Geography matters! In resource management, business, urban planning, and information technology, geography is essential for location and environmental decision-making. Geographers are especially concerned about the type of society we build and how human activities shape community, regional, and national landscapes. Information about human-environmental relations is gathered and analyzed from a variety of sources to develop geographic knowledge and understanding. Courses in the Geography Program at West Virginia University develop critical thinking skills in writing and teach students how to use the most advanced computer technologies. For qualified students, there is a departmental Honors program, which begins either the second semester of the junior year or the first semester of the senior year and ends with the completion of a senior thesis. Entry requires at least a 3.3 cumulative grade point average. Majors in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Biochemistry B Biology B, M, D Chemistry B, M, D Communications Studies B, M, D Computer Science B Creative Writing M Criminology & Investigations B Economics B English B, M, D Environmental Geoscience B Foreign Languages B, M Forensic & Investigative Science B Geography B, M, D Geology B, M, D History B, M, D Individualized Major B Industrial Mathematics and Statistics B International Studies B Legal Studies M Liberal Arts and Sciences B Liberal Studies M Mathematics B, M, D Multidisciplinary Studies B Philosophy B Physics B, M, D Political Science B, M, D Professional Writing and Editing M Psychology B, M, D Public Administration M Regents Bachelor of Arts B Religious Studies B Slavic Studies B Social Work B, M Sociology M Sociology and Anthropology B Statistics M Women's Studies B B=Bachelor's; M=Master's; D=Doctorate For more information contact Dr. Ann Oberhauser, at 304-293-5603, ext. 4329, or Ann.Oberhauser@mail.wvu.edu You can also visit the Web site at: www.geo.wvu.edu

The WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
The Eberly College of Arts and Sciences is the largest and most diverse academic unit within West Virginia University. A faculty of 450 and a staff of 125 are involved in educating and supporting the efforts of more than 6,700 students (nearly one-fourth of the WVU student body) who are majoring in one or more of 63 undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the College’s 16 academic departments and divisions. The College’s academic units and research facilities are housed in 14 buildings on the WVU campus. The Dean’s Office is in historic Woodburn Hall. The College and its Department of Biology also maintain the Core Arboretum, a 75-acre wooded tract adjacent to the Monongahela River.

The College provides the majority of the curriculum for all WVU undergraduates and a wide variety of required and elective courses for the entire student body. Arts and Sciences majors may, with permission, major in more than one discipline, and when appropriate, design highly individualized degree programs.

Eberly College undergraduate degree programs prepare students for many specific professions, while also providing a broad-based education that remains relevant beyond the first job after graduation. Many Eberly College alumni go on to complete graduate and professional degrees. By providing students with analytic and communication skills, reasoning abilities, and a broad knowledge of the humanities and the behavioral and natural sciences, the Eberly College equips graduates for lifelong learning and prepares them to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world and an increasingly volatile job market.

Admission
If University admission requirements are met, a student may be accepted as a Pre-Geography major. Upon completion of 58 credit hours with at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average, a student may apply for admission to the Geography Program. A minimum 2.0 GPA must be maintained in geography course work.

Curriculum
To graduate with a bachelor of arts in geography, a student must complete a minimum of 33 credit hours in geography, comprising a core curriculum and electives that provide specialized training. Among the core courses are introductory classes in human, physical, and world regional geography. After they are completed, students may specialize in one of four areas: geographic information science (GIS); planning and development; natural resources and the environment; and international area studies. In addition, students may design their own programs with faculty approval.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) encompasses digital mapping, geographic information processing and analysis, remote sensing, global positioning systems, and related topics. Students may add statistical and computer-oriented analysis and modeling, and technical and managerial issues of GIS in their course work. The Department houses the state GIS Technical Center, in addition to computer facilities for teaching and research. Practical experience is available through various University research projects or internships with state and local agencies. Additional recommended courses are in computer science, statistics, mathematics, and resource economics.

The Planning and Regional Development focus gives students the skills and knowledge to participate in the social processes that influence contemporary rural, urban, and regional systems. Issues studied include community development, land use planning, urban revitalization, and third world development. Students are also encouraged to participate in a planning internship.

The interaction between Natural Resources and the Environment in both developed and developing regions is the focus of the third option. Students interested in problems concerning the environmental impact of economic activity, conservation of natural resources, and strategies for sustainable development should concentrate in this area. The curriculum may include course work in biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, and/or political science.

When concentrating in the International Studies option, majors may specialize in one or more regions of the world and gain a basic background in international economic, political, and cultural relationships. The program has a special relationship with southern and western Africa. Global issues including colonialism, nationalism, development, international cooperation and trade, and multinational corporations are examined.

Accreditation
West Virginia University is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Career Opportunities
The number of geographers finding employment has expanded rapidly in the last few years because of the rise of GIS. Job candidates can expect to encounter keen competition, so skills development and flexibility are important. Many Geography graduates will find good employment opportunities in areas outside social science, often in jobs that are related to social science where their research, information technology, communication, and quantitative skills can be put to good use. Prospects generally are better for students who have had opportunities in nonacademic settings, such as through the internship program. Government agencies, health and social service organizations, marketing, research and consulting firms, and a wide range of businesses seek geography graduates, although often in jobs with titles unrelated to their academic discipline. Geographers face stiff competition for academic positions. However, the growing importance and popularity of social science subjects in secondary schools is strengthening the demand for social science teachers at this level.

Graduate School Opportunities
Many WVU geographers have successfully gone on to graduate education. A master’s degree enables students to enter the workforce with very competitive skills. Geographers with a PhD may find work in research and management in government and industry as well as with research and consulting firms. Graduate work in business, international studies, journalism, and law are additional options. WVU offers master’s and doctoral degrees in Geography.

Salary Range
According to the 2003 National Association of Colleges and Employers Survey, people with a bachelor’s degree in a social science field received starting offers averaging $32,887 a year. Individuals specializing in GIS may command salaries considerably higher than those in other specializations.