Geography
Through the formal study of geography, students develop a perspective that helps to explain the reasons for and the significance of local, regional and world patterns and analyzes the role of locational factors in human affairs.
Geographic Information Science Emphasis
One of the fastest growing areas in geography is the use of geographic information sciences (GIS) to generate maps and store map-related information. GIS is a system of computer hardware and software that stores, displays, analyzes, and maps geographic information. Geographers, planners, land developers, real estate agents, market analysts, utility companies, and municipal officials all use these systems. For example, using GIS, students can analyze population distribution, traffic movement, land availability, real estate prices, environmental hazards, soil types, and flood zones to help local government make informed land use decisions.
Liberal Arts Emphasis
Those electing a liberal arts major in geography are generally preparing for graduate school or careers in cartography, recreation/travel planning, military or political intelligence or resource management. Examples of specific employment opportunities include map design and construction, international business representative, tour planning/operation and area specialist. Additional positions include travel agent, real estate agent, park ranger and peace corps volunteer.
Secondary Teaching Emphasis
The Geography program participates in the preparation of teachers by offering a bachelor's degree in geography that meets all requirements for licensure for teaching social studies at the secondary level (grades 7-12). Upon successful completion of this program and the requirements of the Professional Teacher Education program, students will qualify to be licensed to teach social studies. Students choosing this major will be observed by experienced geography faculty when student teaching. A graduate with this degree will also be qualified to pursue graduate study in geography.
Geography B.A. — PTEP
No geography teaching major may apply for admission to the Professional Teacher Education (TEP) program until he or she has passed at least 15 semester hours of courses in the major, at least 6 hours of which must have been taken at the University of Northern Colorado.
To be admitted to PTEP, a student must have a 2.75 grade point average in those courses counting toward his or her major that were taken at UNC and must have taken at least three courses with the GEOG prefix.
In the Secondary PTEP, student must take both SOSC 341 and GEOG 410.
Before being permitted to apply or student teaching, a student must have successfully completed at least 30 hours in the major and maintained a 2.67 grade point average in major courses taken at UNC.
For degree and program requirements, see: