GEOGRAPHY PROGRAM:

For students pursuing a B.S. in Geography, options in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Terrain Analysis and Nature and Heritage Tourism let you explore the technical, physical, and cultural realms of the discipline through a combination of classroom work and field experiences.

The Geography program at Plymouth State University prepares students for careers in physical geography, geographic information systems, computerized cartography, nature and heritage tourism, environmental planning and consulting, education, the military or foreign service, or for advanced work  at the graduate level. Geography bridges the natural and human worlds, focusing on interrelationships between the physical and cultural landscapes. It is the study of the way that people interact with their environment; it applies analytic techniques to the solution of environmental, economic and social problems. Geography majors at learn to evaluate land forming processes, to perform spatial analysis, to employ field-based research techniques, to interpret maps, aerial photographs and remotely sensed images, to understand foreign regions and to design and implement geographic information systems and to produce computer generated maps. for presentation.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are a set of important new technologies that can be used to analyze both human and physical environments. The Geographic Information Systems Option in Geography introduces students to the potential of this type of analysis. While learning about GIS using specific software and hardware, students will come to understand the legal and organizational context of this powerful communications tool. Students will develop an understanding of how GIS works, what its possibilities and limitations are and some of the different fields in which GIS can be applied.

The Terrain Analysis Option in Geography introduces students to the skills, tools, techniques and methods of analysis used by physical geographers. Students learn to interpret the landscape in terms of best use, environmental hazards and landform evolution. Students use topographic maps, aerial photographs, satellite images, geologic maps and soil surveys to solve problems in classroom and field settings. They integrate their findings within the larger context of the physical geography of a region.

The world is filled with innumerable examples of remarkable natural phenomena, as well as  historical artifacts and contemporary products of cultural diversity. Each year, millions of people travel for the purpose of appreciating natural features, historic sites and cultural landscapes. This degree option is designed to heighten students’ knowledge of these phenomena and to help them comprehend the consequences of tourism. While the Nature and Heritage Tourism Option focuses upon the relationship between the traveling public and the places that host them, its larger purpose is to foster greater understanding and awareness of the interrelationship of the physical and cultural environments by means of academic courses with the Geography core.  

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