OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2024-25
Geography |
College of Arts and Sciences
Clippinger Laboratories 122
Phone: 740.593.1140
Fax: 740.593.1139
www.ohio.edu/cas/geography
Edna Wangui , Chair
wangui@ohio.edu
Brad Jokisch, Advising Coordinator
jokisch@ohio.edu
Mission
Geographers are interested in the spatial patterns observed on earth. Bridging the natural and social sciences, Geography is the interdisciplinary study of environments and how people interact with the environment. It is important to study geography because many of the world’s problems require understanding the interdependence between human activities and the environment. Geography is therefore a beneficial major for students because its theories and methods provide them with analytical skills relevant to occupations focused on solving social and environmental problems. The Department of Geography offers eight majors that help students tailor their focus of study. Students can enroll in the general geography majors (B.A. or B.S.) or they have the option to pursue a major with a concentration in: climate, environment & society; environmental pre-law; geographic information science; meteorology; urban planning and sustainability; or globalization and development. The department also offers minors in geography and meteorology, and a certificate in geographic information science.
Our faculty are productive scholars and excellent teachers committed to their students. Teaching and research interests include environment and society, globalization and development, landforms, ecological and atmospheric systems, cultural and historical geography, and geospatial techniques such as GIS and remote sensing.
Marketable skill sets gained with a degree in geography include geographic information science, remote sensing, and cartography. Our graduates work in diverse career fields such as natural resource management, planning, education, environmental consulting, community development, weather forecasting, mapping, among many others. A bachelor’s degree in geography also provides a solid foundation for students who plan to pursue a graduate degree in geography or in a variety of other fields including environmental studies, sustainability science, business, land-use planning, law, and medicine.
For more information about our program, please view this video , visit our department website , or contact our Department Chair, whose information is listed above.
Programs
The Department of Geography at Ohio University offers the following academic programs (see also the Majors, Minors, and Certificates page on the Department’s website):
Majors
Geography - Geographic Information Science Major (B.S.)
Geography - Globalization and Development Major (B.A.)
Geography - Climate, Environment & Society Major (B.S.)
Geography - Meteorology Major (B.S.)
Geography - Urban Planning and Sustainability Major (B.S.)
Geography - Environmental Pre-Law Major (B.S.)
Minors
Admissions Information
The Department of Geography does not have additional admission criteria beyond those of the University and the College of Arts and Sciences .
Special Opportunities
The Department of Geography provides a number of opportunities for students to become involved outside of the classroom setting.
Gamma Theta Upsilon (GTU)
Gamma Theta Upsilon (GTU) is an international honor society in geography. Gamma Theta Upsilon was founded in 1928 and became a national organization in 1931. Members of GTU have met academic requirements and share a background and interest in geography. GTU chapter activities support geography knowledge and awareness. For more information, visit the GTU webpage .
Ohio University Chapter of the American Meteorological Society (OUCAMS)
As the cornerstone of Ohio University’s Meteorology program, OU-CAMS consists of students interested in the fascinating field of Meteorology, whether they are planning to earn a degree in Meteorology, or just have a general passion for our atmosphere and how it works. With the help of the Scalia Laboratory for Atmospheric Analysis, we are one of the fastest-growing and most involved organizations on campus. The mission of OUCAMS is to foster the academic and professional growth of students pursuing meteorology or related fields through engagement in community outreach, educational, and social events.
The Ohio University Geography Club
The Geography Club welcomes new members. If you’d like to learn more, please reach out to the departmental contacts listed above.
Internship and Research Opportunities
Internships are a great way to obtain real-world work experience and make personal contacts in your field of interest before you graduate. Internships are an encouraged, but optional, part of the undergraduate curriculum in the Department of Geography. Most internships are completed by juniors and seniors because students at that level have a solid background of geography course work. Many undergraduate students find their own internship opportunities through internship clearinghouses, such as the Student Conservation Association, or directly from nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, or private businesses. A few internship opportunities are prestigious, selective, and seek applicants annually (National Geographic Society, National Weather Service). Whether or not an internship is paid, students have the option of earning GEOG 4910 - Internship credit hours for most internship experiences. For more information, see the Department’s Internship webpage .
Scholarship Opportunities
The following scholarships are awarded annually (and are funded solely by gifts and endowments):
- The Bloemer Geography Scholarship
- The Regina L. Bloemer Scholarship in Geography
- The Olive Emler Ross Scholarship in Geography
- The Hubert and Constance Wilhelm Geography Scholarship
- The Robe Scholarship in Geography and Geology
- The David Keirns Award for Outstanding Public Service (meteorology)