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BA in Geography with Emphasis in Geographic Information Sciences

Degree Program Description

Geographers are interested in a wide range of topics and often work in interdisciplinary teams that analyze challenges like environmental change, resource use, and economic issues in an increasingly interdependent world. The study of Geographic Information Systems trains students to address the variety of technologies revolutionizing geographic analysis such as GIS, Global Positioning Systems, remote sensing, computer assisted cartography and spatial statistics. Geography prepares students for a variety of professions including careers in environmental impact assessment, mapping, remote sensing, geographic information analysis, government service, military intelligence, as well as education. Geographers are interested in a wide range of topics and often work in interdisciplinary teams that analyze challenges like environmental change, resource use, and economic issues in an increasingly interdependent world. Geography majors receive marketable skills during their undergraduate experience. Recent graduates work for companies such as ESRI and Garmin. MU geography graduates have also found employment with government agencies, including the National Park Service, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, U.S. Geological Survey, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and Missouri Department of Transportation.

Major Program Requirements

The study of GIS prepares students to address the variety of technologies revolutionizing geographic analysis such as GIS, Global Positioning Systems, remote sensing, computer assisted cartography and spatial statistics. Students are required to take three courses (normally nine hours) in the emphasis. Two additional courses (six additional hours) are selected from a secondary emphasis area.

In addition to University, general education, and College of Arts and Science requirements, students must also meet the following major program requirements. All major requirements in the College of Arts and Science must be completed with grades of C- or higher unless otherwise indicated.

GEOG 3040Introduction to Geographic Information Systems GIS3
GEOG 3830Remote Sensing3
GEOG 4130The Geospatial Sciences in National Security3
GEOG 4710Spatial Analysis in Geography3
GEOG 4740Location Analysis and Site Selection3
GEOG 4790Geographic Information Systems for the Social Sciences3
GEOG 4810Landscape Ecology and GIS Analysis I3
GEOG 4860Advanced Remote Sensing3
GEOG 4940Advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS II)3

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Semester Plan

Below is a sample plan of study, semester by semester.  A student's actual plan may vary based on course choices where options are available. 

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGLSH 1000*3MATH 1100*3
GEOL 1100*4Second language II*14-6
GEOG 11003GEOG 12003
Second language I*14-6Elective/minor course3
Elective/Minor Course1Elective/Minor Course2
 15-17 15-17
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Second language III*3Behavioral Science Course*3
Social Science Course (MO State Law)*3Behavioral Science Course*3
Elective/Minor Course3Writing Intensive Course*3
3000+ level Geog emphasis course3GEOG 3840 or 30403
GEOG 15503GEOG 18003
 15 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Biological/Physical Science Course*13Humanities/Fine Arts Course*3
Social Science Course (2000+)33000+ level Geog emphasis course3
3000+ level Geog emphasis course3Social Science Course (2000+)*3
3000+ level Geog emphasis course3Humanities/Fine Arts Course (2000+)*3
Social Science Course*3Biological/Physical Science Course with Lab3-5
 Elective/Minor Course (3000+) 
 15 15-17
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Humanities/Fine Arts Course*3GEOG 49903
3000+ level Geog emphasis course33000+ level Geog emphasis course13
Elective/Minor Course (3000+)3Elective/Minor Course3
Elective/Minor Course3Humanities/Fine Arts Course (2000+)*3
GEOG 26103Elective/Minor Course (3000+)3
 15 15
Total Credits: 120-126

Requires 120 credits for graduation.

*

Denotes General Education and A&S Foundation Requirements

1

Denotes Degree Program Requirements

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Degree Audit

The degree audit is an automated report reflecting a student’s academic progress toward the completion of a degree. 

MU students can request a degree audit by logging in to myDegreePlanner. Students may also access myDegreePlanner via myZou, in the Student Center, click on the Academic Progress Tile, then select Request Degree Audit. The audit automatically pulls in the student’s MU course work, transfer courses and courses in progress. This is available to current students, admitted students, and those who last attended less than three terms ago.

Past MU students can request a degree audit by contacting the Academic Advising Unit of the division in which they were last enrolled at MU. For contact information, go to https://advising.missouri.edu/contact/.

Prospective students, can access a preliminary MU degree audit via https://www.transferology.com. Information on the college credits already earned will have to be manually entered before it can be evaluated against current degree requirements.

For additional details on degree audits, go to https://registrar.missouri.edu/degrees-audits/degree-audits/.

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Major and Career Exploration

The University of Missouri has many resources to assist you in exploring majors and career possibilities. For guidance, visit the Majors and Careers website or view specific resources below.

  • If you are considering a change of major or are exploring multiple majors, schedule an appointment with an advisor in the Discovery Center by calling (573)884-9700 or through MU Connect Discovery Center service in you success network.

  • If you have decided on a major, visit an academic advisor in the School or College that you are interested in to discuss the process of declaring the major

  • If you would like to learn more about your career interests, abilities, values and talents, visit the MU Career Center. No Appointment is necessary to explore career options with one of our staff members.

For additional major and career exploration resources, visit Major & Career Exploration in the catalog.

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