Degree: B.A.

Chairperson: David A. Robinson (drobins@rci.rutgers.edu)

Geography combines aspects of natural and social science to analyze processes that influence, and to resolve problems that arise from, human use or modification of natural and built environments. Offered in cooperation with the Department of Geography (Faculty of Arts and Sciences), the program provides skills for direct entry to jobs in public agencies and private firms concerned with a wide range of environmental and social research, planning, development, and management activities.

The program in geography has no formal options, but students are strongly encouraged to select electives from one of the following areas of emphasis: environmental systems and global change; environment and society; urban and international restructuring.

Degree Requirements for the Major

Cook College students majoring in geography also must complete a minor or certificate program offered by the Cook College faculty.

Please see the Programs of Study Summary on page 272 for information regarding changes in degree requirements.

I. Interdisciplinary/Ethical Analysis (5 credits)

  11:015:101  Perspectives on Agriculture and the Environment (2)

  11:015:400  Junior/Senior Colloquium (3)

II. Introductory Life and Physical Sciences (7 credits)

See suggested courses in the Degree Requirements chapter.

Selection of courses may be determined by the student`s choice of minor or certificate program.

III. The Arts (6 credits)

See suggested courses in the Degree Requirements chapter.

IV. Human Diversity (6 credits)

  01:450:205  World Cultural Regions (3)

an additional course from those suggested in the Degree Requirements chapter

V. Economic and Political Systems (6 credits)

See suggested courses in the Degree Requirements chapter. Selection of courses may be determined by the student`s choice of minor or certificate program.

VI. Oral and Written Communication (6 credits)

See suggested courses in the Degree Requirements chapter.

VII. Experience-Based Education (3 credits)

   01:450:485,486  Internship in Geography (BA,BA) or 01: 450:491,492 Geographic Problems (3,3) or equivalent independent research project or appropriate placement in cooperative education

VIII. Competence in Geography (63-64 credits)

A. REQUIRED COURSES (48-49)

Quantitative Methods (3)

  01:960:211  Statistics I (3) or equivalent

Computer Competence (3)

  01:450:320  Spatial Data Analysis (3)

Professional Ethics (3)

  01:730:250  Environmental Ethics (3)

Other Required Courses (21-22)

  01:450:101  Earth Systems (3)

  01:450:102  Transforming the Global Environment (3)

  01:450:103  Human Geography: Space, Place, and Location (3)

  01:450:330  Geographical Methods (3)

  01:450:470  History and Theory of Geography (3)

One additional methods course, selected from the following:

  01:450:321  Geographic Information Systems (3)

  01:450:322  Remote Sensing (3)

  01:450:355  Principles of Cartography (4)

  01:450:356  Advanced Cartography (4)

  01:450:357  Spatial Data Representation and Display (3)

One regional geography course elected from the following:

  01:450:332  Newly Independent States and Eastern Europe (3)

  01:450:334  Western Europe (3)

  01:450:335  Caribbean Borderlands (3)

  01:450:336  Latin America (3)

  01:450:338  Africa (3)

  01:450:341  South Asia and the Middle East (3)

  01:450:342  East Asia (3)

a minor or certificate program offered by Cook College (18)

B. ELECTIVES (15)

At least 15 additional credits, with at least three courses at the 300 or 400 level. (See Geography 450 in the Programs of Study for Liberal Arts Students chapter for a complete listing of courses.) Where appropriate, majors are encouraged to substitute independent research projects under faculty supervision for up to 6 elective credits.

IX. Unspecified Electives (25-26 credits)