Department of Geography
(College of Social and Behavioral Sciences)
The Department of Geography offers the following undergraduate and graduate programs and program certificate. Specific requirements for these programs are listed within this Department of Geography section in the following order:
Undergraduate Major (B.S.)
- Geographic Information Science
Undergraduate Major (B.A.)
- Geography
Minor
- Geography
Graduate Major (M.A.)
- Geography
Program Certificate
- Crime Mapping and Analysis (also listed in Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology)
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Cartography
Bachelor of Science Degree Programs
Geographic Information Science Major
The B.S. Geographic Information Science major requires a minimum of 126 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements and the following specified major requirements, plus course choices for a focus within the major and electives, needed to complete the minimum of 126 hours.
| Required | ||
| Geographic Information Science core: | 30-32 | |
| Human Geography | ||
| Physical Geography | ||
| Physical Geography Laboratory | ||
| Research Experience in Geography | ||
| Geographic Information Systems I | ||
| GIS Applications: (Variable Topic) | ||
| Geographic Information Systems II | ||
| Global Positioning System Field Survey Methods | ||
| Thematic Cartography | ||
| Remote Sensing of the Environment | ||
| Senior Seminar in Geography | ||
| Professional Seminar | ||
| Geography: (two of the following) | 6 | |
| Digital Earth | ||
| Spatial Data Analysis * | ||
| Satellite Image Processing | ||
| One course from each of the following pairs: | 6 | |
Mathematics or Sociology select one of the following: | ||
| Introduction to Statistical Methods | ||
| Statistics for Social Research | ||
Computer Science or Geography select one of the following: : | ||
| GIS Programming (GIS Programming) | ||
| Database Systems * | ||
| Choose one Application Focus (below) and four courses from that focus | 12 | |
| Application Focus on Environmental Science and Policy | ||
| Health Promotion/Environmental: | ||
| Environmental and Occupational Health Regulations | ||
| Earth Science: | ||
| Air Quality * | ||
| Geography: | ||
| Recent Climate Change | ||
| Natural Hazards and Disasters | ||
| Environmental Geography | ||
| Climatology | ||
| Soils and Landscapes | ||
| Rivers | ||
| Reconstructing Ice Age Environments * | ||
| Laboratory Methods in Environmental Geography | ||
Or approved courses in cognate areas. | ||
| Application Focus on Economic Geography and Business | ||
| Management: | ||
| Organizational Management | ||
| Geography: | ||
| Economic Geography | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Locational Analysis for Business | ||
| Transportation Planning and Policy | ||
Or approved courses in cognate areas. | ||
| Application Focus on Planning and Policy | ||
| Political Science: | ||
| Introduction to Public Administration | ||
| Geography: | ||
| Economic Geography | ||
| North American Cities | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Demography and Population Geography | ||
| Regional Analysis and Planning | ||
| Transportation Planning and Policy | ||
Or approved courses in cognate areas. | ||
| Electives | 1-4 | |
| Other courses, in Geography or cognate areas approved, to reach a minimum of 56 hours. | ||
| Total hours | 56 | |
| * | These courses have additional prerequisites as follows: GEOG 4340/5340 (970:160g) has prerequisite of STAT 1772 (800:072) or SOC 2020 (980:080) CS 3140/5140 (810:114g) has prerequisites of CS 1520 (810:052); CS 1800 (810:080). EARTHSCI 3230/5230 (870:123g) has prerequisites of MATH 1420 (800:060); EARTHSCI 3210/5210 (870:121g). GEOG 4240/5240 (970:155g) has prerequisites of GEOG 2210 (970:028); EARTHSCI 1300 (870:031) or consent of instructor. |
Note: Choice of courses and subsequent course prerequisites may increase the length of this program.
Bachelor of Arts Degree Programs
Geography Major
The Geography major requires a minimum of 120 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 120 hours.
| Required | ||
| Geography: | ||
| GEOG 1110 (970:040) | World Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 1120 (970:010) | Human Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 1210 (970:026) | Physical Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 1310 (970:061) | Digital Earth | 3 |
| GEOG 4550 (970:180) | Senior Seminar in Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 4560 (970:181) | Professional Seminar | 1 |
| Concentrations (21 hrs) | 21 | |
| Choose in consultation with a Geography faculty advisor. See below for course list and specific requirements for each area. Students must focus on one area; however, they may choose to add an additional concentration(s) to their program, which will be reflected on their transcripts. No more than 6 credit hours can be counted towards multiple concentrations. | ||
| Concentration on Globalization and Regional Geography | ||
| Professional and Regional Electives | ||
| Geographic Information Systems I | ||
| Recent Climate Change | ||
| Economic Geography | ||
| North American Cities | ||
| Cooperative Education in Geography | ||
| Environmental Geography | ||
| Natural Regions of North America | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Demography and Population Geography | ||
| Regional Geography: (Variable Topic) | ||
| Historical Geography: (Variable Topic) | ||
| Laboratory Methods in Environmental Geography | ||
| Statistics for Social Research | ||
| Other Geography courses or courses from other departments as approved. Some non-Western cultures courses may be taken upon approval. They must be taken in addition to any LAC required non-Western cultures course. | ||
| Concentration on Environmental Systems & Sustainability | ||
| Methods Electives | ||
| Select three from the following: | ||
| Introduction to Statistical Methods | ||
| Geographic Information Systems I | ||
| GIS Applications: (Variable Topic) | ||
| Cooperative Education in Geography | ||
| Laboratory Methods in Environmental Geography | ||
| Spatial Data Analysis | ||
| Professional Electives | ||
| Select four from the following: | ||
| Introduction to Sustainability | ||
| Recent Climate Change | ||
| Environmental Geography | ||
| Natural Regions of North America | ||
| Hydrogeology | ||
| Soils and Landscapes | ||
| Climatology | ||
| Rivers | ||
| Natural Hazards and Disasters | ||
| Reconstructing Ice Age Environments | ||
| Remote Sensing of the Environment | ||
| Geomorphology | ||
| Concentration on Planning and Development | ||
| Methods Electives | ||
| Select three from the following: | ||
| Introduction to Statistical Methods | ||
| Statistics for Social Research | ||
| Spatial Data Analysis | ||
| Geographic Information Systems I | ||
| GIS Applications: (Variable Topic) | ||
| Cooperative Education in Geography | ||
| Professional Electives | ||
| Select four from the following: | ||
| Economic Geography | ||
| North American Cities | ||
| Natural Hazards and Disasters | ||
| Locational Analysis for Business | ||
| Transportation Planning and Policy | ||
| Demography and Population Geography | ||
| Regional Analysis and Planning | ||
| Regional Geography: (Variable Topic) | ||
| Economic Development | ||
| Other Geography courses or courses from other departments as approved. | ||
| Total Hours | 37 | |
| * | These courses have additional prerequisites as follows: ECON 3249 has prerequisite of ECON 1041 and ECON 1051. Other programs occasionally offer courses appropriate to the geography major. The Department of Geography will approve substituting up to two such courses for electives in Geography. Note that only 3 hours of credit in GEOG 3179 (970:179) will count toward electives for the major. |
Minor
Geography Minor
| Required | ||
| Geography: | ||
| GEOG 1120 (970:010) | Human Geography | 3 |
| or GEOG 1110 (970:040) | World Geography | |
| GEOG 1210 (970:026) | Physical Geography | 3 |
| Electives in geography * | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
| * | Only 3 hours of credit in GEOG 3179 (970:179) will count toward electives for the minor. |
Master of Arts Degree Program
Major in Geography
Students interested in enrolling in this program must submit a completed Application for Admission to Graduate Study and should refer to their MyUNIverse Student Center To-Do list or contact the graduate coordinator in the Department of Geography for any other application requirements. Applications should include two letters of recommendation, a brief statement about professional interests and career objectives, and transcripts of both undergraduate and graduate credit. Graduate information and application for graduate admission can be found at www.grad.uni.edu/admission.
The Graduate Record Examination (General Test) is not required for admission to the program.
Only graduate courses (course number 5000 or above) will apply to a graduate degree, even if the undergraduate course number (4999 or less) is listed. No exceptions will be made.
The major in Geography is available on the thesis (research) and non-thesis (professional) options. A minimum of 32 semester hours, including 6 hours GEOG 6299 (970:299) for thesis research and writing, is required for the thesis option. Students must successfully present a written and oral thesis proposal prior to registration in GEOG 6299 (970:299). A minimum of 38 semester hours, including 3 hours GEOG 6298 (970:298) for completion of a research paper, is required for the non-thesis option. A minimum of 17 hours of 200/6000-level course work is required for both the thesis and non-thesis options. Any 200/6000-level course offered as a graded course must be taken on a graded basis. Students pursuing either thesis or non-thesis option may select from the following research concentrations: Geographic Information Science and Remote Sensing; Environmental and Earth Systems; Geomorphology; Human Spatial Systems; Planning and Development; Geography Education.
Thesis Option:
| Required Geography | ||
| GEOG 6000 (970:202) | Graduate Colloquium (1 hr; must be taken twice) | 2 |
| GEOG 6010 (970:294) | Nature of Geography and Its Research Methodology | 3 |
| GEOG 6299 (970:299) | Research | 6 |
| GEOG 6550 (970:280) | Seminar | 3 |
| Electives * | 18 | |
| Total Hours | 32 | |
| * | At least 12 of the 18 hours must be in geography; at least 3 of the 18 hours must be at the 200/6000-level; cannot include GEOG 6598 (970:298); additional hours of GEOG 6299 (970:299) cannot count toward the minimum 18 elective hours. |
Non-Thesis Option:
| Required Geography | ||
| GEOG 6000 (970:202) | Graduate Colloquium (1 hr; must be taken twice) | 2 |
| GEOG 6010 (970:294) | Nature of Geography and Its Research Methodology | 3 |
| GEOG 6550 (970:280) | Seminar | 3 |
| GEOG 6598 (970:298) | Directed Research Project | 3 |
| Electives * | 27 | |
| Total Hours | 38 | |
| * | At least 15 of the 27 hours must be in geography; at least 6 of the 27 hours must be at the 200/6000-level; cannot include GEOG 6299 (970:299). |
Each student's program (beyond the required core courses) will be determined by individual needs in consultation with her/his graduate advisor and the graduate coordinator. For the thesis option, an oral thesis defense is required. For the non-thesis option, a final presentation of the research paper is required.
Program Certificate
The University of Northern Iowa makes available, in addition to traditional programs, the opportunity for students to earn program certificates. Program certificates provide an alternative to programs leading to a degree, a major, or a minor; they certify that an individual has completed a program approved by the university. For information on the following program certificate, contact the Department of Geography or the Office of the Registrar, which serves as the centralized registry.
Certificate in Crime Mapping and Analysis
This interdisciplinary certificate provides students with both theoretical and applied training in spatial mapping and the analysis of crime data. This program certificate is offered jointly by the Department of Geography and the Departmnt of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology.
| Required | ||
| Criminology: | ||
| CRIM 2134 | Crime Analysis | 3 |
| CRIM 4224/5224 (982:124g) | Police and Society | 3 |
| Geography: | ||
| GEOG 3310 (970:164) | Geographic Information Systems I | 3 |
| GEOG 4310/5310 (970:170g) | GIS Applications: (Variable Topic) | 3 |
| Sociology: | ||
| SOC 1000 (980:001) | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 2020 (980:080) | Statistics for Social Research | 3 |
| or STAT 1772 (800:072) | Introduction to Statistical Methods | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Cartography
The Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Cartography is designed to give the student a substantial background in the fields of geographic information systems and digital cartography. Students completing the program will be familiar with the terminology, techniques and theory of GIS and cartography. Hands-on computer experience is a major feature of many of the courses. The program complements majors in disciplines other than geography while increasing the geography major's preparation for the job market.
May be taken at graduate and undergraduate levels. The student must earn a grade point average of at least 3.00 in the courses taken for the certificate. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the Head of the Department of Geography during or immediately after the semester in which the course requirements will be or have been completed. Up to 3 credits can be transferred from another institution. For graduate credit GEOG 3310 can be substituted with GEOG 6286 Studies in GIS.
| Required | ||
| Geography: | ||
| GEOG 3310 (970:164) | Geographic Information Systems I | 3 |
or | ||
GEOG 6286 (970:286) Studies in: GIS | ||
| GEOG 4320/5320 (970:174g) | Geographic Information Systems II | 3 |
| GEOG 4360/5360 (970:165g) | Thematic Cartography | 3 |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Select two of the following: | ||
| Geography: | ||
| GIS Applications: (Variable Topic) | ||
| Spatial Data Analysis | ||
| Global Positioning System Field Survey Methods | ||
| Remote Sensing of the Environment | ||
| Satellite Image Processing | ||
| GIS Programming | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Geography: Geographic Information Science-Environmental Science and Policy, B.S.
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hour | |
| GEOG 1210 (970:026) | Physical Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 1211 | Physical Geography Laboratory | 1 |
| GEOG 1120 (970:010) | Human Geography | 3 |
| Liberal Arts Core | 9 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| Liberal Arts Core | 9 | |
| GEOG 3310 (970:164) | Geographic Information Systems I | 3 |
| STAT 1772 (800:072) | Introduction to Statistical Methods(or SOC 2020) | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | ||
| GIS Application Elective | 6 | |
| Liberal Arts Core | 6 | |
| University Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Liberal Arts Core | 6 | |
| University Elective | 3 | |
| GEOG 4310/5310 (970:170g) | GIS Applications: (Variable Topic) | 3 |
| Computer Science Cognate (3 hrs.) or GEOG 4390 or CS 3140 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| GIS Application Elective | 3 | |
| Liberal Arts Core | 3 | |
| University Elective | 3 | |
| GEOG 4360/5360 (970:165g) | Thematic Cartography | 3 |
| GEOG 4350/5350 (970:175g) | Global Positioning System Field Survey Methods | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| GIS Application Elective | 3 | |
| Liberal Arts Core | 3 | |
| University Electives | 6 | |
| GEOG 4320/5320 (970:174g) | Geographic Information Systems II | 3 |
| GEOG 3598 (970:193) | Research Experience in Geography | 1 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | ||
| Geography Elective | 3 | |
| University Electives | 7 | |
| GEOG 4550 (970:180) | Senior Seminar in Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 4560 (970:181) | Professional Seminar | 1 |
| GEOG 4370/5370 (970:173g) | Remote Sensing of the Environment | 3 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| Liberal Arts Core | 6 | |
| University Elective | 3 | |
| Capstone Experience | 2 | |
| Geospatial Science Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Total Hours | 126 | |
Geography: Geographic Information Science-Economic Geography and Business, B.S.
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hour | |
| GEOG 1210 (970:026) | Physical Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 1211 | Physical Geography Laboratory | 1 |
| GEOG 1120 (970:010) | Human Geography | 3 |
| Liberal Arts Core | 9 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| Liberal Arts Core | 9 | |
| GEOG 3310 (970:164) | Geographic Information Systems I | 3 |
| STAT 1772 (800:072) | Introduction to Statistical Methods | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | ||
| GIS Application Elective | 6 | |
| Liberal Arts Core | 6 | |
| University Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Liberal Arts Core | 6 | |
| University Elective | 3 | |
| GEOG 4310/5310 (970:170g) | GIS Applications: (Variable Topic) | 3 |
| Computer Science Cognate (3 hrs.) or GEOG 4390 or CS 3140 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| GIS Application Elective | 3 | |
| Liberal Arts Core | 3 | |
| University Elective | 3 | |
| GEOG 4360/5360 (970:165g) | Thematic Cartography | 3 |
| GEOG 4350/5350 (970:175g) | Global Positioning System Field Survey Methods | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| GIS Application Elective | 3 | |
| Liberal Arts Core | 3 | |
| University Elective | 6 | |
| GEOG 4320/5320 (970:174g) | Geographic Information Systems II | 3 |
| GEOG 3598 (970:193) | Research Experience in Geography | 1 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | ||
| Geography Elective | 3 | |
| University Electives | 7 | |
| GEOG 4550 (970:180) | Senior Seminar in Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 4560 (970:181) | Professional Seminar | 1 |
| GEOG 4370/5370 (970:173g) | Remote Sensing of the Environment | 3 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| Liberal Arts Core | 6 | |
| University Elective | 3 | |
| Capstone Experience | 2 | |
| Geospatial Science Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Total Hours | 126 | |
Geography: Geographic Information Science-Planning and Policy, B.S.
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hour | |
| GEOG 1210 (970:026) | Physical Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 1211 | Physical Geography Laboratory | 1 |
| GEOG 1120 (970:010) | Human Geography | 3 |
| Liberal Arts Core | 9 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| Liberal Arts Core | 9 | |
| GEOG 3310 (970:164) | Geographic Information Systems I | 3 |
| STAT 1772 (800:072) | Introduction to Statistical Methods | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | ||
| GIS Application Elective | 6 | |
| Liberal Arts Core | 6 | |
| University Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Liberal Arts Core | 6 | |
| University Elective | 3 | |
| GEOG 4310/5310 (970:170g) | GIS Applications: (Variable Topic) | 3 |
| Computer Science Cognate (3 hrs.) or GEOG 4390 or CS 3140 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| GIS Application Elective | 3 | |
| Liberal Arts Core | 3 | |
| University Elective | 3 | |
| GEOG 4360/5360 (970:165g) | Thematic Cartography | 3 |
| GEOG 4350/5350 (970:175g) | Global Positioning System Field Survey Methods | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| GIS Application Elective | 3 | |
| Liberal Arts Core | 3 | |
| University Electives | 6 | |
| GEOG 4320/5320 (970:174g) | Geographic Information Systems II | 3 |
| GEOG 3598 (970:193) | Research Experience in Geography | 1 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | ||
| Geography Elective | 3 | |
| University Electives | 7 | |
| GEOG 4550 (970:180) | Senior Seminar in Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 4560 (970:181) | Professional Seminar | 1 |
| GEOG 4370/5370 (970:173g) | Remote Sensing of the Environment | 3 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| Liberal Arts Core | 6 | |
| University Electives | 3 | |
| Capstone Experience | 2 | |
| Geospatial Science Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Total Hours | 126 | |
Geography-Globalization and Regional Geography, B.A.
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hour | |
| GEOG 1110 (970:040) | World Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 1210 (970:026) | Physical Geography | 3 |
| Liberal Arts Core | 9 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Geography Elective | 3 | |
| Liberal Arts Core | 9 | |
| GEOG 1120 (970:010) | Human Geography | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | ||
| Geography Elective | 3 | |
| Liberal Arts Core | 6 | |
| University Elective | 3 | |
| GEOG 1310 (970:061) | Digital Earth | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Liberal Arts Core | 6 | |
| University Electives | 6 | |
| GEOG Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| Liberal Arts Core | 3 | |
| University Electives | 9 | |
| Geography Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Liberal Arts Core | 3 | |
| University Electives | 9 | |
| Geography Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | ||
| Geography Elective | 3 | |
| Capstone Experience | 2 | |
| University Electives | 5 | |
| GEOG 4550 (970:180) | Senior Seminar in Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 4560 (970:181) | Professional Seminar | 1 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| Liberal Arts Core | 6 | |
| University Electives | 7 | |
| Geography Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Geography-Environmental Systems and Sustainability, B.A.
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hour | |
| GEOG 1110 (970:040) | World Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 1210 (970:026) | Physical Geography | 3 |
| Liberal Arts Core | 9 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Geography Elective | 3 | |
| Liberal Arts Core | 9 | |
| GEOG 1120 (970:010) | Human Geography | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | ||
| Geography Elective | 3 | |
| Liberal Arts Core | 6 | |
| University Elective | 3 | |
| GEOG 1310 (970:061) | Digital Earth | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Liberal Arts Core | 6 | |
| University Electives | 6 | |
| GEOG Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| Liberal Arts Core | 3 | |
| University Electives | 9 | |
| Geography Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Liberal Arts Core | 3 | |
| University Electives | 9 | |
| Geography Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | ||
| Geography Elective | 3 | |
| Capstone Experience | 2 | |
| University Electives | 5 | |
| GEOG 4550 (970:180) | Senior Seminar in Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 4560 (970:181) | Professional Seminar | 1 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| Liberal Arts Core | 6 | |
| University Electives | 7 | |
| Geography Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Geography-Planning and Development, B.A.
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hour | |
| GEOG 1110 (970:040) | World Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 1210 (970:026) | Physical Geography | 3 |
| Liberal Arts Core | 9 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Geography Elective | 3 | |
| Liberal Arts Core | 9 | |
| GEOG 1120 (970:010) | Human Geography | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | ||
| Geography Elective | 3 | |
| Liberal Arts Core | 6 | |
| University Elective | 3 | |
| GEOG 1310 (970:061) | Digital Earth | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Liberal Arts Core | 6 | |
| University Electives | 6 | |
| GEOG Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| Liberal Arts Core | 3 | |
| University Electives | 9 | |
| Geography Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Liberal Arts Core | 3 | |
| University Electives | 9 | |
| Geography Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | ||
| Geography Elective | 3 | |
| Capstone Experience | 2 | |
| University Electives | 5 | |
| GEOG 4550 (970:180) | Senior Seminar in Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 4560 (970:181) | Professional Seminar | 1 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| Liberal Arts Core | 6 | |
| University Electives | 7 | |
| Geography Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Courses
GEOG 1110 (970:040). World Geography — 3 hrs.
Reasons for and consequences of variations over surface of the earth of cultural, economic, physical, and other attributes of places. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
GEOG 1120 (970:010). Human Geography — 3 hrs.
Interaction between peoples and their environments. Spatial patterns and processes of population distribution, characteristics, and movement, human environmental impact, and economic activity. (Fall and Spring)
GEOG 1210 (970:026). Physical Geography — 3 hrs.
Explanation of patterns of solar energy receipt, atmospheric pressure, winds, and precipitation around the Earth. Emphasis on how solar energy, water, and crustal movements interact to determine characteristics of natural environments on Earth. Prerequisite(s): student must have satisfied university entrance requirements in English and Mathematics. (Fall and Spring)
GEOG 1211. Physical Geography Laboratory — 1 hr.
Explanation of patterns of solar energy receipt, atmospheric pressure, winds, and precipitation around the Earth. Emphasis on how solar energy, water, and crustal movements interact to determine characteristics of natural environments on Earth. Prerequisite(s): student must have satisfied university entrance requirements in English and Mathematics. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): GEOG 1210 (970:026). (Fall and Spring)
GEOG 1310 (970:061). Digital Earth — 3 hrs.
Survey of maps and map communication principles with a focus on digital maps and dynamic mapping applications. Emphasis on reading, analysis, and interpretation of information on maps. (Fall)
GEOG 2210 (970:028). Recent Climate Change — 3 hrs.
Brief overview of the climate system. Examination of the evidence for recent global and regional climate changes. Analysis of the importance of greenhouse gases, solar changes, aerosols, and cloud changes as contributers to climate changes. (Fall)
GEOG 3110 (970:101). Economic Geography — 3 hrs.
Analysis of changing spatial structure of the economy and inter-relationships between geography and economics within a global perspective. (Odd Springs)
GEOG 3120 (970:104). North American Cities — 3 hrs.
Principles of urban geography, including urban growth and change, structure and dynamics, and analysis and planning in North American cities. (Fall)
GEOG 3179 (970:179). Cooperative Education in Geography — 1-3 hrs.
Practical experience in business, industry, or a government agency. May be repeated for maximum of 3 hours. Offered on credit/no credit basis only. Prerequisite(s): 15 hours of geography at UNI; cumulative GPA of 2.50; junior standing; consent of department. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
GEOG 3186 (970:186). Studies in (Variable Topics).
Studies in (Variable Topics) (Variable)
GEOG 3210 (970:137). Natural Hazards and Disasters — 3 hrs.
Examination of causes, physical processes, and geographic distribution of natural hazards. Discussion of prediction methods and social impact of such disasters. (Spring)
GEOG 3220 (970:100). Environmental Geography — 3 hrs.
Study of geographic dimension of human-environmental interaction. Historical perspectives on Earth's environmental problems, the place of humankind in ecological systems, and issues of sustainable development. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 1120 (970:010) or GEOG 1210 (970:026) or GEOG 2210 (970:028) or GEOG 1110 (970:040) or consent of instructor. (Variable)
GEOG 3230 (970:144). Natural Regions of North America — 3 hrs.
Description and explanation of various landforms of North America. Focus on structures and surface processes that form distinct physical regions of North America (e.g., Rocky Mountains), and kinds of landforms that make each region unique. (Odd Springs)
GEOG 3310 (970:164). Geographic Information Systems I — 3 hrs.
Fundamental concepts and operations of Geographic Information Systems with applications. Lectures are supplemented by computer-based projects. Lecture, 2 periods; lab 2 periods. (Fall and Spring)
GEOG 3580 (970:189). Readings in Geography — 1-3 hrs.
Maximum of 3 hours can be applied toward Geography major. Prerequisite(s): consent of department head. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
GEOG 3598 (970:193). Research Experience in Geography — 1-3 hrs.
Conducting of supervised research or scholarly project. May be repeated for maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite(s): 15 hours of geography; consent of instructor. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
GEOG 4110/5110 (970:111g). Cultural Geography — 3 hrs.
Examination of the nature and dynamics of culture relative to issues and landscapes that arise out of the interactions between people and their physical and human environments. Special emphasis on socio-economic development and the process of globalization. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Odd Springs)
GEOG 4120/5120 (970:119g). Demography and Population Geography — 3 hrs.
Geographic perspectives on demography and migration in a changing world. Patterns, processes, and models of population structure, change, distribution, and movement. Relationships with complex spatial mosaic of socioeconomic and environmental systems. Elements of population analysis and geodemographics. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Even Springs)
GEOG 4150/5150 (970:141g). Regional Geography: (Variable Topic) — 3 hrs.
Study of geography of selected region including evolution and dynamics of its cultural, social, economic, political, and environmental dimensions. May be repeated on different regions. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)
GEOG 4160/5160 (970:151g). Historical Geography: (Variable Topic) — 3 hrs.
Examination of geographic development of selected region or of significance of geographic factors in historical development of selected topic. May be repeated on different regions or topics. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)
GEOG 4170/5170 (970:168g). Regional Analysis and Planning — 3 hrs.
Introduction to processes, methods, and techniques of regional analysis and planning. Planning seen as political and technical process. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Spring)
GEOG 4180/5180 (970:121g). Locational Analysis for Business — 3 hrs.
Practical and theoretical use of geographic models and concepts in business. Locational analysis, site selection, market area analysis, and real estate evaluation. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Spring)
GEOG 4190/5190 (970:117g). Transportation Planning and Policy — 3 hrs.
Transportation policy goals and objectives, transportation planning processes, characteristics and problems of transportation systems. Use of current methodologies and techniques to support decision making related to transportation policy, operations, and management. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Fall)
GEOG 4210/5210 (970:127g). Climatology — 3 hrs.
Fundamentals of physical and dynamic climatology. Application of fundamentals to classification and mapping of global distribution of climatic types, and reconstruction of past climates. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Even Falls)
GEOG 4220/5220 (970:126g). Soils and Landscapes — 3 hrs.
Study of soils as result of inter-relationships among climates, ecosystems, and landscapes of the world. Soil formation, distribution, properties, and classification, and applications of soil geography to other disciplines. Lecture, 2 periods; lab/field trips, 2 periods. Prerequisite(s): EARTHSCI 1300 (870:031) or GEOG 1210 (970:026); junior standing. (Odd Falls)
GEOG 4230/5230 (970:129g). Rivers — 3 hrs.
Runoff processes, stream discharge, sediment transport, drainage basins, properties of alluvium, channel changes, floodplains, terraces, human adjustments to floods, human impacts on rivers, and river water quality. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Even Springs)
GEOG 4240/5240 (970:155g). Reconstructing Ice Age Environments — 3 hrs.
Study of earth systems, long-term environmental change, and methods used to detect such change. Evidence of environmental changes resulting from glacial-interglacial conditions and how large scale changes in Earth climate systems affect environmental systems. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 1210 (970:026); GEOG 2210 (970:028); EARTHSCI 1300 (870:031) or consent of instructor; junior standing. (Even Falls)
GEOG 4250/5250 (970:185g). Laboratory Methods in Environmental Geography — 3 hrs.
Intended to make students proficient in the common laboratory techniques used for analyzing soil and sediments for environmental geography. Prerequisite(s): EARTHSCI 1300 (870:031) or GEOG 1210 (970:026); junior standing. (Even Springs)
GEOG 4260. Environmental Resource Management — 3 hrs.
This course provides an overview of issues and training in the accepted approaches to contemporary environmental management and sustainability, both in general and in the context of the state of Iowa. The objective of this course is to provide the theoretical background for critical analysis of resource management issues and applied problems in both for-profit and non-profit contexts, including but not limited to, government agencies, public park areas, public and private conservancies, and corporate environmental management contexts. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 1210 (970:026) or EARTHSCI 1300 (870:031); BIOL 2051 (840:051); or consent of instructor. (Fall)
GEOG 4310/5310 (970:170g). GIS Applications: (Variable Topic) — 3 hrs.
GIS techniques to conduct spatial analysis of social and environmental topics. Focus on an individual research project and associated functional capabilities of GIS packages. Variable social/environmental focus. May be taken more than once for credit. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 3310 (970:164); junior standing. (Spring)
GEOG 4320/5320 (970:174g). Geographic Information Systems II — 3 hrs.
Technical issues in GIS and ways of implementing GIS as a decision support system for solving problems of a spatial nature in selected fields. Lecture, 2 periods; lab, 2 periods. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 3310 (970:164) or consent of instructor; junior standing. (Spring)
GEOG 4335/5335. Web Mapping and GIS — 3 hrs.
An applied course examining state of the art web mapping and Geographic Information Systems server technologies. Students will gain hands on experience utilizing a variety of cloud-based technologies and simple scripting techniques to build web mapping applications and visualizations. Prior programming experience is not required. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 2310. (Odd Falls)
GEOG 4340/5340 (970:160g). Spatial Data Analysis — 3 hrs.
Analysis and interpretation of spatial point processes, area, geostatistical and spatial interaction data. Applications to geographic data in real estate, biology, environmental and agricultural sciences using S-Plus software. Prerequisite(s): STAT 1774 (800:064) or STAT 1772 (800:072) or SOC 2020 (980:080); junior standing. (Same as STAT 3778/5778 (800:171g)) (Odd Springs)
GEOG 4350/5350 (970:175g). Global Positioning System Field Survey Methods — 3 hrs.
Utilization of global positioning system (GPS) to collect, process, and analyze geographic data. GPS theory and techniques including field survey experiences. Applications within an integrated geographic information system (GIS) framework. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Fall)
GEOG 4360/5360 (970:165g). Thematic Cartography — 3 hrs.
Application of cartographic principles and techniques in compiling thematic maps. Emphasis on cartographic production; essentials of computer mapping and map reproduction. Lecture, 2 periods; lab, 2 periods. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Spring)
GEOG 4370/5370 (970:173g). Remote Sensing of the Environment — 3 hrs.
Examination of physical basis of Remote Sensing and various sensing systems available for monitoring, mapping, measuring, and identifying phenomena on the earth's surface. Emphasis on non-photographic systems operating within the electromagnetic continuum. Various modes of multispectral scanning. Lecture, 2 periods; lab, 2 periods. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Fall)
GEOG 4380/5380. Satellite Image Processing — 3 hrs.
Scientific and computational foundation of digital image processing techniques for extraction of earth resources information from remotely sensed satellite data. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 4370/5370 (970:173g); junior standing. (Even Springs)
GEOG 4390/5390. GIS Programming — 3 hrs.
An applied course in Python programming for ArcGIS automation and customization. Students will gain hands-on experience with ArcGIS Geoprocessing framework, basic programming concepts, Python fundamentals, and writing Python scripts for geoprocessing and map automation. Prior programming experience is not required. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 3310 (970:164) and 4310 or 4320 or consent of instructor. (Even Falls)
GEOG 4550 (970:180). Senior Seminar in Geography — 3 hrs.
Examination of specific topics through application of geographic principles and analysis. Discussion of readings during first half semester and student presentations during second half semester. Research paper required. Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of geography. (Spring)
GEOG 4560 (970:181). Professional Seminar — 1 hr.
Issues and opportunities involved in transition from undergraduate to professional life. Design and completion of essential documents including resume, professional portfolio, graduate program applications, and standardized examinations. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Fall)
GEOG 6000 (970:202). Graduate Colloquium — 1 hr.
Weekly presentations by a faculty member, visitor, or student. May be repeated for maximum of 2 hours. (Fall and Spring)
GEOG 6010 (970:294). Nature of Geography and Its Research Methodology — 3 hrs.
Analysis of various currents of thought concerning the nature and scope of geography and the way they have changed over time. Examination of various geographic research methodologies in the context of these philosophical issues. (Spring)
GEOG 6285 (970:285). Readings in Geography — 1-3 hrs.
May be repeated. Prerequisite(s): consent of department head. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
GEOG 6286 (970:286). Studies In: (Variable Topics).
Studies In: (Variable Topics) (Variable)
GEOG 6299 (970:299). Research.
Prerequisite(s): consent of department. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
GEOG 6550 (970:280). Seminar — 3 hrs.
Topics listed in Schedule of Classes. May be repeated on different topics. (Variable)
GEOG 6598 (970:298). Directed Research Project — 3 hrs.
Research leading to research paper for students in the non-thesis option. Prerequisite(s): GEOG 6010 (970:294). (Fall, Spring, Summer)