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Students entering the geography major should complete University requirements in writing, communication, mathematics, and most general education requirements before the junior year. They should take Geog 300 at or before the beginning of their junior year. Elective courses in areas such as computer science, communication, writing, statistics, biology, geology, anthropology, sociology, and politics and government are strongly encouraged. Students should consult a departmental advisor for information about appropriate courses to support their particular interests and career goals.Among the strengths of the geography program are the capstone and internship experiences required of seniors. Seniors apply acquired knowledge and skills in an intensive capstone field study course (Geog 494) and an internship program (Geog 496) that places students for a term in a supervised career situation with a public agency, nongovernmental organization, or private firm in the region.
Geography graduates find careers in areas such as regional and local planning, resource management, teaching, diplomatic service, cartography, travel consulting, real estate appraisal, and business and industrial site location. In some cases, graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees in masterŐs and doctoral programs at other institutions.
DegreesBA or BS in Geography
Minor
Geography
1. Fulfill the baccalaureate degree requirements as stated beginning on page 32 of the SOU Catolog.
2. Literacy requirements. Geography majors should complete the general education Explorations sequences and have adequate computer skills before enrolling in Geog 300.
Specific requirements are:
a) University Colloquium (Core 101, 102, 103) or Wr 121, 122, and 227, plus Comm 125, 210, 225, or 310.
b) Elementary Statistics (Mth 243).
c) Training in computer operating systems, spreadsheets, database management, word processing, and Internet navigation.
3. A minimum of 55 credits must be taken in geography, 39 of which must be upper division and 16 of which must be lower division. Students should consult their advisor for assistance in selecting courses appropriate for their interests and career goals.
4. Lower division requirements: (16 credits)
Introduction to Human Geography (Geog 107)
Physical Geography I or II (Geog 111 or 112)
Maps: Analysis and Interpretation (Geog 280)
Lower division elective (Geog 101, 103, 111, 112, 206, or 209)
5. Upper division requirements: (39 credits)
Geographic Research Methods (Geog 300)
Cartography (Geog 340)
Regional Geography. Choose one course from: Geog 326, 329, 330, 333, 336, or 339
Systematic Geography. Choose at least 12 credits from: Geog 411, 416, 417, 419, 420, 437, 439, 481, 482, 487, and 489
Geographic Internship (Geog 496)
Upper division elective. Choose from: Geog 310, 350, 386, 407, 409, 440, or another course from the Systematic Geography list
6. Complete capstone requirements:
Senior Capstone I (Geog 492)
Senior Capstone II (Geog 493)
Senior Capstone III: Field Geography (Geog 494)
7. Courses required for the geography degree must be taken for a letter grade (AĐ F). Courses taken Pass/No Pass may not be used to satisfy geography requirements. Exceptions are Geog 492 and 496. The minimum GPA for all courses applied toward the geography degree is 2.5.
(24 credits)1. Physical Geography I or II: (Geog 111 or 112)
2. Introduction to Human Geography: (Geog 107)
3. Maps: Analysis and Interpretation: (Geog 280)
4. Select 12 credits of upper division geography courses with the approval of the departmental advisor.
(26 credits)
Intended for geography students and students from other disciplines interested in land use planning careers.
1. Physical Geography I or II (Geog 111 or 112)
2. Introduction to Geography, Human Geography, or Global Lands and Livelihoods (Geog 101, 107, or 108)
3. Cartography (Geog 340)
4. Urban Environments (Geog 350)
5. Land Use Planning (Geog 439)
The Geography Department at Southern Oregon University is offering a three-year baccalaureate degree program. The accelerated degree provides motivated and self-disciplined students the opportunity to have their general education requirements reduced. Students can begin major course work immediately. Some students suited to accelerated baccalaureate programs are eager to complete a degree in the shortest time possible in order to enter the job market; others want a streamlined college program that prepares them for graduate school. Most importantly, all students pursuing an accelerated program know exactly what they want to study. Follow this link for more information: Accelerated Baccalaureate Program
Students who would like to teach geography (part of the social studies endorsement) at the middle school or high school level in Oregon public schools must complete a bachelorŐs degree in geography before applying to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at SOU. Interested students should consult the department chair for an appropriate advisor and the Education Department regarding admission requirements for the MAT teacher education program. Students must prepare in advance to enhance their chances of acceptance into this competitive program. Practica, internships, and volunteer experiences working with children in the public schools prior to application to the MAT program are required.
Geography Department