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2017-2018 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Geography

Requirements for a Major in Geography

Core Courses

All geography majors, regardless of the area of emphasis, are required to complete the following core courses (12 credit hours):

B.A. or B.S. Degree Requirements

Students pursuing the B.A. degree requirements must satisfy the third semester proficiency (through the 201 level) in one of the classical or modern languages offered by the Classics or Modern Languages and Literature Departments.

Students pursuing the B.S. degree requirements must complete the following courses:

And ONE of the following courses:

B.A. or B.S. General Geography Degree Without an Emphasis

Students pursuing the general geography degree without an emphasis, select their elective courses in consultation with their academic advisors to acquire significant transdisciplinary breadth, including courses in geospatial technology, urban and regional planning, environmental geography, sustainability science, and regional and global human development.

This self-designed geography degree track includes at least six credit hours of the regional geography, selected from the following list.

And at least 15 credits of the following topical geography and planning courses, selected from:

No more than six hours of GPY 399 and GPY 499 combined may count toward the major.

B.A. or B.S. in Geography with an Emphasis in Geospatial Technology

In addition to the geography major core courses (12 credits), as previously specified, students pursuing a B.A. or B.S. in geography with an emphasis in geospatial technology are required to take the following GIS and remote sensing courses (13 credits):

And one of the following GIS applications courses:

And take at least six nonduplicated credits of any upper-level (300- or 400-level) geography and sustainable planning courses. These may include independent studies, internships, and study abroad courses.

B.A. or B.S. in Geography with an Emphasis in Urban and Regional Planning

In addition to the geography major core courses (12 credits), as previously specified, students pursuing a B.A. or B.S. in geography with an emphasis in urban and regional planning are required to take the following fundamental urban and regional planning courses (6 credits):

And take at least six credits of the following planning courses:

And take at least seven nonduplicated credits from the following courses related to sustainable planning:

And take at least three nonduplicated credits of any upper-level (300- or 400-level) geography and sustainable planning courses. These may include independent studies, internships, and study abroad courses.

B.A. or B.S. in Geography with an Emphasis in Environment and Global Development

In addition to the geography major core courses (12 credits), as previously specified, students pursuing a B.A. or B.S. in geography with an emphasis in environment and global development are required to take the following fundamental courses on global development and environmental changes (9 credits):

And complete at least six credits of the following environmental courses on environmental sustainability:

And at least four credits from the following courses on the regional patterns of environment and development:

And take at least three nonduplicated credits of any upper-level (300- or 400-level) geography and sustainable planning courses. These may include independent studies, internships, and study abroad courses.

General Education

In addition to the geography major requirements, all GVSU students must complete the university general education requirements. Please note that some geography courses count for one or more general education categories (Foundations, Cultures, and Issues). Please see your advisor and the Grand Valley General Education program requirements if you have any questions about course overlaps.

All Grand Valley students are required to fulfill WRT 150 (first year composition) and two Supplemental Writing Skills classes (SWS) with a grade not lower than C before graduation. GPY 495 - Senior Thesis is an SWS course.

Suggested Order of Coursework for a Major in Geography

Suggested sample curriculum for a major in geography (this is an example only, please see your advisor and follow the catalog to develop coursework appropriate for your interests and/or area of emphasis).

First Year, Fall Semester

First Year, Winter Semester

Second Year, Fall Semester

Second Year, Winter Semester

Third Year, Fall Semester

Third Year, Winter Semester

Fourth Year, Fall Semester

Fourth Year, Winter Semester

Click here for the program description.


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