愛荷華大學(xué)

Learning Outcomes

The goal is for geography graduates to demonstrate spatial literacy, systems thinking, critical thinking, research proficiency, and communications skills.

Spatial Literacy

Students will understand the role of spatial information and data in addressing social and environmental questions. They will be aware of the role of geography as a linchpin discipline that bridges social and biophysical sciences.

Systems Thinking

Students will acquire an understanding of the connections and relationships between human and environmental activities and outcomes across space and time, be able to apply spatial analytical techniques to investigate human/environment interaction, and identify the ethical implications associated with outcomes produced by such analyses. This understanding and ability will provide students with the necessary tools to assess the sustainability of current and proposed solutions in a variety of settings across a broad spectrum of social and environmental issues.

Critical Thinking

Students will have the capability to assess various points of view and perspectives while assessing complex social and environmental problems, to evaluate the factual basis of assertions, and to understand trade-offs.

Research Proficiency

Students will be able to formulate testable hypotheses, apply quantitative or qualitative approaches and methodological tools to pertinent questions, and acquire secondary data or construct primary datasets when applicable.

Communication Skills

Students will be able to communicate complex geographical and technical concepts using an appropriate vocabulary to a broad spectrum of audiences. Communication skills include verbal, written, graphic, and cartographic forms of communication.

The Bachelor of Science with a major in geography requires a minimum of 120 s.h., including at least 46-49 s.h. of work for the major. Credit required for the major depends on a student's choice of track. Students must maintain a g.p.a. of at least 2.00 in all courses for the major and in all UI courses for the major.

Geography majors may not earn the minor in geographic information science.

The major in geography is appropriate preparation for advanced training or careers in geographical and sustainability sciences. Students with strong interest in quantitative analysis and model building should pursue the Bachelor of Science and are encouraged to master an appropriate computer programming language.

Students choose one of three tracks in the major: environmental studies, geographic information science (GISci), or health and society. All students majoring in geography complete a common set of foundation courses in addition to the requirements for their choice of track. Bachelor of Science students take additional mathematics course work.

Courses in geography are commonly required of students preparing to teach at the elementary and secondary school levels or to work in urban and regional planning. The degree also provides a solid background for many related professions, including law, health care, environmental engineering, and business.

The application of geographic information systems (GIS) to social, economic, and environmental problems has increased considerably during the past decade. This trend is likely to continue into the future; in fact, the U.S. Department of Labor has identified the area as one of its 14 high-growth industries. GIS presents an abundance of career opportunities for geography graduates in local, state, and federal government agencies, as well as in the private sector.

Geography majors are encouraged to participate in an internship. The department maintains close ties with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and other local agencies that offer internships.