GEOGRAPHY

Disciplinary Minor - www.uwgb.edu/geography

 

OVERVIEW OF THE GEOGRAPHY PROGRAM:

Geography is the systematic study of the location, variations and interrelations of natural and cultural features of the Earth. Its study exemplifies the University's mission to emphasize interdisciplinary, problem-focused education because Geography examines the world and its problems with a view to comprehensive understanding. Geography students gain a broad education encompassing the sciences and the liberal arts.

 

TIPS FROM THE PROFS:

(from Dr. Niedzwiedz, Prof of Geography)

Students interested in entering the field of Geography as a career, should get as much education and experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as possible. Experience with GIS will not only greatly increase your chances of getting hired, but will also help you enter graduate school if you choose .

 

WHO SHOULD HAVE THIS MINOR :

• ONE FOR ALL. This field covers a broad spectrum of interests, from technology, to culture, to physics. Because of this diversity, many people can benefit from becoming a Geography minor.

• MAJOR DECISIONS. Geography minors must combine their studies with an interdisciplinary program. Depending on their career goals, students might effectively combine geography with programs in Business Administration, any of the physical sciences, Urban & Regional Studies, Public Administration, Education, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy & Planning, Geoscience, Social Change & Development, or Humanistic Studies.

WHAT’S UNIQUE ABOUT THIS MINOR AT UWGB:

• TOOLS YOU NEED. Students have the excellent opportunity to get exposed to the GIS technology, which is unusual to have at the undergraduate level and will greatly benefit the student who wishes to continue on to graduate school in Geography or a related physical science. UW-Green Bay has a state-of-the-art GIS laboratory.

• EXCELLENCE. The quality of the faculty in the Geography department is excellent. The faculty is highly involved in the students’ education, both inside and outside of the classroom. Students get the personal attention they need.

• EXPERIENCE. Students are greatly encouraged to participate in internships, which very often lead to job opportunities. Students also have the opportunity to take part in independent studies and research, where the faculty will go the extra mile to customize the program for the student.

SKILLS & ABILITIES GAINED WITH THIS MINOR:

• Students in the Geography minor are able to create and produce maps and displays of geographic information.

• Students get experience in interpreting air photography and cartography.

• Students also learn how to collect and analyze data, and learn ways to express data from a mapping standpoint.

• Students gain many skills working with GIS, one of the industry’s leading technologies.

WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH THIS MINOR :

If you are considering entering the field of Geography, then you should consider going on to graduate school, where there are more opportunities for Geographic Information System (GIS) skills and experience. The job market is really hungry right now for people with experience with GIS.

 

The following list represents a few of the kinds of career titles for Geography students:

 

Aerial Photo Interpreter, Cartographer, Climatologist, Community Developer, Computer Mapper, Demographer, Earth Scientist, Ecologist, Environmental Impact Analyst, Environmental Quality Specialist, Forestry Technician, Geographer, Geographic Area Specialist, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist, Hazardous-Waste Planner, Hydrologist, Industrial Planner, International Business Representative, Land Developer, Land Economist, Map Analyst, Map Curator/Librarian, Map Editor, Natural Resource Specialist, Park Ranger, Peace Corps Volunteer, Property Manager, Site Researcher, Soil Conservationist, Surveyor, Teacher, Urban/Regional Planner, Zoning Investigator

 

The following list represents a few of the kinds of businesses and institutions that employ Geography students:

 

Planning agencies, Wisconsin Public Services (WPS), Defense Mapping Agency, the paper industries will occasionally hire our students, or most go to graduate school for a Geography degree.

 

Want to know more about the nature of the work, working conditions, earnings, training, and job outlook for these occupations? Then check out the Occupational Outlook Handbook @ http://stats.bls.gov/ocohome.htm

 

LINKS TO GRAD PROGRAMS:

• Graduate School Guide. The comprehensive on-line guide to doctoral, masters, and professional programs. http://www.schoolguides.com

• Gradschools.com. The most comprehensive online source of Graduate School Information. http://www.gradschools.com/

• The Writing Web. Some great tips and advice on writing graduate school application essays. Site is no longer available.

• Peterson’s.com. The most comprehensive and heavily traveled education resource on the web. http://www.petersons.com/

• Or you can try any of the following search engine sites for information on the graduate school program of your choice! http://www.yahoo.com, http://www.infoseek.com, or http://www.snap.com

LINKS TO WEB SITES FOR MORE INFORMATION:

• United States Army Corps of Engineers. Providing comprehensive engineering, management and technical support to the Nation in peace and war. Homepage @ http://www.usace.army.mil:80/

• Association of American Geographers. Advances professional studies in geography and encourages the application of geographic research in education, government, and business. Homepage @ http://www.aag.org/

• American Congress on Surveying and Mapping. The premier professional membership society for the spatial data information industry. Homepage @ http://www.acsm.net/

• National Geographic. Search through publications, pay a virtual visit to their museum, take in a lecture, check our mini-encyclopedia, and more. Homepage @ http://www.nationalgeographic.com/

• Royal Geographical Society. A British institute that supports research, training, and education, and the wider public understanding of Geography, society, and the environment. Homepage @ http://www.rgs.org/

LINKS FOR MORE HELP:

• For course listings and descriptions for Geography and other disciplines, check out UW-Green Bay’s Programs of Study page @ http://www.uwgb.edu/catalog/undrgrad/programs.htm

• More help is available on-campus at the Career Services Office at SS 1600, 465-2163. Homepage @ http://www.uwgb.edu/careers

• Contact Academic Advising at SS 1600, 465-2362. Homepage @ http://www.uwgb.edu/advising

• Another service for UW System students on the Web is UW HELP On-Line. This service provides in-depth information on the programs of the UW System. You can find them at @ http://www.uwhelp.wisconsin.edu

Updated 10/08

Maintained by the Academic Advising Office, SS 1600, 2420 Nicolet Drive, Green Bay, WI. 54311-7001