Corvallis, OR
https://ecampus.oregonstate.edu/online-degrees/undergraduate/geography-geospatial-science
Oregon State University’s Ecampus offers a prestigious online Bachelor of Science in Geography and Geospatial Science.
The program provides students with in-demand skills for careers in data analysis, mapping, and geographic information systems (GIS).
Excellence in Online Education
Ranked #4 in the nation for online bachelor’s programs by U.S. News & World Report, OSU Ecampus delivers the same rigorous academic experience as on-campus programs.
Courses are taught by OSU’s world-renowned faculty, ensuring high-quality instruction and cutting-edge learning experiences. Students receive a diploma identical to their on-campus counterparts, demonstrating the program’s exceptional standards.
Curriculum
The program requires 180 quarter credits, including courses in physical geography, climate justice, geovisualization, remote sensing, and GIS theory.
GEOG 102 – Physical Geography
Explores processes shaping Earth’s surface, including landforms, river systems, and biogeography. Covers human impacts and the use of maps and imagery.
GEO 202 – Earth Systems Science
Examines interactions between glaciers, rivers, soils, vegetation, and climate. Includes field trips with transportation fees.
GEOG 323 – Climatology
Analyzes global and regional climates, including physical principles, classifications, and climate regime characteristics.
GEOG 324 – Ecological Biogeography
Studies species, communities, and biomes over time, focusing on climate, tectonics, and conservation implications.
GEOG 103 – The Human Planet
Introduces global human activities and institutions. Highlights cultural, environmental, and spatial relationships.
GEOG 100 – Climate Justice
Explores the unequal impacts of climate change through case studies on degradation, conflict, conservation, and renewable energy.
GEOG 203 – Human-Environment Geography
Examines resource management, sustainability, and societal impacts across history and spatial scales.
GEOG 105 – People, Places, and Perspectives in the Global South
Focuses on challenges and perspectives in the Global South, including identity, governance, and sustainability.
GEOG 106 – Western Tradition & Emerging Challenges in the Global North
Explores Western cultural influences and challenges like sustainability, urbanization, and migration in the Global North.
GEOG 240 – Human Dimensions of Climate Change
Studies how human behavior and institutions can adapt to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
GEOG 250 – Land Use Planning for Sustainable Communities
Covers the history and tools of land use planning. Introduces geospatial tools to assess patterns and processes.
GEOG 241 – Transforming Environmental Conflicts
Examines environmental conflict, justice, and resource management with a focus on equity and sustainable solutions.
GEOG 300 – Sustainability for the Common Good
Explores human-environment relationships with a focus on sustainability efforts and individual impacts.
GEOG 201 – Foundations of Geospatial Science and GIS
Introduces geospatial technologies like GPS and remote sensing, highlighting applications in business and the environment.
GEOG 360 – GIScience I: Geographic Information Systems and Theory
Covers spatial data, GIS fundamentals, and introductory spatial analysis and modeling techniques.
GEOG 370 – Cartography
Teaches map design and critique using cartographic principles for effective geovisual communication.
GEOG 380 – Remote Sensing: Principles and Applications
Focuses on satellite image analysis, sensor technologies, and environmental applications of remote sensing.
GEOG 464 – Geospatial Perspectives on Intelligence, Security, and Ethics
Explores geospatial science applications in intelligence and ethical considerations in data access and use.
GEOG 495 – Field Geography Synthesis
Applies geographic theories to field research, analyzing landscapes and human-environment interactions.
GEOG 361 – Quantitative Geospatial Analysis and Modeling
Develops skills in geospatial data analysis, integration, and visualization using quantitative methods.
GEOG 371 – Web Mapping
Covers web programming and cartographic techniques for developing and evaluating interactive maps.
GEOG 460 – GIS and Spatial Data Science
Focuses on spatial analysis and data science techniques, culminating in a comprehensive project.
GEOG 462 – Programming for Geospatial Analysis
Introduces programming to automate GIS tasks and develop custom geospatial analysis functions.
GEOG 472 – Interactive Cartography
Explores web-based cartography and technologies for creating interactive maps and digital storytelling.
GEOG 481 – Satellite Image Analysis
Teaches advanced satellite image processing techniques like classification and time-series analysis.
ATS 342 – Frozen: Our Icy Planet in Climate and Societal Context
Examines the cryosphere’s global distribution, seasonal changes, and societal implications of its transformation.
GEOG 350 – Geography of Natural Hazards
Introduces risk and resilience concepts in natural hazards and disasters, with a focus on global and Pacific Northwest perspectives.
GEOG 433 – Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability
Evaluates climate change impacts, adaptive capacity, and strategies for resilience and mitigation.
GEOG 451 – Planning Principles for Resilient Communities
Applies GIS and geodesign to assess land use models, promoting sustainability and minimizing conflicts.
GEOG 452 – Environmental Assessment
Conducts site evaluations and suitability analyses to develop environmentally compliant management plans.
GEOG 453 – Communicating Environmental Change Science
Develops skills in conveying environmental science through traditional and social media, with a focus on advocacy and clarity.
GEOG 311 – Geography of Africa
Provides an overview of Africa’s physical, cultural, and political geography, emphasizing development issues.
GEOG 314 – Geography of Latin America
Examines Latin America’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and historical influences.
GEOG 330 – Geography of International Development and Globalization
Explores wealth inequality, development, and globalization challenges in developing regions.
GEOG 332 – Climate and Health
Investigates the impact of climate change on health and disparities, focusing on vulnerability and justice.
GEOG 333 – Environmental Justice
Analyzes environmental inequalities and the emergence of the environmental justice movement in the U.S.
GEOG 340 – Introduction to Water Science and Policy
Studies the hydrologic cycle and its interaction with human water use and policy.
GEOG 440 – Conflict, Cooperation, and Control of Water in the U.S.
Explores U.S. water governance and resilience strategies in the face of climate change and conflict.
GEOG 441 – The World’s Water
Examines the governance of international water resources and the ecological and human impacts of water development projects.
GEOG 430 – Resilience-Based Natural Resource Management
Focuses on social-ecological resilience principles in natural resource management at global and local scales.
Read more about the curriculum here.
Practical Skills
OSU’s program emphasizes hands-on learning, using tools like ArcGIS Pro, remote sensing software, and web mapping technologies.
These practical skills prepare students for careers in diverse sectors such as urban planning, environmental management, transportation, and national defense. Graduates are highly sought after for their ability to analyze and visualize complex geographic data.
Student Support
Ecampus students benefit from extensive support, including success coaching, free online tutoring, career guidance, and library services.
OSU’s Online Learner Success Certification underscores its commitment to ensuring student achievement and engagement.
Flexibity
The program offers four start terms per year, accommodating students with diverse schedules. Transfer credits are accepted, and students can enhance their degrees with minors, further tailoring their education to career goals.
OSU’s innovative virtual desktop solutions ensure seamless access to required software, even for students using non-compatible systems.
Tuition
At $366 per credit, OSU provides competitive pricing for its online bachelor’s programs. Students can calculate costs using the tuition and fees calculator to plan their financial investment.
Matriculation fees and additional costs for honors programs or on-campus courses may apply.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are well-equipped for roles in geospatial analysis, environmental planning, transportation logistics, and GIS database management. The program serves as a gateway to advanced studies or immediate employment in high-demand fields.
National Recognition and Prestige
Oregon State University’s Ecampus has received numerous accolades for its innovation and excellence in online education. Honors include awards for faculty development, multimedia innovation, and outstanding program quality, solidifying its reputation as a leader in geospatial education.
Join a Top-Ranked Program
With its blend of academic rigor, real-world application, and exceptional support, Oregon State University’s online Geography and Geospatial Science program empowers students to excel in their careers and address pressing global challenges. Explore this premier program and start building your future today.