Introduction
The
Department of Geography and Geology
offers a geography major leading to
either a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor
of Arts degree. Three options are
available for students majoring in
geography: Physical Environment,
Geographic Information Science (GIS) and
Cartography, and Urban Planning. Teacher
certification in geography is available.
A student may also choose to minor in
geography. The minor complements such
majors as history, resource management,
biology, water resources and soil
science.
High School Preparation
To
prepare for a major in geography, high
school students should focus on courses
in geography, as well as courses in the
social and natural sciences like
history, biology, chemistry, mathematics
and computers.
Why Study Geography at UW-Stevens Point?
The
department offers students a
cutting-edge learning environment in
which excellence in teaching is of prime
importance. Faculty members work closely
with students to design a course of
study oriented to the students’
interests, special abilities and career
objectives. Small upper-level class
sizes, active academic advising, superb
laboratory facilities and internship
programs promote academic success.
Department Features
All
faculty in the department hold
doctorates in geography or geology.
Faculty have training and interests in
cartography, geographic information
systems, climatology, geomorphology, and
environmental, cultural, economic and
urban geography. Several members have
been recognized by the University for
their excellence in teaching. Three
well-equipped computer-based
laboratories allow students practical
experience using the latest computer
applications in geography.
Employment Opportunity
Graduates
with a bachelor’s degree in geography
often find employment in private firms,
in local, state and federal agencies,
and in teaching, primarily at the
secondary or high school level. Summer
employment and internships provide
valuable real world experience while
also helping a student to qualify for
employment upon graduation.
Sample Program of Study for
the Geography Major
A total of 40 credits is
required for the geography
major. All geography majors
are required to take a set
of core courses which
include: Geog 101 - The
Physical Environment; Geog
120 - Cultural Geography;
Geog 276 - Introduction to
Cartography; Geog 279 -
Fundamentals of Geographic
Information Systems; Geog
280 - Seminar: Geography as
a Profession; Geog 390 -
Applied Statistics in
Geography; Geog 480 (3 cr) -
Internship in Geography or
Geog 485 (3 cr) - Practicum
in Geography or Geog 490 -
Senior Research Seminar or
491 - Senior Thesis.
|
Freshman Year
|
|
First Semester |
Credits |
Second Semester |
Credits |
|
The Physical
Environment -
Geog 101 |
5 |
Cultural
Geography - Geog
120 |
3 |
|
Freshman English
- Eng 101 |
3 |
Freshman English
- Eng 102 |
3 |
|
Social Science |
3 |
Humanities |
3 |
|
Math |
3 |
Math |
4 |
|
Practicum
Computing- CIS
102 |
1 |
Natural Science |
3 |
|
Total
|
15 |
Total |
16 |
|
Sophomore Year
|
|
Intro to
Cartography -
Geog 276
|
3 |
Fund. of
Geographic Info
Sys - Geog 279 |
3 |
|
Social Science |
3 |
Environmental
Literacy |
3 |
|
Humanities |
3 |
Social Science
|
3 |
|
Natural Science
|
4 |
Humanities |
3 |
|
Practicum
Computing - CIS
102 |
1 |
History
|
3 |
|
Wellness
|
2 |
Wellness |
1 |
|
Total
|
16 |
Total
|
16 |
|
UWSP Geography Majors at
Work
Mapping Technician
Crispell-Snyder, Inc.
(Private Consulting Agency)
u
GIS Specialist
Outagamie County
Planning & Zoning
Department)
u
Environmental
Coordinator
Wisconsin Dept. of
Transportation
u
Assistant Planner
Portage County Planning &
Zoning Department
u
Land Information
Director
Trempealeau County
|
Students are required to enroll in
Geography 280 - Seminar: Geography as a
Profession during the first year after
declaring a geography major. During the
junior and senior years of the geography
program, all majors are required to
complete Geography 390 - Applied
Statistics in Geography and Geography
480 (3 cr) - Internship in Geography or
Geography 485 (3 cr) - Practicum in
Geography or Geography 490 - Senior
Research Seminar or Geography 491 -
Senior Thesis. The remaining
requirements depend on the particular
option chosen. Qualified students,
usually during their senior year, are
encouraged to enhance their degree
activities with an internship.
Cooperative agreements with local and
state agencies provide intern
opportunities.
Students are encouraged to join Gamma
Theta Upsilon, an international
geographical honor society, or the
Geography Club, an informal organization
open to all students interested in
geography. Gamma Theta Upsilon/Geography
Club membership is helpful in learning
more about geography, in developing
leadership and organizational skills, in
establishing professional contacts and
in gaining employment.
