Mission

Mission

The mission of the Department of Geography is to provide high impact educational experiences essential for training the next generation of geographers. We promote student and faculty excellence in the acquisition, production, communication, and application of spatially integrated knowledge in environmental and physical geography, human geography, the geospatial sciences, and global and regional studies. As a teaching-intensive, research-driven department with a strong tradition of service to the community and to the campus we are committed to preparing our students to effectively contribute to societal and environmental challenges locally, regionally and globally.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Articulate the theories, philosophies, and concepts in the discipline of geography, including unifying themes of spatial patterns and structures, the interrelationship between people and places, and the interactions between nature and society.
• Explain and distinguish differences among the various methodologies used in geographic research and analysis.
• Acquire, analyze, evaluate, and interpret geographic data and/or research.
• Communicate geographic data, theories, philosophies, and concepts in oral, written, and visual forms, with ethical engagement and respect for diversity of individuals, groups, and cultures.
• Identify and assess how geographic concepts apply in the workplace and in everyday life to solve real-world problems.