What will I learn?
The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialization is appropriate for students who have a strong interest in the use of geographic information systems to analyze, visualize, query, and interpret spatial and non-spatial data. Besides mapping our environment more accurately, GIS allows us to ask and answer spatial questions and solve problems using ''what-if'' scenarios. Upon completion of this degree, graduates will be prepared for applied GIS careers in areas such as information technology, government (military, intelligence, census), urban planning, health care, emergency management, the environment and business or for graduate studies that focus on more narrowly on GIS applications, research, design, and production of GIS technology.Geography is the study of human activity, and the environment it takes place in, as it varies across space. Thus, geographers analyze the complex interactions that take place between people, culture, society, and place, and they investigate the impacts that people have on the natural world as well as our responses to environmental change caused by natural factors and human activity. Geographers create maps that illustrate these relationships by using geospatial analysis techniques and technologies (such as geographic information systems) that utilize a wide range of data that are either remotely sensed or collected at the earth’s surface. Because of the wide scope of geography, the discipline is strongly linked with fields in the social sciences, natural sciences, computing, and business. Geography graduates are prepared for jobs in areas that require analytic and geospatial technology skills or for graduate studies that focus more narrowly on one or more geographic sub-disciplines. Geography is a broad, integrative discipline that bridges the physical and social sciences to study the interactions that take place between people, culture, society, natural environments and places across the globe.Geography provides essential insights about these interactions to the private and public sectors, as well as the academic community. Geography faculty train our students to comprehend and associate concepts, collect and understand various sources of data, and use tools and techniques to analyze and display spatial information.The degree program is designed around the department’s focus on spatial analysis of human interactions with the social, cultural and natural environments. The ability to identify and articulate spatial relationships with the use of geospatial techniques is strongly emphasized and integrated into the curriculum.Spatial analysis techniques of computer mapping, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and remote sensing are also emphasized and integrated. All geography majors are advised to take a course in statistics as well.
