Academic Programs Catalog

College of Social Science

Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences

Ashton M. Shortridge, Chairperson 

The discipline of geography, as the study of place and space, concerns itself with the analysis and explanation of the occurrence, distribution, and interrelationships of physical and cultural patterns on the earth’s surface. The discipline is also interested in how the earth’s physical and human landscapes change over time. Geography can be classified both as a social science and a natural science as it examines human beings and their environment and serves as a bridge between the physical and cultural worlds. The undergraduate program is designed to prepare students for various careers in business, industry, education and government.

Strengths of the department include physical geography (climate, geomorphology, soils, vegetation), economic geography, environmental change, spatial technologies (GIS, remote sensing, cartography), health/medical geography, urban geography, and nature-society interactions.
 


Undergraduate Programs

The Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences offers programs in economic geography, environmental geography, geography, and geographic information science leading to the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. Minors in Earth Observation and Geospatial Analytics; Human-Environment and Economic Geography; and Physical Environment and Climate are also available. 


Economic Geography (this program is in moratorium Fall 2024 through Fall 2026)

The Bachelor of Science degree in Economic Geography provides a comprehensive program for students interested in the roles of space, place, location, scale, key agents, and forces in the economic sphere.  The program prepares students to succeed in commercial, non-government organizations, nonprofits, or governmental realms as well as the pursuit of graduate degrees, with emphases on spatial planning and control of issues ranging from transport and markets to poverty and inequality.  Students attain substantial quantitative and technical skills as well as practical skills for solving problems drawn from local, regional, and global settings.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Economic Geography

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Economic Geography.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Economic Geography major is met by completing Geography 480.  That course is referenced in item 3. below.
  2. The requirements of the College of Social Science for the Bachelor of Science degree.
  3. The following courses with a minimum 2.0 grade-point average across all attempted GEO courses (43 or 44 credits):
    a. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    LB 118 Calculus I 4
    MTH 124 Survey of Calculus I 3
    MTH 132 Calculus I 3
    MTH 152H Honors Calculus I 3
    b. The following course (3 credits):
    EC 201 Introduction to Microeconomics 3
    c. Both of the following courses (6 credits):
    GEO 113 Introduction to Economic Geography 3
    GEO 151 Introduction to Human Geography 3
    d. Both of the following courses (7 credits):
    GEO 221 Introduction to Geographic Information 3
    GEO 221L Introduction to Geographic Information Laboratory 1
    GEO 363 Introduction to Quantitative Methods for Geographers 3
    e. Three of the following courses (9 credits):
    GEO 410 Geography of Food and Agriculture 3
    GEO 413 Urban Geography 3
    GEO 414 Geography of Transportation 3
    GEO 415 Location Theory and Land Use Analysis 3
    GEO 418 The Ghetto 3
    GEO 436 Spatial Analysis of Populations 3
    GEO 453 Metropolitan Environments: Urban Forms and Land Uses 3
    GEO 459 Tourism in Regional Development 3
    GEO 498 Internship in Geography 3
    f. The following course (3 credits):
    GEO 480 Senior Seminar (W) 3
    g. Six additional credits in Geography courses at the 300-level and above.
    h. Two courses outside the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences (6 credits):
    AFRE 265 Ecological Economics 3
    AFRE 360 Environmental Economics 3
    CE 341 Transportation Engineering 3
    CE 448 Transportation Planning 3
    CSUS 273 Introduction to Travel and Tourism 3
    CSUS 320 Environmental Planning and Management 3
    CSUS 474 Advanced Topics in Tourism Management 3
    EC 202 Introduction to Macroeconomics 3
    EC 301 Intermediate Microeconomics 3
    EC 310 Economics of Developing Countries 3
    EC 340 Survey of International Economics 3
    UP 458 Housing and Real Estate Development 3
    UP 478 Urban Transportation Planning 3
    UP 488 The Sustainable and Climate Resilient City 3
    In addition to the requirements for the major, students may elect to complete a cognate in business. The requirements for the cognate are met by completing four of the following courses (12 credits):
    ACC 230 Survey of Accounting Concepts 3
    FI 320 Introduction to Finance 3
    GBL 323 Introduction to Business Law 3
    MGT 325 Management Skills and Processes 3
    MKT 327 Introduction to Marketing 3
  4. Other Required Courses (12 credits):
    Complete 12 credits in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses from the following list of courses: Fulfillment of this requirement also meets the College of Social Science STEM Graduation Requirement for the Bachelor of Science degree and may not concurrently satisfy a University requirement.
    AST 101 The Celestial Clockworks 1
    AST 207 The Science of Astronomy 3
    AST 208 Planets and Telescopes 3
    BE 101 Introduction to Biosystems Engineering 1
    BE 230 Engineering Analysis for Biological Systems 3
    BS  161 Cell and Molecular Biology 3
    BS  162 Organismal and Population Biology 3
    BS  171 Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory 2
    BS  172 Organismal and Population Biology Laboratory 2
    CE 221 Statics 3
    CE 273 Civil and Environmental Engineering Measurements 2
    CE 274 Graphics for Civil and Environmental Engineers 1
    CE 275 GIS for Civil ad Environmental Engineers 1
    CEM  141 General Chemistry 4
    CEM  142 General and Inorganic Chemistry 3
    CEM  143 Survey of Organic Chemistry 3
    CEM  151 General and Descriptive Chemistry 4
    CEM  152 Principles of Chemistry 3
    CEM  161 Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    CEM  162 Chemistry Laboratory II 1
    CEM  251 Organic Chemistry I 3
    CEM  252 Organic Chemistry II 3
    CEM  255 Organic Chemistry Laboratory 2
    CEM 262 Quantitative Analysis 3
    CHE 201 Material and Energy Balances 3
    CHE 210 Modeling and Analysis of Transport Phenomena 3
    CMSE  201 Computational Modeling and Data Analysis I 4
    CMSE  202 Computational Modeling and Data Analysis II 4
    CSE  102 Algorithmic Thinking and Programming 3
    CSE 201 Fundamentals of Information Technology 3
    CSE 220 Programming in C 3
    CSE 231 Introduction to Programming I 3
    CSE  232 Introduction to Programming II 3
    CSE 260 Discrete Structures in Computer Science 4
    CSS 101 Introduction to Crop Science 3
    CSS 210 Fundamentals of Soil Science 3
    CSUS 200 Introduction to Sustainability 3
    ECE 101 Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering 1
    ECE 201 Circuits and Systems I 3
    ECE 202 Circuits and Systems II 3
    ECE 203 Electric Circuits and Systems Laboratory 1
    ECE 230 Digital Logic Fundamentals 3
    ECE 280 Electrical Engineering Analysis 3
    EGR 100 Introduction to Engineering Design 2
    EGR 102 Introduction to Engineering Modeling 2
    EGR 292 Applications in Environmental Studies 2
    ENE 280 Principles of Environmental Engineering and Science 3
    ENT 110 Applied Entomology of Economic Plants 3
    ENT 111 Basics of Applied Entomology 2
    ENT 205 Pests, Society and Environment 3
    FOR 101 Michigan’s Forests 3
    FOR 202 Introduction to Forestry 3
    FOR  204 Forest Vegetation 3
    FOR 222 Forestry Field Methods 2
    FW 101 Fundamentals of Fisheries and Wildlife Ecology and Management 3
    FW 110 Conservation and Management of Marine Resources 3
    FW 181 Introduction to Science, Technology, the Environment, and Public Policy 3
    FW 207 Great Lakes: Biology and Management 3
    GLG 201 The Dynamic Earth 4
    GLG 202 Geology of Michigan 3
    ME 201 Thermodynamics 3
    ME 222 Mechanics of Deformable Solids 3
    ME 280 Graphic Communications 2
    MSE 200 Materials and Society 2
    MSE 250 Materials Science and Engineering 3
    MSE 260 Electronic, Magnetic, Thermal, and Optical Properties of Materials 3
    MTH  114 Trigonometry 3
    MTH  126 Survey of Calculus II 3
    MTH  133 Calculus II 4
    MTH 201 Elementary Mathematics for Teachers I 3
    MTH 202 Elementary Mathematics for Teachers II 3
    MTH  234 Multivariable Calculus 4
    MTH 235 Differential Equations 3
    PHY 102 Physics Computations 1
    PHY 170 Investigations in Physics 3
    PHY 183 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I 4
    PHY 184 Physics for Scientists and Engineers II 4
    PHY 191 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, I 1
    PHY 192 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, II 1
    PHY 215 Thermodynamics and Modern Physics 3
    PHY 231 Introductory Physics I 3
    PHY 232 Introductory Physics II 3
    PHY 251 Introductory Physics Laboratory I 1
    PHY 252 Introductory Physics Laboratory II 1
    PLB 105 Plant Biology 3
    PLB 106 Plant Biology Laboratory 1
    PLB 203 Biology of Plants 4
    PLB 218 Plants of Michigan 3
    STT  180 Introduction to Data Science 4
    STT  200 Statistical Methods 3
    STT  201 Statistical Methods 4
    STT 224 Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Ecologists 3
    STT  231 Statistics for Scientists 3
    STT 250 Statistics and Probability for K-8 Teachers 4

 

Geographic Information Science (this program is in moratorium Fall 2024 through Fall 2026)

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Geographic Information Science provides a  rigorous, in-depth program for students interested in the application of  information technology to the spatial dimensions of the Earth’s human and  physical systems. It is an ideal program  for those pursuing a career in the spatial technology sector, or for those considering graduate study in geography and related disciplines. Students attain substantial general  quantitative and technical skills, as well as practical experience in the application of skills to solving problems drawn from local, regional, and global settings.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Geographic Information Science

  1. The University requirements for bachelor’s degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Geographic Information Science.

    The University’s Tier II writing requirement for the Geographic Information Science major is met by completing Geography 425. That course is referenced in item 3. below.
  2. The requirements of the College of Social Science for the Bachelor of Science degree.
  3. The following required major courses with a minimum 2.0 grade-point average across all attempted GEO courses (41 to 44 credits):
    a. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    LB 118 Calculus I 4
    MTH 124 Survey of Calculus I 3
    MTH 132 Calculus I 3
    MTH 152H Honors Calculus I 3
    b. Two of the following courses (8 credits):
    CMSE 201 Computational Modeling and Data Analysis I 4
    CMSE 202 Computational Modeling and Data Analysis II 4
    CSE 231 Introduction to Programming I 4
    CSE 232 Introduction to Programming II 4
    c. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    GEO 113 Introduction to Economic Geography 3
    GEO 151 Introduction to Human Geography 3
    GEO 206 Physical Geography 3
    GEO 333 Geography of Michigan and the Great Lakes Region 3
    d. All of the following courses (18 credits):
    GEO 221 Introduction to Geographic Information 3
    GEO 221L Introduction to Geographic Information Laboratory 1
    GEO 324 Remote Sensing of the Environment 4
    GEO 325 Geographic Information Systems 3
    GEO 363 Introduction to Quantitative Methods for Geographers 3
    GEO 424 Advanced Remote Sensing 4
    e. Two of the following courses (6 to 8 credits):
    GEO 326 Cartographic Design and Production 4
    GEO 426 Thematic Cartography 4
    GEO 428 Digital Terrain Analysis 3
    GEO 429 Geoprocessing 3
    GEO 453 Metropolitan Environments: Urban Forms and Land Uses 3
    GEO 498 Internship in Geography 3
    f. The following course (3 credits):
    GEO 425 Problems in Geographic Information Science (W) 3
  4. Other Required Courses (12 credits):
    Complete 12 credits in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses from the following list of courses: Fulfillment of this requirement also meets the College of Social Science STEM Graduation Requirement for the Bachelor of Science degree and may not concurrently satisfy a University requirement.
    AST 101 The Celestial Clockworks 1
    AST 207 The Science of Astronomy 3
    AST 208 Planets and Telescopes 3
    BE 101 Introduction to Biosystems Engineering 1
    BE 230 Engineering Analysis for Biological Systems 3
    BS  161 Cell and Molecular Biology 3
    BS  162 Organismal and Population Biology 3
    BS  171 Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory 2
    BS  172 Organismal and Population Biology Laboratory 2
    CE 221 Statics 3
    CE 273 Civil and Environmental Engineering Measurements 2
    CE 274 Graphics for Civil and Environmental Engineers 1
    CE 275 GIS for Civil ad Environmental Engineers 1
    CEM  141 General Chemistry 4
    CEM  142 General and Inorganic Chemistry 3
    CEM  143 Survey of Organic Chemistry 3
    CEM  151 General and Descriptive Chemistry 4
    CEM  152 Principles of Chemistry 3
    CEM  161 Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    CEM  162 Chemistry Laboratory II 1
    CEM  251 Organic Chemistry I 3
    CEM  252 Organic Chemistry II 3
    CEM  255 Organic Chemistry Laboratory 2
    CEM 262 Quantitative Analysis 3
    CHE 201 Material and Energy Balances 3
    CHE 210 Modeling and Analysis of Transport Phenomena 3
    CMSE  201 Computational Modeling and Data Analysis I 4
    CMSE  202 Computational Modeling and Data Analysis II 4
    CSE  102 Algorithmic Thinking and Programming 3
    CSE 201 Fundamentals of Information Technology 3
    CSE 220 Programming in C 3
    CSE 231 Introduction to Programming I 3
    CSE  232 Introduction to Programming II 3
    CSE 260 Discrete Structures in Computer Science 4
    CSS 101 Introduction to Crop Science 3
    CSS 210 Fundamentals of Soil Science 3
    CSUS 200 Introduction to Sustainability 3
    ECE 101 Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering 1
    ECE 201 Circuits and Systems I 3
    ECE 202 Circuits and Systems II 3
    ECE 203 Electric Circuits and Systems Laboratory 1
    ECE 230 Digital Logic Fundamentals 3
    ECE 280 Electrical Engineering Analysis 3
    EGR 100 Introduction to Engineering Design 2
    EGR 102 Introduction to Engineering Modeling 2
    EGR 292 Applications in Environmental Studies 2
    ENE 280 Principles of Environmental Engineering and Science 3
    ENT 110 Applied Entomology of Economic Plants 3
    ENT 111 Basics of Applied Entomology 2
    ENT 205 Pests, Society and Environment 3
    FOR 101 Michigan’s Forests 3
    FOR 202 Introduction to Forestry 3
    FOR  204 Forest Vegetation 3
    FOR 222 Forestry Field Methods 2
    FW 101 Fundamentals of Fisheries and Wildlife Ecology and Management 3
    FW 110 Conservation and Management of Marine Resources 3
    FW 181 Introduction to Science, Technology, the Environment, and Public Policy 3
    FW 207 Great Lakes: Biology and Management 3
    GLG 201 The Dynamic Earth 4
    GLG 202 Geology of Michigan 3
    ME 201 Thermodynamics 3
    ME 222 Mechanics of Deformable Solids 3
    ME 280 Graphic Communications 2
    MSE 200 Materials and Society 2
    MSE 250 Materials Science and Engineering 3
    MSE 260 Electronic, Magnetic, Thermal, and Optical Properties of Materials 3
    MTH  114 Trigonometry 3
    MTH  126 Survey of Calculus II 3
    MTH  133 Calculus II 4
    MTH 201 Elementary Mathematics for Teachers I 3
    MTH 202 Elementary Mathematics for Teachers II 3
    MTH  234 Multivariable Calculus 4
    MTH 235 Differential Equations 3
    PHY 102 Physics Computations 1
    PHY 170 Investigations in Physics 3
    PHY 183 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I 4
    PHY 184 Physics for Scientists and Engineers II 4
    PHY 191 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, I 1
    PHY 192 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, II 1
    PHY 215 Thermodynamics and Modern Physics 3
    PHY 231 Introductory Physics I 3
    PHY 232 Introductory Physics II 3
    PHY 251 Introductory Physics Laboratory I 1
    PHY 252 Introductory Physics Laboratory II 1
    PLB 105 Plant Biology 3
    PLB 106 Plant Biology Laboratory 1
    PLB 203 Biology of Plants 4
    PLB 218 Plants of Michigan 3
    STT  180 Introduction to Data Science 4
    STT  200 Statistical Methods 3
    STT  201 Statistical Methods 4
    STT 224 Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Ecologists 3
    STT  231 Statistics for Scientists 3
    STT 250 Statistics and Probability for K-8 Teachers 4

Geography - Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography provides comprehensive academic training in the human dimensions of the environment, particularly how people are affected by the environment, and how they alter and change it. Geographic knowledge is essential for understanding rapid social and environmental change in a globalized society. Geographers describe, analyze, and explain the arrangement of the Earth’s physical and social features. With training in both the natural and social sciences, geographers have a wide range of career opportunities in public, private, academic, and non-profit sectors. Geographers are increasingly in demand for jobs that require expertise in geospatial techniques, such as geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), drones, remote sensing, cartography, data science, and data analytics.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geography

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Geography major is met by completing Geography 480. That course is referenced in item 3. a. below.

    The Experiential Learning requirement is satisfied with a minimum numeric grade of 2.0 in GEO 480.
  2. The requirements of the College of Social Science for the Bachelor of Arts degree. 
  3. The following courses with a minimum 2.0 grade-point average across all attempted GEO courses (minimum of 30 credits):
    a. Complete a minimum of 12 credits from the following courses:
    GEO  113 Introduction to Economic Geography     3
         GEO  151 Introduction to Human Geography    3
    GEO 201 Introduction to Plant Geography 3
    GEO 203 Introduction to Meteorology 3
    GEO 204 World Regional Geography 3
    GEO 206 Physical Geography 3
    GEO 206L Physical Geography Laboratory 2
    GEO 208 Physical Geography of the National Parks 2
    GEO 211 Environmental Policy and Practice 3
    GEO 214 Geography of Drugs 3
    GEO 215 Sports Geography 3
         GEO  221 Introduction to Geographic Information  3
         GEO  221L  Introduction to Geographic Information Laboratory 1
         GEO  235 Geography of Environment and Health 3
    GEO 286 Undergraduate Research in Geography 3
    b.  The following course (3 credits):
         GEO  480 Undergraduate Seminar in Geography (W) 3
    c.  Complete an additional minimum of 15 credits from any GEO course at the 300-level or 400-level.
    Students are encouraged to complete a first-year seminar such as UGS 110, as well as an internship experience, which can apply as GEO 498 when approved by the student’s academic advisor. Students planning to complete a graduate degree in geography are encouraged to complete GEO 113, GEO 151, GEO 206, GEO 221, and GEO 363.

Geography - Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science degree in Geography provides comprehensive academic training in the human dimensions of the environment, particularly how people are affected by the environment, and how they alter and change it. Geographic knowledge is essential for understanding rapid social and environmental change in a globalized society. Geographers describe, analyze, and explain the arrangement of the Earth’s physical and social features. With training in both the natural and social sciences, geographers have a wide range of career opportunities in public, private, academic, and non-profit sectors. Geographers are increasingly in demand for jobs that require expertise in geospatial techniques, such as geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), remote sensing, cartography, data science, and data analytics.

In addition to the general concentrations are offered in Earth Observation and Geospatial Analytics; Human, Environment, and Economic Geography; and Physical Environment and Climate. The concentration will be noted on the student's transcript.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Geography

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Geography.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Geography major is met by completing Geography 480. That course is referenced in item 3. below.

    The Experiential Learning requirement for the College of Social Science is met by completion of GEO 480 with a minimum grade of 2.0, referenced in item 3. below.
    The STEM requirement for the College of Social Science is met by completion of 12 credits as noted below.
  2. The requirements of the College of Social Science for the Bachelor of Science degree.
  3. The following courses with a minimum 2.0 grade-point average across all attempted GEO courses (minimum of 30 credits):
    a. Complete a minimum of 12 credits from one of the following courses:
    GEO 113 Introduction to Economic Geography 3
    GEO 151 Introduction to Human Geography 3
    GEO 201 Introduction to Plant Geography 3
    GEO 203 Introduction to Meteorology 3
    GEO 204 World Regional Geography 3
    GEO 206 Physical Geography 3
    GEO 206L Physical Geography Laboratory 2
    GEO 208 Physical Geography of the National Parks 2
    GEO 211 Environmental Policy and Practice 3
    GEO 214 Geography of Drugs 3
    GEO 215 Sports Geography 3
    GEO 221 Introduction to Geographic Information 3
    GEO 221L Introduction to Geographic Information Laboratory 1
    GEO 235 Geography of Environment and Health 3
    GEO 286 Undergraduate Research in Geography 3
    b. Complete a minimum of 12 credits from one of the following concentrations:
    Earth Observation and Geospatial Analytics
    FOR 372 Ecological Monitoring and Data Analysis 3
    FOR 419 Applications of Geographic Information Systems to Natural Resources Management 4
    GEO 324 Remote Sensing of the Environment 4
    GEO 325 Geographic Information Systems 3
    GEO 326 Cartographic Design and Production 4
    GEO 363 Introduction to Quantitative Methods for Geographers 3
    GEO 424 Advanced Remote Sensing 4
    GEO 425 Problems in Geographic Information Science (W) 3
    GEO 426 Thematic Cartography 4
    GEO 428 Digital Terrain Analysis 3
    GEO 429 Programming with Spatial Data 3
    Human-Environment and Economic Geography
    GEO 410 Geography of Food and Agriculture 3
    GEO 413 Urban Geography 3
    GEO 414 Transportation Systems and Sustainable Cites 3
    GEO 435 Geography of Health and Disease 3
    GEO 436 Spatial Analysis of Populations 3
    GEO 440 Geopolitics 3
    GEO 441 Cultural Geography 3
    GEO 453 Metropolitan Environments: Urban Forms and Land Uses 3
    Physical Environment and Climate
    GEO 302 Climates of the World 3
    GEO 303 Severe and Hazardous Weather 3
    GEO 306 Environmental Geomorphology 3
    GEO 402 Agricultural Climatology 3
    GEO 403 Dynamic Meteorology (W) 3
    GEO 405 Weather Analysis and Forecasting 4
    GEO 407 Regional Geomorphology of the United States 3
    GEO 409 Global Climate Change and Variability 3
    GEO 411 Stream Systems and Landforms 3
    c. Complete the following course:
    GEO 480 Undergraduate Seminar in Geography (W) 3
    d. Complete an additional minimum of 3 credits from any GEO electives at the 300-level or 400-level.
    Students are encouraged to complete a first-year seminar such as UGS 110, as well as an internship experience, which can apply as GEO 498 when approved by the student’s academic advisor. Students planning to complete a graduate degree in geography are encouraged to complete GEO 113, GEO 151, GEO 206, GEO 221, and GEO 363.
    e. Complete 12 credits in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses from the following courses. Fulfillment of this requirement satisfies the College of Social Science STEM Graduation Requirement for the Bachelor of Science degree. Courses used may not concurrently satisfy a University requirement.
    (1) Complete one of the following courses:
    LB 118 Calculus I 4
    MTH 124 Survey of Calculus I 3
    MTH 132 Calculus I 3
    MTH 152H Honors Calculus I 3
    (2) Complete a minimum of 9 credits from the following courses:
    AST 101 The Celestial Clockworks 1
    AST 207 The Science of Astronomy 3
    AST 208 Planets and Telescopes 3
    BE 101 Introduction to Biosystems Engineering 1
    BE 230 Engineering Analysis of Biological Systems 3
    BS  161 Cell and Molecular Biology 3
    BS  162 Organismal and Population Biology 3
    BS  171 Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory 2
    BS  172 Organismal and Population Biology Laboratory 2
    CE 221 Statics 3
    CE 273 Civil and Environmental Engineering Measurements 2
    CE 274 Graphics for Civil and Environmental Engineers 1
    CE 275 GIS for Civil ad Environmental Engineers 1
    CEM  141 General Chemistry 4
    CEM  142 General and Inorganic Chemistry 3
    CEM  143 Survey of Organic Chemistry 3
    CEM  151 General and Descriptive Chemistry 4
    CEM  152 Principles of Chemistry 3
    CEM  161 Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    CEM  162 Chemistry Laboratory II 1
    CEM 262 Quantitative Analysis 3
    CHE 201 Material and Energy Balances 3
    CHE 210 Modeling and Analysis of Transport Phenomena 3
    CMSE  201 Computational Modeling and Data Analysis I 4
    CMSE  202 Computational Modeling and Data Analysis II 4
    CSE  102 Algorithmic Thinking and Programming 3
    CSE 231 Introduction to Programming I 4
    CSS 101 Introduction to Crop Science 3
    CSS 210 Fundamentals of Soil Science 3
    CSUS 200 Introduction to Sustainability 3
    ECE 101 Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering 1
    ECE 201 Circuits and Systems I 3
    ECE 202 Circuits and Systems II 3
    ECE 203 Electric Circuits and Systems Laboratory 1
    ECE 230 Digital Logic Fundamentals 3
    ECE 280 Electrical Engineering Analysis 3
    EGR 100 Introduction to Engineering Design 2
    EGR 102 Introduction to Engineering Modeling 2
    ENE 280 Principles of Environmental Engineering and Science 3
    ENT 205 Pests, Society and Environment 3
    FOR 101 Michigan’s Forests 3
    FOR 202 Introduction to Forestry 3
    FOR  204 Forest Vegetation 3
    FOR 222 Forestry Field Methods 2
    FW 101 Fundamentals of Fisheries and Wildlife Ecology and Management 3
    FW 110 Conservation and Management of Marine Resources 3
    FW 181 Introduction to Science, Technology, the Environment, and Public Policy 3
    FW 207 Great Lakes: Biology and Management 3
    GLG 200 Introduction to Environmental Science and Global Change 4
    GLG 201 The Dynamic Earth 4
    ME 201 Thermodynamics 3
    ME 222 Mechanics of Deformable Solids 3
    ME 280 Graphic Communications 2
    MSE 200 Materials and Society 2
    MSE 250 Materials Science and Engineering 3
    MSE 260 Electronic, Magnetic, Thermal, and Optical Properties of Materials 3
    MTH  133 Calculus II 4
    MTH  234 Multivariable Calculus 4
    MTH 235 Differential Equations 3
    PHY 183 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I 4
    PHY 184 Physics for Scientists and Engineers II 4
    PHY 191 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, I 1
    PHY 192 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, II 1
    PHY 215 Thermodynamics and Modern Physics 3
    PHY 231 Introductory Physics I 3
    PHY 232 Introductory Physics II 3
    PHY 251 Introductory Physics Laboratory I 1
    PHY 252 Introductory Physics Laboratory II 1
    PLB 105 Plant Biology 3
    PLB 106 Plant Biology Laboratory 1
    PLB 203 Biology of Plants 4
    PLB 218 Plants of Michigan 3
    STT  180 Introduction to Data Science 4
    STT  200 Statistical Methods 3
    STT  201 Statistical Methods 4
    STT 224 Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Ecologists 3
    STT  231 Statistics for Scientists 3

Minor in Earth Observation and Geospatial Analytics

The Minor in Earth Observation and Geospatial Analytics, which is administered by the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences, provides a fundamental foundation to the breadth of study within the field of geographic information science.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University except those pursuing the concentration in Earth Observation and Geospatial Analytics in the Bachelor of Science degree in Geography.  With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor should consult an undergraduate advisor in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences.

Requirements for the Minor in Earth Observation and Geospatial Analytics

Complete a minimum of 15 credits in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences from the following:

1. The following course (3 credits):
GEO 221 Introduction to Geographic Information 3
2. Complete a minimum of 9 credits from the following courses:
FOR 372 Ecological Monitoring and Data Analysis 3
FOR 419 Applications of Geographic Information Systems to Natural Resources Management 4
GEO 221L Introduction to Geographic Information Laboratory 1
GEO 324 Remote Sensing of the Environment 4
GEO 325 Geographic Information Systems 3
GEO 326 Cartographic Design and Production 4
GEO 363 Introduction to Quantitative Methods for Geographers 3
GEO 424 Advanced Remote Sensing 4
GEO 425 Problems in Geographic Information Science (W) 3
GEO 426 Thematic Cartography 4
GEO 428 Digital Terrain Analysis 3
GEO 429 Programming with Spatial Data 3
3. Complete an additional minimum of 3 credits from any GEO electives.


Minor in Environment and Health

The Minor in Environment and Health, administered by the Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences, enhances the education and training of students who are interested in issues relating to the environment and health, including students who wish to prepare themselves for advanced degree programs in environmental studies, health studies or careers in related fields. 

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements of the minor should consult an undergraduate advisor in the College of Social Science.

Requirements for the Minor in Environment and Health

Complete a minimum of 15 credits from the following:

1. One of the following courses (3 credits):
GEO 151 Introduction to Human Geography 3
GEO 235 Geography of Environment and Health 3
2. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
ANP 204 Introduction to Medical Anthropology 3
EC 498 Economics of Health Care (W) 3
HDFS 225 Lifespan Human Development in the Family 3
HST 425 American and European Health Care since 1800 4
PSY 320 Health Psychology 3
SOC 252 Introduction to Environmental Sociology 3
SOC 451 Dynamics of Population 3
3. Complete two of the following courses (6 to 8 credits):
AFRE 100 Decision-making in the Agri-Food System 3
AFRE 206 World Food, Population and Poverty 3
ANS 427 Environmental Toxicology and Society 3
CSS 120 Issues in Food and Agriculture 3
CSS 210 Fundamentals of Soil Science 3
CSUS 200 Introduction to Sustainability 3
CSUS 354 Water Resources Management 3
ENT 205 Pests, Society, and Environment 3
EPI 390 Disease in Society: Introduction to Epidemiology and Public Health 4
FOR 372 Ecological Monitoring and Data Analysis 3
FOR 411 Fire and Environmental Quality 3
HNF 150 Introduction to Human Nutrition 3
HNF 385 Public Health Nutrition 3
MC 337 Global Public Health 4
OST 402 Introduction to Global Health 3
PH 101 Introduction to Public Health 3
PHL 453 Ethical Issues in Global Public Health 3
REL 210 Religion and the Environment 3
STT 224 Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Ecologists 3
STT 464 Statistics for Biologists 3
4. Complete one of the following courses (3 credits):
ANP 370 Culture, Health, and Illness 3
GEO 435 Geography of Health and Disease 3



 

Minor in Human-Environment and Economic Geography

The Minor in Human-Environment and Economic Geography, which is administered by the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences, provides a fundamental foundation to the breadth of study within the field of geography as well as grounding in general geographic theory.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University except those pursuing the concentration in Human-Environment and Economic Geography in the Bachelor of Science degree in Geography.  With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor should consult an undergraduate advisor in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences.

Requirements for the Minor in Human-Environment and Economic Geography

Complete a minimum of 15 credits in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences from the following:

1. Complete one of the following courses (3 credits):
GEO 113 Introduction to Economic Geography 3
GEO 151 Introduction to Human Geography 3
GEO 204 World Regional Geography 3
GEO 214 Geography of Drugs 3
GEO 215 Sports Geography 3
GEO 235 Geography of Environment and Health 3
2. Complete a minimum of 9 credits from the following courses:
GEO 410 Geography of Food and Agriculture 3
GEO 413 Urban Geography 3
GEO 414 Transportation Systems and Sustainable Cities 3
GEO 435 Geography of Health and Disease 3
GEO 436 Spatial Analysis of Populations 3
GEO 440 Geopolitics 3
GEO 441 Cultural Geography 3
GEO 453 Metropolitan Environments: Urban Forms and Land Uses 3
3. Complete an additional minimum of 3 credits from any GEO electives.


Minor in Physical Environment and Climate

The Minor in Physical Environment and Climate, which is administered by the Department of  Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences, provides a foundation to students who are interested in issues related to climate and climate change, including students who wish to prepare themselves for degree programs in communication, data science, environmental geoscience, environmental science, environmental studies, environmental policy, journalism, quantitative risk analytics, sustainability, or related fields.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University except those pursuing the concentration in Physical Environment and Climate in the Bachelor of Science degree in Geography. With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor should consult the undergraduate academic advisor in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences.
        
Requirements for the Minor in Physical Environment and Climate

Students must complete a minimum of 15 credits from the following:

1. Complete one of the following courses (3 credits):
GEO 201 Introduction to Plant Geography 3
GEO 203 Introduction to Meteorology 3
GEO 206 Physical Geography 3
2. Complete a minimum of 9 credits from the following courses:
GEO 206L Physical Geography Laboratory 2
GEO 302 Climates of the World 3
GEO 303 Severe and Hazardous Weather 3
GEO 306 Environmental Geomorphology 3
GEO 402 Agricultural Climatology 3
GEO 403 Dynamic Meteorology (W) 3
GEO 405 Weather Analysis and Forecasting 4
GEO 407 Regional Geomorphology of the United States 3
GEO 409 Global Climate Change and Variability 3
GEO 411 Stream Systems and Landforms 3
3. Complete an additional minimum of 3 credits from any GEO electives.

 

Teacher Certification Options

A geography disciplinary minor is available for secondary teacher certification.

Students who elect the geography disciplinary minor must contact the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences to plan their programs of study.

For additional information, refer to the statement on TEACHER CERTIFICATION in the Department of Teacher Education section of this catalog.


Graduate Study

The Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences offers programs in the discipline of geography leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.

Students who are enrolled in master’s or doctoral degree programs in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences may elect an Interdepartmental Specialization in Cognitive Science. For additional information, refer to the statement on Interdepartmental Graduate Specializations in Cognitive Science. For additional information, contact the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences.


Geography - Master of Science

The master's program in geography is designed to enable the student to achieve professional competence in the discipline. This program is intended to increase substantive and technical proficiency.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Social Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

All students seeking the master's degree in geography are expected to have completed courses in physical, human, and regional geography; in quantitative methods; and in geographic information science. Applicants who have not completed all of these requirements may be admitted provisionally, and must remedy all course deficiencies before the degree is granted. Any course work completed to correct course deficiencies may not be counted towards the requirements for the degree.

REGULAR STATUS:  The requirements for admission to the program include:

  1. A bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university preferably with an undergraduate major in geography or at least 14 credits in geography and related fields.
  2. A grade–point average of at least 3.40 at the time of application in both (1) all geography courses and (2) all courses completed during the junior and senior years.
  3. Satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination General Test for students seeking Plan A (with thesis).

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Geography

The Master of Science in Geography is available only under Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). The student must complete a minimum of 30 credits distributed as follows:

Requirements for Both Plan A and Plan B (3 credits):
One of the following seminar courses:
GEO 813 Seminar in Urban and Economic Geography 3
GEO 871 Seminar in Physical Geography 3
GEO 872 Seminar in Human Geography 3
GEO 873 Seminar in Human-Environment Geography 3
GEO 874 Seminar in Geographic Information Science 3
Additional Requirements for Plan A
1. The following course (3 credits):
GEO 886 Research Design in Geography 3
2. Complete an additional minimum of 9 credits from GEO courses at the 400 level or 800 level as approved by the student's guidance committee.
3. Complete an additional minimum of 9 credits from 800-level or above courses taken inside or outside of the Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences as approved by the student's guidance committee.
4. Completion of 6 credits of GEO 899 Master's Thesis Research.
5. Completion of a research paper or poster at a professional meeting.
6. Pass a final oral examination in defense of the thesis as approved by the student's guidance committee.
Additional Requirements for Plan B
1. Complete an additional minimum of 9 credits from GEO courses at the 800-level or above as approved by the student's guidance committee.
2. Complete an additional minimum of 9 credits from GEO courses at the 400 level or 800 level as approved by the student's guidance committee.
3. Complete an additional minimum of 9 credits from 800-level or above courses taken inside or outside of the Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences as approved by the student's guidance committee.
4. Pass a final examination as approved by the student's guidance committee.


Geography - Doctor of Philosophy

The Ph.D. program in geography is designed to develop the student's ability to conduct original research with special reference to:

  1. understanding of scientific inquiry.
  2. knowledge of the geographic discipline.
  3. understanding of a specialized area of geography such as people/environment, physical geography, regional development, or economic–regional science.
  4. proficiency with analytical and technical skills particularly with respect to spatial data analysis and manipulation.
  5. skills in communicating the results of research.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Social Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Admission to the doctoral program is based upon an evaluation of the student's academic records related to both the bachelor's and master's degrees, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores, letters of recommendation, written statements, and other pertinent information such as professional experience and related achievements. Typical entrants to the doctoral program present a grade–point average of 3.60 or higher in a recognized master's degree program, which usually includes a thesis, and satisfactory scores on the GRE.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Geography

The student must:

1. Complete at least 56 credits while enrolled in the doctoral program including the following courses:
a. The following courses (6 credits):
GEO 886 Research Design in Geography 3
GEO 986 Theory and Methods in Geography 3
b. At least two of the following four seminars (6 credits):
GEO 871 Seminar in Physical Geography 3
GEO 872 Seminar in Human Geography 3
GEO 873 Seminar in Human-Environment Geography 3
GEO 874 Seminar in Geographic Information Science 3
c. One advanced-level tool course. 3
Tool courses may be in such areas as computer science, foreign language, statistics or mathematics, cartography, remote sensing, geographic information science and social science or physical science research methods. The courses may be administered by the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences or by another department or school.
d. Courses that focus on a specialized area of geography and related course work (17 or 18 credits)
2. In consultation with the student's guidance committee, submit a manuscript to a refereed journal.