Master of Science (M.S.) Major in Geography

GEO 5190. Independent Study.

Individual study under direct supervision of a professor. May involve geographic field trips. GEO 5190, GEO 5290, and GEO 5390 may be taken for a total of six semester hours of credit. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

GEO 5199B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollments. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.

GEO 5290. Independent Study.

Individual study under direct supervision of a professor. May involve geographic field trips. GEO 5190, GEO 5290, and GEO 5390 may be taken for total of six semester hours of credit. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

GEO 5299B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollments. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.

GEO 5300. Applied Research Design and Techniques.

Students will be introduced to appropriate research methods for applied geographers. Emphasis will be placed on the scientific method, productive library research, data collection and analysis, fieldwork, effective writing, and the nature of graphic representation.

GEO 5301. Multivariate Quantitative Methods.

The use of multivariate descriptive and inferential statistics as applied to geographic data and problems, beginning with the general linear model and including topics such as multiple regression, principal components analysis, discriminant analysis, and clustering algorithms. Prerequisite: GEO 3301 with a grade of "D" or better.

GEO 5304. Qualitative Research Methods.

This course introduces the qualitative research paradigm, including research design, methods of data collection, and inductive analysis. Standards of scientific research that call for a deeper evaluation of complex social relationships are emphasized. The focus and application will be oriented towards human geography and nature-society relations.

GEO 5308. Regional Field Studies.

Study of geographic phenomena during field excursions to a particular site or region. Students will study the physical and/or cultural environments through off-campus field experience. Students will research, analyze, and report on major regional geographic features. Repeatable once for additional credit with a different site or region. (MULT).

GEO 5309. Geographical Analysis.

A survey of typical spatial problems of interest to geographers, with emphasis on current research and application being undertaken by the faculty in the Department of Geography. Topics include environmental geography, geographic education, land use and regional development, and cartographic representation and geographic information theory.

GEO 5312. Managing Urbanization.

Survey methods and procedures related to managing and preparing for urban growth. Selected topics for examination include transportation planning, housing, historic preservation, and environmental design. (MULT).

GEO 5313. Environmental Studies.

A critical analysis of the major causes of environmental change and human response to environmental problems.

GEO 5314. Geographic Elements of Environmental Law.

A survey of environmental laws related to land, air, and water pollution. The nature of environmental problems will be studied as they relate to urbanization, industrialization, land development, noise, radiation and solid waste management, and the laws and guidelines that have been passed to alleviate such problems.

GEO 5315. Geographic Analysis of Global Issues.

This course focuses on a critical analysis of contemporary global or regional issues from geographic perspectives. The course emphasizes research-based case studies associated with the topics and integrative approaches to the study of world regions and world cultures. The course may be repeated with permission of the instructor.

GEO 5316. Applied Physical Geography.

This course is a survey of methods and techniques used in the collection, analysis, and evaluation of information relating to problems within the physical environment. Emphasis will be on problems characteristic of particular geographic locations or specific environmental settings. Repeatable once for additional credit with a different topic.

GEO 5317. Seminar in Applied Human Geography.

A focus on the methods and techniques used in the collection, analysis, and evaluation of information relating to problems within the human geographical environment. Emphasis will be on problems pertaining to particular geographic locations or special environmental settings. Repeatable once for additional credit with a different topic.

GEO 5318. Environment Problems of the U.S.-Mexico Border.

This course serves as an in-depth introduction to the physical, social, and environmental landscapes of the region of the U.S.-Mexico Border. The course applies an interdisciplinary perspective to geographic understanding of the environmental and health-related issues experienced by residents of the borderlands. Special attention is given to management and planning solutions to the region’s problems. (MULT).

GEO 5319. Seminar in Nature and Heritage Tourism.

This seminar focuses on the special geographic issues of nature and heritage tourism. Particular emphasis is placed on sites and activities, costs and benefits, commoditization and authenticity, resource protection, and substantive learning content of nature and heritage tourism activities.

GEO 5322. Interpretive Environmental Geography.

Students learn to use geographic theories and concepts to provide holistic and thematic interpretation of environmental information, as specified by interpretive principles. Students also learn advanced use of traditional and digital presentation techniques and research methods, which include audience assessment and program evaluation.

GEO 5323. Researching the City.

This course covers data collection and analysis of urban life and the factors considered in locating industry, business, housing, and community facilities. Attention will be paid to the location of manufacturing activities, commercial enterprises, and a variety of social service facilities.

GEO 5326. Parks and Protected Places.

This course serves as an in-depth introduction to the philosophy, establishment, and operation of public parks, wildlife refuges, protected areas, non-governmental preserves and historic sites. Students will be introduced to the scientific and policy rationale for the creation of such areas as well as methods of classification and acquisition.

GEO 5329. Historical Geography of the Environment.

This course examines the evolution of environmental problems using the techniques and analytical perspectives of historical geography. Special emphasis is given to the emergence of environmental challenges related to urbanization and climate change. Students in this class will engage with scholarship related to historical geography of the environment and develop original research related to environmental change.

GEO 5330. Geography of Hazards.

This course focuses on understanding and advancing scholarship in hazards research – the threats to life, health, and welfare caused by natural, technological, and/or social processes, and disasters. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the complexities of the assessment and management of risks, hazards, and disasters at multiple geographic scales.

GEO 5332. Environmental Geography of the Coastal Zone.

Investigation of the physical geographic factors associated with the coastal zone and the role of human activities in problems and opportunities characteristic of this environment.

GEO 5334. Applied Water Resources.

Application of techniques employed in water management including flood hazards, water supply assessment, and water management strategies. Students will apply principles to specific watersheds and water problems including the analysis of various physical, land use, and legal parameters.

GEO 5335. Directed Research.

This course is directed research on various topics in applied geography under the supervision of a graduate faculty member. Students gain experience about the entire process of conducting applied research in geography. Students receive course credit after a directed research report is approved by a student’s advisor and members of the student’s committee.

GEO 5336. Transportation Systems.

This course introduces key concepts and methods of transportation geography and transportation planning. Topics include, among others, the spatial structure of transportation systems, transportation economics, and logistics. Various methods, techniques, and technologies for transportation analysis, particularly Geographic Information Systems (GIS), will be explored and applied as part of the course.

GEO 5339. The Geography of Land Management.

This course explores U.S. land management philosophies, techniques, and development approaches. Major topics include land ethics/philosophies, U.S. traditions in cadastral geography, urban sprawl and green development, land conservation techniques, the role of local/state/federal regulations in land management, and the human environmental impacts of land development.

GEO 5340. Active Learning in Geography.

The course focuses on instructional strategies that will allow teachers to promote active learning in geography. Emphasis will be on how active learning can help students reach geography content and skills standards.

GEO 5341. Contemporary Issues in Geographic Education.

This course examines current approaches to teaching geography in American education. Specific attention will be given to new classroom materials, curriculum reform efforts, and research developments.

GEO 5342. Theory and Research Methods in Geographic Education.

The course focuses on designing, conducting, and presenting empirical research on teaching and learning geography. This course emphasizes the critical analysis of theories, research methods, and key research questions in geographic education and developing a research proposal.

GEO 5344. Curriculum, Standards, and Assessments in Geography.

This course is a survey of major curriculum and assessment theories and practices in geography education. Geography is examined as a school subject that is part of the social studies, as an element of interdisciplinary studies, and as a stand-alone subject. The concept of teacher leadership frame discussions of geography subject matter and standards implementation in schools.

GEO 5345. Spatial Thinking in Education.

This course introduces the concept of spatial thinking and discusses how spatial thinking may be taught in the context of K-16 education. Students examine various instructional strategies to facilitate spatial thinking in the classroom and design grade-level appropriate learning experiences.

GEO 5346. Inquiry-Based Teaching in Human Geography.

This course introduces models of geographic inquiry for instruction in human geography at the secondary and postsecondary levels. Case studies examining contemporary issues will be paired with lessons and activities that support integrated and inquiry-based approaches to teaching human geography. Students develop inquiry lessons aligned with geography/social studies standards, the Advanced Placement Human Geography course, and introductory undergraduate courses in human geography.

GEO 5349. Population Geography.

An in-depth study of the spatial distribution and movement of human populations. Course will emphasize current issues and analytical techniques. Topics will include the impact of population growth, spatial diffusion processes, migration trends and theories, explanation of regional demographic differences, and techniques such as population projections. (MULT).

GEO 5350. Practicum in Teaching Geography.

This course introduces key concepts in teaching geography and provides regular training and planned periodic evaluations of instructional responsibilities. Course topics include instructional and assessment strategies in geography and classroom management. This course is required for first-year instructional assistants in the Geography Department. Students do not earn graduate degree credit.

GEO 5351. Regional Waste Management.

The principles of effective solid waste planning and management will be examined as they relate to such activities as waste generation, storage and collection, transfer and transportation, processing and volume reduction, resource conservation and recovery, the disposal of wastes, and the handling of special wastes, particularly those of a toxic and hazardous nature.

GEO 5352. Air Quality Management.

A geographic assessment of air quality management in the United States. Spatial distribution of the types, sources, and effects of air pollutants. Meteorology and physics of air pollution dispersion. Legislative and regulatory approaches to pollution management. National, state, regional, and local policy development procedures. Geographic methods for air pollution management.

GEO 5353. Emergency Management.

This course provides an overview of the most important aspects of emergency management at all geographic scales, with emphasis on local, regional, and federal levels. Best practices and proper methodologies are emphasized as well as ways that students can develop the skills and capabilities for a career in this field.

GEO 5360. Seminar in Planning Problems.

A critical and in-depth examination of several problem areas currently facing the planner.

GEO 5365. Remote Sensing and the Environment.

This course provides an examination and implementation of sophisticated approaches for processing satellite digital images with emphasis on environmental applications.

GEO 5367. Exploring Spatial Databases.

This course covers principles of spatial ontologies and spatial semantics to facilitate appropriate database conceptualization, design and implementation. Course assignments and projects provide in-depth experience with database query languages. Course work is completed using a spatially-enabled Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS). Prerequisite: GEO 5418 or equivalent with a grade of 'B' or better.

GEO 5368. Lidar and SfM Data Processing and Analysis.

This course covers Light Detection and Ranging (lidar) systems and Structure from Motion (SfM) workflows for mapping and analysis of the environment. Students learn to successfully apply knowledge of lidar data and SfM workflows for a variety of Geographic Information Science applications.

GEO 5370. Seminar in Applied Physical Geography.

Critical analysis of theories, models, and techniques of physical geographic research with the focus on application to real-world problems. Repeatable once for additional credit with a different topic.

GEO 5371. Seminar in Geographic Education.

This research seminar addresses contemporary topics related to geographic education. The emphasis is on applications of learning theories, teaching strategies, and innovative tools in geography classrooms. Course topics may vary depending on student and faculty interest. Repeatable once for additional credit with a different topic.

GEO 5380. Internship.

Application of techniques of applied geography in an actual on-thejob setting. Internships will be arranged and supervised by the Internship Director. May be repeated once for additional credit.

GEO 5390. Independent Study.

Individual study under direct supervision of a professor. May involve geographic field trips. GEO 5190, GEO 5290, and GEO 5390 may be taken for a total of six semester hours of credit.

GEO 5393B. Biogeography in Mountain Environments.

This course examines how plants and animals interact with and affect geomorphological processes and landforms, and how geomorphological processes, landforms and geological factors affect spatial distribution of animals and plants; all within the environmental limitation and conditions of mountains. The role of humans in affecting these interrelationships will be emphasized.

GEO 5393D. Water Resource Planning.

This seminar presents case-studies related to water quality protection and mitigation and to the planning of water supply at the state and regional level from a policy practitioner’s perspective. The objective of the course is to identify the components of the planning process and its outcomes, including water-use conservation.

GEO 5393E. Geomorphology in the Anthropocene.

This course will examine the ways in which humans interact with and affect geomorphological processes and landforms, and how humans directly act as geomorphological agents. The level at which human activities have transformed the surface of the Earth will be examined.

GEO 5393G. Jobs, Careers, and Professional Development in Geography.

This course introduces graduate students to research-based strategies for career planning and professional development in geography. Career opportunities for geographers in business, government, nonprofit, and academic organizations are examined. The course also analyzes professional identities, applications of geography in society, professional ethics, lifelong learning, work-life balance, and professional networking.

GEO 5393H. Professional Development in Geographic Education.

This course combines useful, dynamic geography content with a sensible professional development online delivery system. The content emphasis stresses the applicability of geography in our modern world thus offering jobs and careers to students. The message for teachers is that geography has become more oriented to student aspirations and civic and environmental responsibility.

GEO 5393I. Geography and the Social Studies.

This course examines on how geography fits within the social studies. It details how geography can be taught alongside history, economics, and civics for a well-rounded social studies curriculum. Attention is paid to technology, skills and perspectives. The course examines various social studies frameworks and standards. This course will prepare teachers to be versatile in their social studies knowledge and understanding. It will enhance a teacher's ability to teach geography across all of the social studies subjects.

GEO 5393K. Advanced Web Cartography and Data Visualization.

This course provides advanced training in the design and development of interactive, web-based data visualization systems with emphasis on the modern cartographic process and the spatial applications of interactive data visualization principles.

GEO 5395. Problems in Applied Geography.

Designed to consider a selected topic relating to applied geography. Emphasis on the practical application of geographic tools, with individual or group participation in a specific project. Course topics may vary depending on student and faculty interests and may apply to any of the four graduate tracks: physical-environmental, urban and regional planning, geographic education or GIScience. Repeatable for up to six hours.

GEO 5399A. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s initial thesis enrollment. No thesis credit is awarded until student has completed the thesis in GEO 5399B.

GEO 5399B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollments. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.

GEO 5408. Web Mapping.

This course introduces students to modern interactive and dynamic mapping and GIS techniques that allow internet-based cartographic representations of temporal and non-temporal geospatial objects and phenomena. Prerequisite: GEO 3411 with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 5415. Geographic Applications of Remote Sensing.

Students will focus on Geographic applications of the principles and practices of digital image processing, classification, and modeling using satellite images.

GEO 5417. Advanced Cartographic Design.

This advanced course in cartography focuses on thematic map design. The objective is to produce a series of well-designed, professional grade maps (or an atlas) that students can use to build a cartographic portfolio. Theoretical concepts and principles will be introduced using practical examples and written assignments. Prerequisite: GEO 3411 with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

GEO 5418. Geographic Information Systems I.

Course is concerned with the analysis and interpretation of maps stored in digital form. Students are introduced to concepts and practices involving computerized cartographic and geographic data input, storage and retrieval, data manipulation and analysis, graphic and tabular report generation, and cartographic modeling.

GEO 5419. Geographic Information Systems II.

This course aims to develop more advanced GIS concepts and application issues, further spatial data manipulation and analysis skills, and provide hands-on experience with GIS hardware and software programs. The emphasis will be on practical application of skills to real world issues. Prerequisite: GEO 5418 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 5424. GPS and GIS.

Students will learn to plan and conduct fieldwork using Global Positioning System (GPS) to differentially correct GPS data, and to build Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications using GPS technology. The course is project-based and involves working with external clients(s). Prerequisites: GEO 2426 with a grade of "D" or better or GEO 5418 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 5430. Field Methods.

Course will emphasize common field techniques necessary in the construction of accurate maps. Various kinds of data collection techniques will be presented that will facilitate geographic research. Prerequisite: GEO 3301 with a grade of "D" or better.

GEO 5447. Technology in Geographic Education.

The course focuses on the applications and implications of technology in geographic education. The emphasis is placed on the role of technology as an instructional tool to promote inquiry-based learning.

GEO 5599B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollments. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.

GEO 5680. Internship.

Application of techniques of applied geography in an actual on-thejob setting. Internships will be arranged and supervised by the Internship Director.

GEO 5999B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollments. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.