Arkansas Geography Degree Programs

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR

https://catalog.uark.edu/undergraduatecatalog/collegesandschools/jwilliamfulbrightcollegeofartsandsciences/geography

The Geography program offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with options for a general geography major or a concentration in cartography and remote sensing GIS. Students also have the option to pursue minors in geography and historic preservation. Early program declaration allows students to work closely with the department to customize their coursework and engage in departmental activities.

Core Requirements and Electives

To complete the major, students must fulfill the University Core requirements, the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences graduation requirements, and specific geography courses totaling 41 credits. Core courses include Human Geography, World Regional Geography, Physical Geology, and Earth Science, with advanced coursework in cartography and geospatial applications. Fifteen hours of upper-level electives in geography are also required, spanning technical, regional, and topical courses.

Specializations and Honors

Students may enhance their geography degree by specializing in cartography/remote sensing, gaining expertise in map design, remote sensing, and GIS technologies. The program also offers an honors track, where qualified students can engage in research and thesis work to graduate with distinction. For those interested in teaching, consultation with the department ensures the integration of certification requirements.

Writing and Research Opportunities

The program includes a college writing requirement, fulfilled through a term paper or an honors thesis. Students are encouraged to take GEOS 4100V for research experience, particularly if they plan to attend graduate school. Electives in related fields can also be incorporated into the major with departmental approval, broadening students’ academic exposure.

Geography Minor Options

The geography minor requires 15 credit hours, including foundational courses and advanced electives in regional and topical studies. A separate minor in historic preservation is available, focusing on architectural history, urban studies, and conservation techniques. This minor includes a hands-on capstone course in building materials field studies, ideal for students pursuing careers in preservation.

Eight-Semester Degree Path

An eight-semester degree plan is available, guiding students through a structured progression of coursework. This pathway includes required courses in physical geography, humanities, social sciences, and electives, ensuring a well-rounded academic experience. Students receive personalized support to complete the program in four years.


University of Central Arkansas

Conway, AK

https://uca.edu/geography

The Geography Department at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) provides a diverse and comprehensive understanding of both natural and human systems. Through a variety of academic programs and hands-on research opportunities, the department emphasizes the study of spatial relationships and the interactions between people and their environment.

Academic Programs

The department offers several undergraduate programs, including a major in Geography, a Geospatial Concentration, and an Environmental Science track focused on Planning & Administration. For advanced studies, students can pursue a Master’s degree in GIS or a GIS Certificate, which provides specialized training in geographic information systems and spatial analysis.

Skills and Training

Students in UCA’s Geography programs receive training in essential geospatial skills, including cartography, remote sensing, and GIS. These skills are applicable to a wide range of careers in geographic and related professions, preparing graduates for roles that require proficiency in spatial data analysis and geographic technology.

Career Opportunities for Graduates

Graduates of the Geography Department find employment in various public and private sectors. Notable employers include the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the National Park Service, the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department, and Pulaski Area GIS. The department’s alumni work in roles focused on conservation, urban planning, and resource management, demonstrating the versatility of a geography degree.

Faculty Research and Student Projects

The Geography Department faculty are actively engaged in research across a wide range of topics, such as water conservation, wildfire ecology, the impacts of transportation systems on regional economies, and storm development. Students have the opportunity to participate in faculty-led research projects or develop their own inquiries. Recent student projects have included studies on urban planning impacts, Safe Routes to School infrastructure, and the effects of recreational trail use on water quality.

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

UCA’s Geography students benefit from practical, hands-on learning through various research projects and field studies. These experiences allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, enhancing their understanding of geographic processes and preparing them for careers that require spatial analysis and environmental insight.

Department Mission

The Geography Department’s mission is to foster spatial awareness, advance geographic knowledge, and promote an appreciation for geographic studies across UCA’s campus and throughout Arkansas. Through its programs, UCA is dedicated to equipping students with the knowledge and skills to understand and address complex spatial and environmental challenges in today’s world.

Arkansas Tech University

Russelville, AR

https://www.atu.edu/catalog/current/undergraduate/courses/geog.php

The Geography Program at the University of Arkansas offers an undergraduate major leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Geography, with options to pursue a standard geography track or a concentration in Cartography and Remote Sensing GIS. In addition, students can choose minors in Geography or Historic Preservation to complement their studies.

Degree Options and Minors

Students majoring in geography are encouraged to engage with the department early to plan a coherent sequence of courses and participate in departmental activities. Degree options include a B.A. in Geography, a B.A. in Geography with a Cartography/Remote Sensing GIS concentration, and minors in Geography and Historic Preservation.

Multidisciplinary Approach

Drawing upon various disciplines like geography, geology, Earth science, and GIScience, the program offers comprehensive training across the geosciences. Available degree options include Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs in geosciences. Faculty-led research spans diverse physical and human systems and employs advanced geospatial technologies.

Faculty and Facilities

The Geography Program has ten full-time faculty members who provide quality instruction and contribute to significant research in geosciences. The program emphasizes a blend of coursework and hands-on research, providing access to state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities, as well as opportunities for fieldwork.

Curriculum and Writing Requirement

For a B.A. in Geography, students complete 30 credit hours, including foundational courses like GEOS 1123 and GEOL 1131L. Fifteen of these credits must be at the 3000 level or higher, and the program emphasizes a balance between regional and topical courses. Students also meet the College Writing Requirement by completing a satisfactory term paper in an upper-level geography course or through an honors thesis.

Graduate Preparation and Electives

Students aiming for graduate school are encouraged to take GEOS 410V in their senior year. Electives in related fields may be counted toward the major, with department approval, allowing students to tailor their education to specific interests. Those interested in secondary education should consult the department for guidance on fulfilling teaching certification requirements.

Minor in Geography

The Geography minor requires 15 credit hours, including GEOS 1123, with at least six credits at the 3000 level or higher. Coursework includes both regional and topical geography courses, providing a broad foundation in the field.

Minor in Historic Preservation

The Historic Preservation minor consists of 18 credit hours from diverse areas like architecture, urban studies, and cultural resources. The required capstone course, GEOS 3033, focuses on the study and preservation of building materials, including hands-on fieldwork. Students can substitute some credits by participating in the University of Arkansas Rome Program.

Minor in Cartography/Remote Sensing GIS

This specialization allows students to gain expertise in cartography, remote sensing, and GIS, covering map design, digital image processing, and analytical techniques. Completion of specific courses is required for students to earn this specialization.

Honors in Geography

Geography majors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher may qualify for the Departmental Honors Program, which includes 12 hours of Honors Studies, including a thesis option. Graduates meeting these requirements receive the distinction “Geography Scholar Cum Laude,” with higher honors available for exceptional academic achievement.

Social Studies Teacher Licensure

Students interested in teaching social studies at the middle school level should consult with an advisor from the College of Education and Health Professions to fulfill the necessary secondary education requirements in social studies.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate students in geology and geosciences. Scholarship recipients are selected based on financial need, academic merit, and contributions to the Department of Geosciences, such as involvement in departmental activities, research presentations, or publications.