Bachelor of Arts [BA] [Geography - Physical Geography] From California State University

They study climate, weather, landforms, water resources, and plants and animals, as well as peoples, societies, economies, and cities.? These phenomena overlap in intricate ways, giving rise to distinctive places and regions.? Geography?s approach emphasizes Earth?s spatial relationships and patterns, and the processes that govern them, whether found in nature or in human behavior.?

Students work with quantitative and qualitative data from a variety of sources, including published censuses and maps, aerial imagery, field and lab work, surveys, and interviews.? They use a variety of tools, including Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and other computer applications to collect, display, and analyze spatial data.? Geography students study and address complex issues, especially those with a human-environment interface, such as climate change, resource management, urban growth and design, globalization, immigration, ethnic identity, and territorial conflict.? Geographical understanding is applied at different scales, from the local to the global, and regional expertise is cultivated.

Lower division offerings in physical geography, cultural geography, and geographical techniques introduce students to the discipline. At the upper division level, students can choose among regional classes, topical classes on subjects from meteorology to transportation, and technique classes that include GIS, map making, quantitative methods, remote sensing, and field work. Majors select a concentration in a geographic subfield. Although not required, the department encourages students to take elective courses and/or pursue a minor complementary to their geographical interests. It also encourages and facilitates students going on Education Abroad.