What is the Geography and Planning Major? Geography is the science of place and space.  Geographers ask where things are located on the surface of the earth, why they are located where they are, how places differ from one another and how people interact with their environment. West Liberty University offers a major in geography and planning for social science majors as well as a minor for students majoring in a wide variety of other areas of study.

With an additional focus on planning, this major prepares students for jobs relating to land use and economic development, urban and regional planning, and positions in local government and organizations. The curriculum includes a required internship in which students apply concepts of geography and planning beyond the classroom. Such experiences frequently lead to employment opportunities.

Distinctive Features of the Program: The two full-time geography professors at West Liberty University bring a broad and deep knowledge of all facets of the discipline. Both professors hold the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, one with a concentration on environmental and technological areas of the field, the other with a focus on the cultural landscape. Upper level courses typically have fewer than twenty students and offer the opportunity for personalized interaction with faculty. In addition, the University has a local chapter of Gamma Theta Upsilon, the international geography honorary society, through which member students may network with other geographers, seek scholarships and attend annual social events that focus on geography.

Course Offerings: West Liberty University offers a wide range of courses in geography. From broad survey courses including Introduction to Geography and World Regional Geography to more specialized topics including Weather and Climate, Geographic Information Systems, Environmental Geography, Cultural Geography, Geographies of World Tourism and Geographies of Popular Culture, students in many majors may benefit from the perspective on location and place that geography provides. With the increasing need to understand cultural diversity and environmental impacts, geography offers many tools with which to understand the world and make informed, sensible decisions in the workplace.

For more information, contact Dr. Robert Kruse or Aron Massey.