Geography Undergraduate Programs
Undergraduate Majors
Geography is one of the few disciplines in the University curriculum that comfortably bridges the social sciences, biophysical sciences and the humanities through its holistic approach to studies. As a result, the Geography program fulfils a vital function in the university's mission by providing students with a conceptual framework for synthesizing information from several disciplines. As well, geography programs offer international and integrative perspectives on the relations among social, economic, and biophysical processes that affect interconnections between people, environments and places on the earth's surface. A secondary goal is to provide majors with the knowledge and skills that are necessary to enable them pursue a graduate degree in geography or seek employment in geography-related fields. Geography courses thus form an integral part of the General Education program at Central Connecticut State University.
Learning Outcomes
Consistent with the above goals, the Department has identified the following learning outcomes for students graduating from the undergraduate program in Geography: Students will:
- demonstrate knowledge of the basic concepts of physical and human geography.
- use geographic theories, principles and data to solve spatial problems
- apply basic research skills, including the ability to critically evaluate the research of others
- show competent skills in oral or written expressions regarding the clarity, logic and effectiveness of arguments.
- synthesize and produce graphic displays of spatial data (i.e., maps, graphs and database).
- describe the nature of Geography as an academic discipline, including familiarity with its history and recognition of its major subfields.
- demonstrate knowledge and skills that are sufficient to allow one pursue advanced study in geography and/or find employment in a geography-related field.
The undergraduate program of the Geography Department offers BA and BS degrees in the following specializations:
- Environmental Geography, B.A.
- General/Regional Geography, B.A. or B.S. (B.S. Certifiable for Elementary Education)
- Geographic Information Science, B.A.
- Planning, B.A.
- Tourism, B.A.
- Tourism & Hospitality Studies, B.S.
- Social Sciences, B.S. (Certifiable for Secondary Education, offered in conjunction with other departments)
Undergraduate Minors
The Geography Department also offers the following minors:
- Environmental Geography
- Geography
- Geography with Specialization in Planning
- Geographic Information Sciences
- Tourism
- Social Studies (offered in conjunction with other departments)