Binghamton University, State University of New York

Geography (BA, Minor)

Some courses to consider in your first year:

GEOG 151 - World Regional Geography

The world is partitioned into major regions or realms for comparison. The geographic similarities and differences between them are examined. The central theme is the interrelationship between nature, society, and location. The roles of human institutions and how they vary and affect each other across the world are discussed. For majors and non-majors. Not open to seniors. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

GEOG 103 - Multi-Cultl Geographies Of US

Overview of historical and contemporary patterns of multicultural geography within the U.S. Provides students an understanding of the evolution of several American subcultures (White European, Latino, Asian, and Black) through the prism of geography, both in a broad context and in separate analyses of socio-economic well-being, housing, and healthcare differences over time and between racial/ethnic groups. The student is constantly reminded of the question: How do race/ethnicity, the political economy, and the degree of opportunity affect where and how well people live? Students learn to better understand patterns of the past and today from a geographic perspective. For majors and non-majors. Not open to seniors. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

GEOG 211 - Cultural Geography

Using five themes in cultural geography-regional culture, cultural diffusion, cultural ecology, cultural interaction, and cultural landscape, the course explores geographies of religion, language, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, race, cultural difference, and political systems to develop an understanding and appreciation of the world's diverse cultures and how they interact with one another and the environment. Fulfills the J (Joined Composition and Oral Communication) General Education requirement. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

GEOG 212 - Historical Geography

Outline of the changes in the American landscape over time as a result of interactions of peoples and cultures with each other and with the environment. Three themes are stressed; cultural diversity; human-environment relationships; and organization of space in differing cultural/political economic systems. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

GEOG 221 - Global Climate Change

This course covers causes and impacts of climate change ranging from the historical record to future prediction, and the possible associated socioeconomic impacts and risks. After completion of this class, students will have a well-rounded understanding of the major climate science processes and scientific methods for studying, predicting, and mitigating global change. No prerequisite. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

GEOG 232 - Economic Geography

Spatial patterns of economic activity. Relationship of land use to spatially variable environmental factors. Introduction to location theory. Resource management problems. Environmental consequences of production processes and population growth. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

GEOG 234 - Urban Geog: Global Linkages

The relevant debates concerning globalization and its urban linkages are examined. Sharpens the definition of globalization from a vaguely defined general process to a more precise threefold division of economic, cultural, and political globalization. The connections among these three elements, the linkages between cities on several continents, and the transformation of urban space are of key concern. 4 credits. Course fee applies. Refer to the Schedule of Classes. Levels: Undergraduate

GEOG 259 - Eastern Asia: Land and People

The broad introduction of the geography of East Asia from a global interdependency perspective. Eight topics are examined in terms of East Asia as a region: physical geography, history, population, human-environment relations, economies, geopolitics, culture, and East Asian cities. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

After You Graduate

The geography major provides preparation for graduate work and careers in public and private planning agencies. Geography graduates can apply their knowledge, skills, and experience in the private, governmental or nonprofit sectors. Students develop strong visualizations skills, an ability to analyze spatial data, planning and problem-solving skills, as well as applied resource management skills.

Potential careers and career fields include the following:

• Climatologist
• Digital cartographer
• Environmental scientist
• Geospatial analyst
• GIS analyst
• Global spatial intelligence analyst
• Historic preservationist
• Information or imagery analyst
• Meteorologist
• Nautical cartographic analyst
• Oceanographer
• Policy consultants
• Satellite imagery scientist
• Systems Engineer
• Urban planner
• Water resource specialists
• Wind analyst