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for California State University, Fresno.
Department of Geography
The College of Social Sciences
SEGUN O. OGUNJEMIYO, Chair
PAULETTE MORROW, Administrative Support Coordinator
Science Building, Room 182
559.278.2797
Subject Matter Preparation
for
Single Subject Teaching Credential in Social Sciences
Certificate in Geographic
Information Systems (GIS)
Faculty
Segun O. Ogunjemiyo, Chair
Michelle Calvarese
Mohan B. Dangi
Hongwei Dong
Chi Kin Leung
Stuart K. McFeeters
Aribilola S. Omolayo
Geography
The world of the 21st century is a place where there are very complex interactions between an increasingly fragile environment and the people who make up the many varied and diverse cultures on it. Geographers are uniquely trained to "see the big picture" so that they can more fully understand these complex interactions of the environment and the many cultures of humankind.
The Geography Department offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in geography, a minor in geography, a minor in meteorology, and an interdisciplinary minor in urban studies. The geography course offerings support undergraduate preparation for careers in environmental study, teaching, weather, regional and urban planning, and preparation for graduate work.
Central to geographic inquiry is a concern with the human occupancy of the earth, the character of the human environment, and the interrelationships that link humans and the physical world. In sum, geography seeks to provide a broad understanding of the world, its people, and its problems. Geography seeks to provide applied specializations and technical skills that can address economic, social, and environmental problems at scales that range from local to global by employing a spatial framework for organizational purposes analogous to the chronological framework employed in history.
Geography integrates much information from the natural and social sciences and because of the diversity of subject matter from which it obtains data, offers a broad, liberal education applicable to many fields of employment.
The department offers a variety of courses that allow students to address different objectives. First, we provide, for both majors and non-majors alike, a greater understanding of the world as an element of a liberal education which has become an increasingly important component of a complete university education. Second, we provide courses that assure a depth of knowledge in subject matter and technique for majors and minors in geography. Third, we serve those students in related disciplines who wish to strengthen programs of study through a selection of courses in geography.
Although there are no options in the degree program, students may select courses that focus on various areas of study.
Examples of such focused study areas could include the following:
- Geographic Studies: Coursework for the student interested in the world and its spatial patterns. Traditional study which may lead to graduate work and a career in higher education, or with local, state, and federal agencies utilizing geographic analysis, including the use of geographic information systems (GIS).
- Environmental Studies: Coursework to develop competence in environmental techniques with particular emphasis on such topics as meteorology, pollution, environmental impact analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), and human-environment relationships may lead to graduate work in geography, or employment in various state and federal agencies dealing with environmental problems.
- Urban and Regional Planning: Coursework for the student interested in the study of how to create communities that balance new development and essential services, environmental protection and innovative change and which may lead to graduate work and a career with local or state agencies. Courses could cover a wide range of subjects including planning, environmental studies, legal issues, and geographic information systems (GIS).
Students must regularly consult with their academic adviser. Such consultation will facilitate course selection and enable the student to develop a program consistent with individual interests and needs.
Faculty and Facilities
Instruction at introductory and advanced levels is conducted by a faculty whose teaching and research interests are diverse. All major facets of the discipline are represented as are a number of specializations, which include medical geography, economic studies of China, urban revitalization, political ecology of natural resource management, environmental monitoring using remote sensing, urban air quality, urban and regional planning, environmental planning, and climate change and global governance.
A laboratory facility is available for student use. The Urban Planning
and Environmental Research Laboratory is a 32-station, state-of-the-art,
computer laboratory used for instruction and research in urban planning,
geographic information systems (GIS), environmental studies, remote sensing,
and a variety of other applications.
Career Opportunities
Geographers are employed in government and the private sector. Their knowledge and skills have applications in a variety of fields including teaching, planning, cartography, GIS, locational analysis, intelligence and security, land and resource management, policy research, transportation, and industrial development.
Agencies of federal, state, and local governments are major employers
of geographers. At the federal level many agencies employ geographers. At
state and local levels most geographers are involved in planning, land and
resource management, and community development. Because many businesses
and industries have important geographical dimensions to their operations,
there is demand for geographers in the private sector. Geographers are employed
in banking, transportation, international trade, utilities, wholesaling
and retailing, and a number of other fields. Finally, teaching is a major
occupation for individuals with training in geography. The department welcomes
inquiries about career opportunities.
Geography
Courses
Geography
Degrees
Courses and Programs
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