Department website: http://neiu.edu/ges
Major in Geography for the Bachelor of Arts Degree
Geography is the study of space and location; it is a practical discipline which incorporates knowledge from the natural and social sciences to address problems of a spatial dimension. Geographers describe spatial patterns – where things are, where they are not, and why they are distributed that way. They determine optimal locations – for example, where a business should be or where to purchase a home. They also study interactions, such as travel patterns, trade, and migration.
Many geographers use Geographic Information Systems: computer software that merges maps, data, and analysis. The Department’s GIS Certificate Program can be incorporated into their major as electives or may be taken for the Certificate alone, outside of the degree program. A minor in Geographic Information Science, which results in a Certificate as well, is also available.
In addition to the required courses in geography, students may choose to specialize in urban and social geography or geospatial techniques. The first option focuses on the study of metropolitan areas and the socio-spatial patterns that characterize them. Students are introduced to principles of urban planning and urban design and the dynamics of urbanization. The latter option includes instruction in field methods, computer-assisted mapping, statistics, geographic information science, and interpretation of aerial photos and satellite images.
University Core Curriculum Requirements
| General Education Distribution Area | Cr. Hrs. |
|---|---|
| Fine Arts (FA)* 2 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: Art, CMT (Mass Media or Theatre), Music (includes Dance). | 6 |
| Humanities (HU)* 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: CMT (Communication), English, Linguistics. Philosophy, Women's and Gender Studies, World Languages and Cultures, (Note: No more than two foreign language courses may be used to fulfill this requirement.) | 9 |
| Behavioral/Social Sciences (SB)* 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: African & African American Studies, Anthropology, Computer Science, Economics, Geography & Environmental Studies, History, Justice Studies, Latino & Latin American Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work | 9 |
| Natural Sciences (NS and NSL)** 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study; one course must have a laboratory component (NSL): Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physics (Note: If an FYE ANTH that counts as Natural Science is taken, only one Biology course may be used for Natural Science). | 9 |
| Engaged Learning Experiences | |
| Students must complete, at Northeastern, three courses designated as Engaged Learning Experiences courses. One of the Engaged Learning Experiences courses must be at the 300-level, and one Engaged Learning Experiences course must be designated as "Boundary Crossing". | |
| Discipline Specific (ELE-DS) These courses have pre-requisites that are specific courses within a program of study. Discipline Specific courses give students a deeper understanding of how knowledge is created and applied in their field. | |
| Boundary Crossing (ELE-X) These are courses that cross disciplinary boundaries and/or cross boundaries through engagements outside the classroom or University allowing students to see how knowledge gained in one field might inform other fields or other aspects of society. | |
| Math/Quantitative Reasoning (MA) 1 Math course, that has intermediate Algebra as prerequisite OR is a course listed on the General Education Distributive Learning List of Approved Courses. Any 3 hour college level math course, beyond Intermediate Algebra, meets this requirement. |
- *
Majors in Fine Arts, Humanities or Social/Behavioral Sciences, may waive up to 6 credit hours of General Education requirements in the corresponding distribution area.
- **
Majors in Natural Sciences may waive up to 9 credit hours of General Education requirements in the Natural Sciences distribution area.
Students should also be aware of all other university requirements to obtain a degree - NEIU requirements
Major in Geography requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| GES-104 | World Geography | 3 |
| GES-205 | Physical Geography | 3 |
| GES-250 | Writing Intensive Program: Writing in GES | 3 |
| GES-372 | GIS Across Disciplines | 3 |
| or GES-391 | Introduction To GIS | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Political Geography | ||
| Economic Geography | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Population Geography | ||
| Urban Geography | ||
| Select one Regional Geography from the GES-302 series | 3 | |
| Select one Field Course (see departmental notes) | 3 | |
| ELECTIVES | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
.
This sample curricular map is provided to guide you in the planning of your progression for this major. This guide should not replace regular consultations with your program advisor. For specific recommendations of courses not identified, please consult your program advisor.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Hours | |
| GES-109A | First Year Experience: Global Chicago | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| General Education Course (MATH) | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| GES-104 | World Geography | 3 |
| ENGL-101 | Writing I | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| GES-205 | Physical Geography | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| Minor/Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| Minor/Elective | 3 | |
| Minor/Elective | 3 | |
| Human Georgraphy Course | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| GES-250 | Writing Intensive Program: Writing in GES | 3 |
| GES-372 or 391 | GIS Across Disciplines | 3 |
| GES Elective | 3 | |
| Minor/Elective | 3 | |
| Minor/Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| GES Elective | 3 | |
| GES 302 - Regional Geography class (title varies) | 3 | |
| Minor/Elective | 3 | |
| Minor/Elective | 3 | |
| Minor/Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| Minor/Elective | 3 | |
| Minor/Elective | 3 | |
| Minor/Elective | 3 | |
| GES Elective | 3 | |
| Field Course from Short List | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| Minor/Elective | 3 | |
| Minor/Elective | 3 | |
| Minor/Elective | 3 | |
| GES Elective | 3 | |
| GES Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours: | 120 | |