COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in Geography with a concentration in Physical Geography is designed for students interested in studying earth systems and the interaction between human activity and the natural environment. The program emphasizes understanding global climate change, landforms, plant and animal communities, and water resources while highlighting the human role in influencing and managing these complex systems. Students develop foundational knowledge through a lower division core that includes courses in physical geography, cultural geography, geographic technologies, and laboratory experience. The upper division core focuses on skills and research in geography, including geographic information systems, the transformation of the earth through human and natural processes, and senior research seminars. Students also select a regional geography elective to gain insights into the geographic characteristics of specific areas, such as the United States, Europe, Africa, California, or the Middle East and North Africa.The Physical Geography concentration requires students to complete a series of electives that provide in-depth knowledge of meteorology, climate, biogeography, global climate change, landforms, water resources, and field-based studies. Additionally, students select a human geography elective to explore social, economic, and urban processes and a techniques elective to acquire technical skills in GIS, cartography, programming, remote sensing, spatial analysis, and quantitative or qualitative research methods. The program ensures that students develop both theoretical and practical skills necessary for analyzing physical and human processes in geographic contexts.Alongside major requirements, students complete a comprehensive General Education curriculum that includes courses in English communication, critical thinking, mathematics, arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, physical and biological sciences, ethnic studies, and upper division electives. This broad-based education fosters critical analysis, problem-solving, and effective communication, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for careers in environmental management, natural resource planning, urban and regional planning, geographic analysis, and related fields. Overall, the program combines a strong foundation in physical geography with technical skills, field experience, and a holistic understanding of human-environment interactions, equipping students to address complex geographic and environmental challenges in academic, governmental, or professional contexts.