Undergraduate Major
As a field, geography explores how the world is organized spatially and the interconnections between the physical and human environments. The Geography & Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program at USF’s St. Petersburg campus includes both human and physical geography, combining a focus on physical geography and environmental systems (e.g., the hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere and biosphere) with the study of human social, economic and cultural systems and the nature-society relationship. Particular emphasis is placed on the human modification of the natural environment, local and national efforts to mitigate urgent environmental and social problems, and global interconnections of the major earth systems.
DEGREE OPTIONS
The College of Arts and Sciences offers a B.A. in Geography and Geographic Information Systems on the St. Petersburg campus.
View more information about options on the USF Tampa campus.
GEOGRAPHY AT USF ST. PETERSBURG
Faculty in the Geography program are not just teachers, they are active researchers, exploring a range of topics such as water resource and environmental modelling using GIS; examining the role of racism and exclusion in environmental narratives and movements; understanding community efforts to build resilience to climate change and increase climate literacy and justice; sorting through claims about Florida’s springs and wetlands; and forest management in Africa. Motivated students are encouraged to participate in faculty research initiatives, including the Initiative on Coastal Adaptation and Resilience (iCAR), an effort to engage the public on how Tampa Bay might cope with climate change and sea level rise.
Geography students are encouraged to pursue internship opportunities with local institutions. Past students have secured internships with the U.S. Geological Survey, NOAA Fisheries, Jacobs Engineering, WRA Engineering, Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Tampa Bay Water and several departments within local governments.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR IN GEOGRAPHY & GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Always refer to the Undergraduate Catalog for degree requirements. Students will normally begin progress toward the major by taking at least one course from the major core, as these often serve as prerequisites for the electives. Students are urged to consult with the geography & geographic information systems advisor to create the most beneficial set of courses.
QUESTIONS?
For questions about this program, contact an Academic Advisor.