Geography and Sustainability Studies B.A.

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OSRHE Program Code: 036
CIP Code: 450701

Major Code: 9303

The study of geography focuses on the location of things in both physical and human environments. The discipline seeks to understand the characteristics of places, the processes that produced those characteristics, and the interactions among places. The geography major is a well-rounded, flexible, liberal arts degree and is good preparation for graduate work in geography or related disciplines. Students may select courses within the geography major to design a more applied program focusing on geographic techniques (such as Geographic Information Systems) and career-oriented courses; such an applied focus prepares students for careers in both the public and private sector of the economy. A minor may be earned by selecting 18 hours from any geography courses.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate the capacity to question, examine, evaluate, and respond to arguments in the field of geography.
Students will demonstrate the capacity to evaluate varied geographic sources and to write critically.
Students will demonstrate the capacity to produce, analyze, interpret, and evaluate quantitative evidence.
Students will demonstrate concern for their community, country, and world through participation in activities that make them a better place.

Minimum Grade Requirement

Students must earn a grade of C or better in courses used for major credit. Grades lower than a C from NSU or transfer institutions will not apply for major credit.

General Education Requirements

A minimum of 46 hours of academic work in general education is required during the freshman and sophomore years. For students transferring with the Associate of Arts degree or Associate of Science degree from a public institution in Oklahoma, all general education requirements will be satisfied with respect to degree requirements. However, some majors may require other specific general education courses as program prerequisites or program requirements. Students should consult advisors and the program’s plan of study for further information. Students are required to complete general education requirements by the time they have completed 90 semester hours of college work. See General Education Requirements for more information.

Required Courses - 4 hours

Human Topical Geography - 3 hours

Complete three hours from the following:

Physical Geography - 3 hours

Complete three hours from the following:

Regional Geography - 3 hours

Complete three hours from the following:

Techniques in Geography - 6 hours

Complete six hours from the following:

Approved Electives - 18 hours

Complete 18 hours from the following and/or from courses not utilized above:

Major Total - 37 hours

Minor - 18 hours

A minor is required for the Geography and Sustainability Studies major.

Additional Degree Information - College of Liberal Arts

In addition to general education and program requirements stated above, additional hours may be needed to satisfy all minimum degree requirements listed below.

English Proficiency: Components I and II of English proficiency should be met with grades of “C” or better prior to the completion of 60 credit hours.
A minimum of 124 hours is required. PE activity is limited to four hours. Prior learning credit (CLEP, Advanced Standing, Military Credit, etc) is limited to 30 hours.
A minimum of 30 hours in residence (from NSU) is required for graduation. PE activity is limited to four hours. Hours in residence exclude zero-level courses and prior learning credit such as CLEP, Advanced Placement, Advanced Standing, Military Credit, etc.
A minimum of 40 hours of 3000/4000 level courses is required for graduation.
A minimum of 60 hours from a 4-year school is required for graduation excluding zero level and PE activity courses.
At least fifty percent of the major requirements must be upper division courses (3000 and 4000 level).
At least 18 hours or fifty percent of the major, whichever is greater, must be satisfactorily completed at NSU.
The minimum number of credit hours required in the Liberal Arts and Sciences varies based on the type of degree. B.A., B.A.Ed., B.F.A. and B.M.E. degrees require at least 80 hours. B.S. and B.S.Ed. degrees require at least 55 hours. B.G.S. and B.S.W. degrees require at least 40 hours. Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) courses are identified in catalog course descriptions.

For more information, see Bachelor’s Degree Requirements .