Programs of Study
B.A. Degree in Geography
Geography has a long tradition of integrating the physical, human, and behavioral sciences, thereby providing the liberal arts student with many useful perspectives for intellectual development. Geographers receive training in both the physical and human elements of the field.
Human geographers examine settlement patterns, the connections between people and places, and the cultural and economic interdependence of the world system. Human geographers also relate their work to the physical environment and the interaction between human and physical systems. Topics of study include ethnicity, urban dynamics, economic patterns, migration, and the spatial difference between work and residential locations.
Physical geographers emphasize the study of weather and climate, landforms, water resources, the impact of the physical environment on human behavior, and how human behavior affects the natural world.
Geography also includes the study of cartography, the science and art of mapping. Cartographers design and use maps for spatial analysis, graphic communication, and the management of geographic information databases. Given the spatial orientation of their studies, geographers possess a special understanding of today¹s complex social, economic, and environmental problems. Increasingly, geographic specialists are involved in solving a broad range of economic, social, and environmental problems of global, regional, and local scale.
The geography curriculum is designed to provide students with broad experiences so that they may understand such problems as environmental deterioration, third-world poverty, overpopulation, rapid urbanization, cultural variation, and shifts in world economic and political patterns. Recognition of the broad applicability of geographically based problem solving has allowed geographers to find employment in many areas. Employment opportunities exist in government agencies at local, regional, state, and national levels. Private consulting and research organizations and planning agencies provide many opportunities for geographers to apply their skills in positions that include urban and regional planners, technical analysts, marketing specialists, environmental program managers, cartographers, geographic information systems specialists, location analysts, transportation planners, and historic preservation officers.
The computer and telecommunication fields provide additional opportunities for geographers to work as database managers, graphics specialists, production managers, and geographic information systems (GIS) specialists. With the diversity of their liberal arts training, geographers also qualify for professional management positions as well as more traditional work as teachers or professors in educational institutions.
The department has excellent facilities for geographic research. These include both a geospatial instructional and research laboratory. These laboratories provide state-of-the- art training and research facilities for students, employing the latest mapping and GIS software as well as full Internet access. Additionally, mapping and GIS services provided by the department offer employment opportunities for students.
Students interested in any geography course, or in majoring or minoring in the department, are invited to contact the departmental undergraduate adviser or chair to discuss how the department may best help make their college experience positive and productive.
For degree requirements see the 2006-2007 Undergraduate Catalog (pdf file)
For information on the university's undergraduate admissions visit Admissions & Degrees. You can also write for more information on undergraduate admissions: Undergraduate Director, Department of Geosciences (Geography), Georgia State University, University Plaza, Atlanta, GA 30303-3083.
B.S. Degree in Geology
Geology is the study of the Earth — its composition, its processes, its history, and even its future. Geology is all around us, and we cannot escape its influence. The philosopher Will Durant said, “Civilization exists by geological consent, subject to change without notice.” The Earth offers an almost endless variety of things to study, including minerals, rocks, fossils, soils, beaches, rivers, mountains, volcanoes, and earthquakes,
Despite our dependence on the Earth, we are one of the planet’s most prolific shapers. Every year we move almost as much Earth material as do the world’s volcanoes. We have a duty to protect and use wisely the resources of our planetary home, and geologists are trained to do just that.
Study Tracks
We offer a General Geology track, plus two specialized tracks — the Environmental track and the Earth Science track. After advisement, you choose the one that best suits your needs.
The General Geology track offers the most flexibility and is designed to provide strong preparation for graduate work in geology. The Environmental and Earth Science tracks are for those wishing strong preparation for entering the work force with the B.S. degree. The Environmental track emphasizes the study of ground water and the delicate balances of the natural world. The Earth Science track emphasizes the measure and graphical depiction of geological features and processes, interfacing strongly with the physical geography program. Both are excellent preparation for jobs or graduate school in the environmental area.
The Major
All Geology majors take 39 hours of upper level earth science, of which 27 hours are specified. The remaining courses are chosen to correspond to whatever track you have selected.
All majors take at least one calculus course. All majors also take two courses in general chemistry, and a two-course sequence in either biology or physics. The remaining allied science and math courses are chosen to fit your track and your interests.
The geology curriculum should be designed in accordance with particular needs and career aspirations. To accomplish this, and because geology courses have specific prerequisites and generally are offered only once a year, students are required to consult with the departmental undergraduate advisor as soon as possible.
The department participates actively in the university's Cooperative Education Program, whereby the student can work and attend school at the same time or in alternate years. This program is a very good opportunity for the student to develop long-term career opportunities while in school. Because of the potential complexities of such a program, students are encouraged to seek early advisement in the department. Co-op students also should discuss their academic plans and curriculum options with their employers.
Further Information
For degree requirements see the 2006-2007 Undergraduate Catalog (pdf file)
For information on the university's undergraduate admissions visit Admissions & Degrees. You can also write for more information on undergraduate admissions: Undergraduate Director, Department of Geosciences (Geology), Georgia State University, P.O. Box 4105, Atlanta, GA 30303-3083.
M.A. Degree in Geography
The department offers the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in geography with thesis and non-thesis options. Students seeking the M.A. degree in geography may develop a specialization in either Metropolitan Area Studies (MAS), Geographic Information Science (GIS) and Physical Geography/Environmental Studies (PEG). Further information concerning specific courses applicable to each of these specializations is available in the departmental publication, Guidelines for Graduate Studies in Geography, which may be obtained from the department.
Students with professional goals are encouraged to enroll in the departmental internship program. This program is coordiated by the geography faculty, who assist students in selecting an appropriate sponsor. Geography students have interned with a diverse group of sponsors, including local and regional planning agencies, federal and state governments, and numerous private corporations. Graduate credit earned in the internship course may be applied toward minimum credit requirements. Applications and internship qualifications can be obtained from the department.
Download the degree requirements for a M.A. in Geography (pdf file)
Download the Guidlines for Graduate Studies in Geography (pdf file)
For more information on graduate admissions visit Graduate Admission. You can also write for more information on graduate admissions to Graduate Director, Department of Geosciences (Geography), Georgia State University, University Plaza, Atlanta, GA 30303-3083.
M.S. Degree in Geology
The M.S. degree in Geology is a traditional masters degree program. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available. Areas for thesis research include: clay and soil mineralogy, marine sediments and paleoclimatology, surface and groundwater quality, geoinformatics, metamorphic petrology of Piedmont, structural geology, mantle processes.
Download the degree requirements for a M.S. in Geology
Download the Graduate Student Handbook for Geology (pdf file)
For more information on graduate admissions visit Graduate Admission. You can also write for more information on graduate admissions to Graduate Director, Department of Geosciences (Geology), Georgia State University, University Plaza, Atlanta, GA 30303-3083.
M.S. Degree in Geology with Earth Science Concentration
The M.S. degree in Geology with Earth Science concentrations is a collaborative degree program with the Geosciences faculty at GSU. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available. There are three tracks: geographic information systems, hydrologic studies, and environmental resources and management.
Download the degree requirements for a M.S. in Geology with Earth Sciences Concentration
For more information on graduate admissions visit Graduate Admission or, write to Graduate Director, Department of Geosciences (Geology), Georgia State University, University Plaza, Atlanta, GA 30303-3083.
Advanced Certificate in Hydrogeology
The goals of the Advanced Certificate in Hydrogeology Program in the Department of Geosciences are to provide students with a comprehensive education in the theoretical and applied aspects of hydrogeology, to provide usable skills for professional employment with state and federal agencies and private industry, to serve as a resource for the protection and management of groundwater resources of the state and region, and to serve as a resource for the extension and expansion of current knowledge in hydrogeology. The program in hydrogeology addresses the areas of groundwater quality, groundwater availability, and management strategies. Students have access to computers, logging equipment, drilling equipment, geophysical and water quality instrumentation, and vehicles.
Download the degree requirements for an Advanced Certificate in Hydrogeology
Professional Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
The graduate level professional certificate in Geographic Information Science is designed to provide individuals who require GIS technology in their professional lives the skills to acquire, process, analyze, and appropriately display geographic data. Contact the Geography Graduate Advisor for more information.
Download the requirements for a Professional Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Ph.D. in Chemistry with Geology Specialization
This degree program is a collaborative effort with the Department of Chemistry. Students interested in doctoral research in Geology at GSU may pursue the Ph.D. degree in Chemistry with Geology Specialization. Geosciences faculty direct student research in geologic topics leading to the Ph.D. degree.
Download the degree requirements for a PH.D. in Chemistry with Geology Concentration
Financial Support
The Financial Aid Office provides financial assistance to students who, without such help, would be unable to attend Georgia State University. The assistance available includes scholarships, grants, loans, and employment.
For more information, write: The Financial Aid Office, 102 Sparks Hall, P.O. Box 4040, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302-4040. Phone: 404-413-2400. For related information visit Student Services.
The Department of Geosciences has a limited number of graduate assistantships that are awarded on a competitive basis. Graduate assistants support faculty members with either research projects or teaching of physical geography labs. Tuition fees are substantially reduced with graduate assistantships.
B.A. Degree in Geography