Geography
College of Liberal Arts
Department of Geography
(907) 474-7494
Minimum Requirements for Degrees: B.A.: 120 credits; B.S.: 120 credits
Geography provides an organized view of the earth as a whole and of its regions and human activities. Geography serves as a bridge between the natural and social sciences by studying the interrelationships between the earth's physical and biological systems, and how these environmental systems provide a natural resource base for human societies. Geographers are interested in the patterns of human settlement; natural resources distribution, use, and conservation; and the sense of place among the peoples of the world. Geographic methodologies include observation, measurement, description, and analysis of places or areas, including their likenesses, differences, interdependence and importance. Geographic professions are diverse, and include opportunities in mapping, remote sensing, demographics, international relations, landscape analysis, environmental assessment and planning, regional planning, and weather and climate analysis. Also, geography provides an excellent background for specialized or interdisciplinary graduate study.
At UAF, students may enter one of two geography degrees: the B.A. degree in geography, or the B.S. degree in environmental studies. Students may elect advanced work in geography, or other disciplines, to provide a concentration in either physical or social science. A minor in geography is also available.
The B.A. degree is offered to provide: (1) broad cultural background in the liberal arts, (2) a geographic perspective based on world regions, (3) preparation for teaching geography, earth science or social science in elementary or secondary schools, (4) technical training for professional geographic work in government, business or industry.
The B.S. degree in geography is subtitled "environmental studies," and the program is offered to provide: (1) the foundation necessary for understanding the natural and social environment, (2) the analysis of environmental issues from an interdisciplinary geographic perspective, (3) a diverse technical and scientific approach to environmental issues, and (4) the ability to find balanced solutions to environmental problems.
Undergraduate Degree Requirements
Geography -- B.A. Degree
- Complete the general university requirements and B.A. degree requirements.
- Complete the following program (major) requirements:
- Complete 33 or 34 credits in geography as follows: Credits
GEOG 101 -- Introductory Geography or
GEOG 203 -- World Economic Geography (3 credits)
GEOG 205 -- Elements of Physical Geography (3 credits)
GEOG 339 -- Maps and Landscape Analysis
or GEOG 401 -- Weather and Climate (3 credits)
GEOG 482 -- Geography Seminar (3 credits)
Select three of the following regional courses:
GEOG 302 -- Geography of Alaska (3)
GEOG 303 -- Geography of the U.S. and Canada (3)
GEOG 305 -- Geography of Europe (Except U.S.S.R.) (3)
GEOG 306 -- Geography of Russia (3)
GEOG 311 -- Geography of Asia (3)
GEOG 327 -- Cold Lands (3) (9 credits)
Select two of the following cultural courses:
GEOG 402 -- Resources and Environment (3)
GEOG 404 -- Urban Geography (3)
GEOG 405 -- Political Geography (3) (6 credits)
Select one of the following technique courses:
GEOG 309 -- Cartography (4)
GEOG 408 -- Quantitative Research Techniques (3) 3-4
Geography elective (3 credits) - Approved electives to complete 120 credits.
- Complete 33 or 34 credits in geography as follows: Credits
Geography -- B.S. Degree (Environmental Studies)
- Complete general university requirements and B.S. degree requirements.
- Complete the following program (major) requirements:
- Complete 45 credits in geography as follows:
Required Environmental Studies Courses (24) Credits
GEOG 101 -- Introductory Geography (3 credits)
GEOG/EQS 201 -- Environmental Management (3 credits)
GEOG 205 -- Elements of Physical Geography (3 credits)
GEOG 339 -- Maps and Landscape Analysis (3 credits)
GEOG 401 -- Weather and Climate (3 credits)
GEOG 402 -- Resources and Environment (3 credits)
GEOG 408 -- Quantitative Research Techniques (3 credits)
GEOG 482 -- Geography Seminar (3 credits)
Environmental Studies Electives-Complete six credits from:
GEOG/NRM 463 -- Wilderness Concepts (3)
NRM 303X -- Environmental Ethics and Actions (3)
NRM 407 -- Environmental Law (3)
PS 420* -- Environmental Politics (3) (6 credits)
Environmental System Electives-Complete nine credits from:
ANTH 428* -- Ecological Anthropology (3)
BIOL 271* -- Principles of Ecology (4)
BIOL/NRM 277* -- Conservation Biology (3)
GEOS 304 -- Geomorphology (3)
GEOS 432* -- Geology of Mineral Resources (3)
NRM 375* -- Forest Ecology (3)
NRM 380* -- Soils and the Environment (3)
NRM/FISH 400* -- Fisheries Science (3) (9 credits)
Environmental Management Electives-Complete one course from:
FISH 401* -- Fisheries Management (3)
NRM 365 -- Principles of Outdoor Recreation Management (3)
NRM 430 -- Resource Management Planning (3)
NRM/WLF 431* -- Wildlife Policy and Administration (3)
NRM 450* -- Forest Management (3)
NRM 480* -- Soil Management for Quality and Conservation (3)
Techniques Courses-Complete one course from:
GEOG 301 -- Geographic Field Research Techniques (3)
GEOG 309 -- Cartography (4)
GEOG/NRM 338 -- Intro Geographic Information Systems (3) 3-4 - Approved electives to complete 120 credits.
- Complete 45 credits in geography as follows:
*prerequisites required
MINOR in Geography
A minor in geography requires 15 credits in geography including GEOG 101 or 203 and 205.