IntroductionGeography explores the patterns and processes that shape the natural and human worlds. Geography majors can specialize in five areas: physical geography; environmental geography; culture, politics and place; geographic information science; and geographic education. This page provides you with information on the requirements for completing a major in geography at UO. It also suggests the types of employment offered in the field of geography. The Department of Geography offers a major that can lead to either a B.A. or a B.S. degree, and the choice depends on the individual interests of the student. In addition to providing a broad background in the content, skills, and perspectives of the discipline, the geography major offers the opportunity to specialize in one of the following tracks:
Our lower division courses are open to any student at the University and none of our lower division classes have prerequisites or require particular high school preparation. Transfer students are encouraged to have completed these introductory classes at a community college or other college or university prior to declaring their major in geography. In addition, if you place high enough on the College Board exam in Advanced Placement Human Geography, you will be able to use this course to meet one of the classes required for the major. A geography major at UO has led to employment in both the private and public sectors. Here are a few job titles of positions held by recent UO geographers:
For more information about employment in the field of geography, see the “Careers in Geography” section on the web page of the Association of American Geographers (http://www.aag.org). Major RequirementsThe Geography major requires a minimum of 48 credits in geography (or specifically noted Environmental Studies, Math, Chemistry and Physics) courses. At least 9 courses (36 credits) must be taken in geography core subjects and at least three elective courses are required in a chosen geography track (12 credits). At least eight Geography courses must be taken for a letter grade. A grade of C- or better is required in each course, and a GPA of 2.25 or better is required in courses used for the major. General Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Geography Bachelor of Science. All Geography majors seeking a B.S. degree will be required to complete any math sequence that satisfies the University’s math requirement for a B.S. degree. Math classes must be passed with a grade of at least C- or P. For the Environmental Geography Track we recommend either a statistics sequence or a calculus sequence. For the Geographic Information Science Track, we recommend a computer programming sequence. For students interested in the Physical Geography Track, there are recommendations based on your more specific interests. For geomorphology we recommend a calculus emphasis; for biogeography we recommend a statistics emphasis; and for climatology we recommend a calculus or computer programming emphasis. Bachelor of Arts. All Geography majors seeking a B.A. degree must demonstrate proficiency in a second language either by passing the third quarter of a second-year university language course with a grade of C- or better or by an examination indicating an equivalent level of proficiency. If you are considering applying to graduate school in the future, we strongly recommended that you complete both the math and language requirements. Group Requirements All undergraduates must satisfy group requirements. For details see Group Requirements in the Registration and Academic Policies section of the UO Catalog. Geography majors should consult their advisers to determine which group-satisfying courses best support their major. Specific Course Requirements and Geography Major Checklists The following requirements pertain to students who declared a geography major Fall 2007 or thereafter, but may be followed by students who declared the major earlier. We have recently updated the requirements for the major. If you have declared a geography major Fall 2007 please use the Fall 2007 checksheet. If you declared before Fall 2007 (but after Fall 2001) please use the Fall 2001 checksheet.
Introductory Geography -- 8 credits. Both (2) introductory courses are required:
Regional/Synthetic Geography -- 4 credits. Any one (1) course selected from:
Techniques for Geographers -- 8 credits. Any two (2) courses selected from:
Physical Geography -- 8 credits. Any two (2) courses selected from:
Human Geography -- 8 credits. Any two (2) courses selected from:
Track Electives -- 12 credits. Three (3) additional 400-level courses chosen within one of four tracks:
Note that GEOG 407 (Seminar) and 410 (Experimental Course) may also count towards any course category if the topic is appropriate, and with an advisor's approval. Check with an advisor to see if a particular class qualifies. Note also that it is possible to create an independent track with the approval of a department advisor. Honors ProgramsThe Clark Honors College student majoring in geography must design a course of study in consultation with a major adviser in geography. The Department of Geography also offers an honors option for its majors. More information is available in the department office. The University of Oregon offers a Professional Distinctions Program which enables students with a 3.0 GPA and at least 60 credits to enhance their undergraduate experience with a set of skills and knowledge that complements their majors. Geography majors should look into getting a distinction (area of interest) in Data Analysis or Geographic Information Science and Technology. See: https://uodistinctions.uoregon.edu/distinctions/distinctions.asp Minor RequirementsTo complete the Geography minor, students must take at least six courses (24 credits) in Geography, including one regional or techniques course, one upper-division physical course, and one upper-division human course. At least 16 credit hours in Geography must be taken for a letter grade, and a grade of C- or better (or P pass) is required in all Geography courses. Double MajorGeography is an excellent second field for Environmental Studies and Environmental Science majors because it also offers you a grounding in the physical and human systems within which environmental issues are situated in a larger global context. Similarly, Environmental Studies and Environmental Science are both excellent second fields of study for Geography majors. Declaring a second major in one of these two areas will help deepen your understanding of earth’s human and environmental systems.
Middle and Secondary School TeachingThe College of Education offers a fifth-year program for middle-secondary teaching licensure in social studies. See Susan Hardwick to learn more about the Geographic Education track or contact the College of Education Teacher Licensing Office. More information about becoming a teacher is available at the Education in Geography (EDGE) web site. Internships in Geographical TechniquesInternships are unpaid off-campus work experiences involving approximately ten hours of work per week. Students receive up to four credits in one term, and internships may be extended to a second term with prior approval. Interns use geographic techniques in the service of government, private industry, or non-governmental organizations. Internships are initiated by the student or may come at the suggestion of a faculty member or the request of an employer. Past interns have worked in the Eugene City Planning Department, the National Forest Service, Lane County Soil Conservation District, and many other agencies and organizations. More information on Internships Geography Home | UO
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