Geography of Virginia Credits: 3

GGS Electives (9-10 credits)

Two of the three courses selected must be upper-level GGS courses.

Additional Program (at least 15 credits)

Students take 15 or more credits consisting of an established minor, second major, or other coherent package of courses approved by the advisor and the department chair.

Mason Core and Elective Credits (66-68 credits)

In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires an additional 66-68 credits, which may be applied towards any remaining Mason Core requirements (outlined below), requirements for bachelor’s degrees , College of Science Bachelor of Arts requirements , and elective courses. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.

Mason Core

Please note that some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above.

Expand each item below for a link to specific course lists for each category:

Foundation Requirements (15-19 credits)

Core Requirements (22 credits)

Synthesis/Capstone Requirement (minimum 3 credits)

Mason Core USYN - Synthesis/Capstone Credits: minimum 3

Degree Total: Minimum 120 credits

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