General Description of the Program: The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers both a major and minor in geography and planning. The geography and planning major is designed to provide students with a strong background in the Liberal Arts as well as specialized skills and the theoretical foundation required for their effective application in a variety of careers and can be completed as either a BA or BS degree. Students who major in geography and planning gain a sophisticated perspective of the elements of both physical and human geography and the ways in which physical and cultural environments influence each other.

What Types of Students Might Be Interested in Such a Program? Because geography is a discipline rooted in both the natural and social sciences, it appeals to students with many interests. A common interest among students is an intrinsic curiosity about the importance of space and place in cultural, economic and environmental situations. Students who do well in such a field learn to balance a broad global view with the specifics of more local concerns. In addition, training in geography and planning helps students hone critical thinking skills that will serve them well in whatever careers they choose to pursue.

Program Goals
Knowledge
a. The program will provide students with the knowledge necessary to synthesize information from the social sciences and apply it to their professional and personal lives.
b. The program will provide students with a depth and breadth of social science knowledge and the intellectual versatility for success in a variety of careers and for graduate education.

Communication
a. Students will demonstrate the ability to critically examine issues, events and conditions in oral and written communication.
b. Students will demonstrate the use appropriate social science concepts and terminology.

Analysis
a. Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze and synthesize information from the social sciences in order to form accurate and nuanced understandings of issues, events and conditions at local, national and global scales.
b. The program will foster an informed and compassionate view of human diversity.

The Department of Humanities and Social Sciences offers both a major and a minor in Geography and Planning.