Bachelor of Science with a Major in Geography, Geographic Information Science (GIS)
GIS professionals focus on the collection, analysis, management, and visualization of spatial data using various geospatial technologies, including GIS, remote sensing, and global positioning systems (GPS).
For more information, please see the Academic Catalog. A program map, which provides a guide for students to plan their course of study, is available for download in the Courses tab below.
Geography is the study of the interactions between people and places, local and global processes, and social and biophysical systems. It is an integrative discipline in which scholars endeavor to understand the role of humans in producing the social and biophysical worlds in which they live. Geographic knowledge can be applied to explain cultural and political conflicts, environmental policies and practices, human landscapes, and economic well-being. Modern geographical analysis typically involves cartographic and geospatial techniques (GIS) and both qualitative and quantitative methods.
Career Opportunities
Link to Additional Career Information:
https://www.buzzfile.com/Major/Geography
External Resource
Program Location
Carrollton Campus
Method of Delivery
Face to Face
Accreditation
The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Credit and transfer
Total semester hours required: 120
This program may be earned entirely face-to-face. However, depending on the courses chosen, a student may choose to take some partially or fully online courses.
Save money
UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited universities of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen.
Details
- Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
- The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
- Face-to-face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
- Fully or entirely online course tuition rates and fees my vary depending on the program. Students enrolled in exclusively online courses do not pay non-Resident rates.
- Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
- One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, he/she will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
- For cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Student Accounts and Billing Services website
There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.
Coursework
3000/4000 level hours from GEOG, GEOL CS, POLS, MGNT, or CISM - 12 credits
Minor and/or electives 15-21
Downloads
Major Required
An introduction to weather and climate including influences on the biosphere (ecosystems and biomes). This course looks at local, regional, and global geographic relationships among atmospheric and biospheric systems, including an introduction to climate change.
An introduction to GIS, mapping and geospatial sciences. Topics include introductory GIS, map projections, land partitioning systems, map reading, map analysis, GPS, map making, aerial photography, and remote sensing. This course will guide students to GIS, mapping sciences and emerging geospatial technologies.
This course introduces the principles of remote sensing and explores the practical integration of remote sensing with geographic information systems.
A capstone course for Geography majors focusing on the final stages of the research process, including how to discuss the relevance of research findings in both academic and broader contexts, how to effectively communicate research findings, and how to professionally present and communicate expertise and skills developed through independent research and other coursework.
An introduction to the use of Geographic Information Systems, including GIS theory, data input, spatial analysis, and final output.
Computer-assisted map design and production.
Major Selects
Three of the following - 12 credits
Study on airphoto interpretation and photogrammetry. Topics include digital airphotos, correcting airphoto distortions, orthophoto generation, stereoscopy and DEM generation, airphoto interpretation techniques, and mapping with airphotos.
This course applies remote sensing techniques to contemporary topics like image classification, LiDAR, natural resources, urbanization, water, or climate. Students will learn how to process remote sensing data and will develop remote sensing application projects.
This course focuses on principles, methods, and applications of GIS technologies. It emphasizes hands-on opportunities to learn technical skills and best practices. Students will learn how to process different types of GIS data and will develop an individual project to design, implement and run GIS models.
This is an advanced course in GIS databases and enterprise GIS database implementation. It is focused on the creation and administration of GIS databases. It introduces the concepts of database structure and the integration of spatial and attribute data. Topics include metadata creation, database development, querying, and administration. This class includes lectures, lab assignments, exams, and student-directed projects.
This is an advanced course in GIS focusing on application development and customization. Programming languages are used to develop GIS applications. In this course students will gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of customization and programming in a GIS environment. Programming languages supporting GIS applications such as VBA and Python will be introduced. This class includes lectures, lab assignments, exams, and student-directed projects.
This is an applied practicum that fosters effective use of GIS. Students who successfully complete the course are able to create, manipulate, and manage geographic data to perform analysis tasks, to visualize geographic data, and to use geographic data analyses to support decision making. This course is designed to equip students with skills needed in the geospatial field.
Shea Rose, Ph.D.
Professor of Geography (Atmospheric Science Focus)
Jeong Seong, Ph.D.
Professor of Geography
Guidelines for Admittance
Specific requirements are associated with the following areas:Freshman Adult Learners Transfer International Home School Joint / Dual Enrollment Transient Auditor Post-Baccalaureate Non-Degree Seeking Readmission
Application Deadlines
Undergraduate Priority Deadlines
Fall Semester - June 1
Spring Semester - November 15
Summer Semester - May 15
Admission Process Checklist
Check your Application Status
Contact
Contact the Office of Admissions for additional information.
Specific dates for Admissions (Undergraduate only), Financial Aid, Fee Payments, Registration, Start/End of term, Final Exams, etc. are available in THE SCOOP.
- Demonstrate a general knowledge of relationships between social and environmental phenomena and processes
- Demonstrate fundamental awareness of geographic dimensions, phenomena, and processes
- Demonstrate competence in geographic analyses, geographic information systems, and geographic visualization
- Demonstrate understanding of the patterns and processes of physical environment
- Demonstrate an ability to construct and present an argument based on evidence
- Demonstrate competence in physical data measurement, handling, and processing