Geography and Environmental Studies (GEO)

GEO 1305. Meteorology.

This course introduces atmospheric science, emphasizing the composition, structure, and behavior of Earth’s atmosphere. Students explore the physical principles that govern weather and climate, including energy balance, atmospheric circulation, and moisture dynamics. The course also examines interactions between the atmosphere and other components of the Earth system, such as land surfaces, oceans, and the biosphere, highlighting how atmospheric processes influence environmental conditions, climate variability, and human activities across local, regional, and global scales.

GEO 1309. Introduction to Cultural Geography.

This course introduces students to the geographical perspective, emphasizing the spatial distribution of human activities and the processes that shape cultural patterns across time and place. Students examine how population dynamics, folk and popular culture, language, religion, gender, ethnicity, and political systems are organized spatially. The course also analyzes urban and rural land use and economic development to assess how historical and contemporary forces influence cultural landscapes and human–environment relationships. (MULT).

GEO 1310. World Geography.

This course introduces foundational concepts in world geography, emphasizing spatial patterns, human–environment interactions, and regional diversity. Students explore physical landscapes, climate systems, population distribution, cultural practices, economic activities, and political organization across major world regions. The course develops geographic literacy through the use of maps, spatial data, and comparative regional analysis. It also analyzes processes such as migration, urbanization, globalization, resource use, and environmental change, with attention to scale, location, and connections among places over time. (MULT).

GEO 2110. Our Dynamic Earth Laboratory.

This course provides a systematic study of the Earth’s physical environment, including weather, climate, vegetation, soil, and landforms. Taught in conjunction with Our Dynamic Earth (lecture), this laboratory component is designed to reinforce theoretical concepts through hands-on activities. Students engage in exercises related to outdoor field observations, topographic map interpretation, and the analysis of collected scientific data. These practical applications emphasize the objective observation of natural processes and provide foundational technical skills for further geographic study. Prerequisite: MATH 1315 or MATH 1317 or MATH 1319 or MATH 1329 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2328 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 any with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 2301. Our Dynamic Earth.

This course examines the spatial patterns and processes that shape Earth's physical environment, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. Topics include weather and climate systems, landform development, plate tectonics, soils, and geographic distributions of vegetation and wildlife. Emphasis is placed on interactions among environmental systems across multiple scales, from local landscapes to global circulation, using contemporary scientific frameworks and geospatial perspectives. Consideration is given to natural hazards and environmental change over time in varied global regions. Prerequisite: MATH 1315 or MATH 1317 or MATH 1319 or MATH 1329 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2328 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 any with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 2310. Global Environmental Change.

This course examines global environmental change through a geographic, systems-based perspective that emphasizes the dynamic interactions among Earth’s physical, biological, and human components. Students explore how land, atmosphere, oceans, ecosystems, and societies are interconnected and how these relationships evolve over time. The course introduces core concepts related to environmental processes operating across multiple spatial and temporal scales, with particular attention to patterns, distributions, and drivers of change such as climate variability, land-use transformation, and human activity. Analytical frameworks and geographic tools are used to assess environmental variability, vulnerability, and risk, enabling students to interpret global change processes and their implications for sustainability and resilience.

GEO 2420. Introduction to Geographic Information Techniques.

This course introduces the foundations of geographic information systems and sciences (GIS), including global positioning systems (GPS), remote sensing, cartography, web mapping, Google Earth, geospatial data visualization and analysis, and other tools and methods used by geographic information scientists. Topics include maps, data collection, using and creating Internet content, and data analysis and display. This introductory course helps students build literacy in geospatial data and analysis; it will prepare them to take more specialized GIS courses.

GEO 2426. Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems.

This course introduces the principles and practices of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a tool for integrating and analyzing spatial data. Students examine spatial data models, coordinate systems, map projections, and data acquisition methods. The course covers techniques for managing, analyzing, and visualizing geographic data, including vector and raster operations, spatial queries, and basic geoprocessing. The lectures emphasize the theoretical foundations of GIS and geographic information science. In the laboratory sessions, students apply the concepts introduced in the lectures using GIS software. Prerequisites: MATH 1315 or MATH 1317 or MATH 1319 or MATH 1329 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2328 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 any with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 2427. Management and Implementation of GIS.

This course addresses strategies for successful GIS project management and implementation. The topics covered in this course center around four core aspects for a professional GIS project: needs assessment and scope identification, proposal development and project planning, project implementation and management, and report preparation and presentation. The scale of a GIS project may vary from an individual project to a team project that needs organization-wide coordination. The nature of a GIS project may be technical or applied. Prerequisite: GEO 2426 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 3301. Research Methods in Geography.

This course introduces qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods used to conduct research in geography and environmental studies. The application of descriptive and inferential statistical methods used to analyze quantitative data are explored, and students learn how to properly manage and prepare data for analysis. Qualitative methods covered include survey and interview design, case studies, oral histories, and coding and content analysis. The course introduces students to software applications designed to organize, analyze, and visualize spatial data. Emphasis is given to the development of practical skills necessary for conducting objective, evidence-based research. Prerequisite: MATH 1315 or MATH 1317 or MATH 1319 or MATH 1329 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2328 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 any with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 3303. Economic Geography.

This course examines the geographic organization of economic activity across global, regional, and local scales. It focuses on how economic processes are shaped by spatial relationships, including patterns of production, exchange, and consumption. Topics include the historical development of capitalism, globalization, technological change, the major sectors of the economy, uneven spatial economic development, human-environment interaction, and international trade and investment. Emphasis is placed on understanding how economic activities are situated in space and how geographic context influences economic outcomes.

GEO 3305. Climatology.

This course introduces the scientific study of climate, focusing on the natural processes that shape climate systems at local, regional, and global scales. Students examine the physical processes that govern climate variability and change, including radiation balance, atmospheric and oceanic circulation, and surface–atmosphere interactions. The course emphasizes the use of climate data and analytical tools for environmental monitoring and analysis. Methods for evaluating historical climate records, spatial climate patterns, and climate trends are also addressed. Prerequisite: [GEO 2110 and GEO 2301] or GEO 2410 or [GEO 1305 and MATH 1315] any with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 3307. Geography of Europe.

This course examines the geography of Europe through an integrated analysis of its physical environments, human populations, cultural patterns, and economic and political systems. The course considers Europe’s diverse landscapes, climate regions, and natural resources alongside historical processes that have shaped its regional identities. Topics include population distribution, urbanization, economic activities, political organization, and regional integration, as well as Europe’s relationships with neighboring regions and the global system. Emphasis is placed on understanding spatial variation and the ways geographic factors influence patterns across Europe. (MULT).

GEO 3308. Geography of Latin America.

This course surveys the physical and human geography of Latin America, examining regional landforms, climates, ecosystems, populations, cultural patterns, urbanization, and economic activities. The course reviews major physiographic regions, climate systems, and biomes and considers how these environmental conditions relate to patterns of settlement, land use, and resource distribution. Historical and contemporary processes shaping spatial diversity are examined, including colonial legacies, agricultural change, migration, trade, and urban development. Attention is given to geographic variation among subregions such as Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. Maps, demographic information, and regional case examples are used to illustrate environmental and social patterns across the region. (MULT).

GEO 3309. Geography of the United States and Canada.

This course introduces the geographic patterns and regional characteristics of the United States and Canada. It examines physical landscapes, climate systems, natural resources, population distribution, settlement patterns, economic activities, and cultural regions. Students explore how environmental processes and human activities interact systematically across different scales. The course also reviews historical and contemporary factors shaping spatial organization, regional development, and cross-border relationships within North America through maps, geographic concepts, and comparative regional perspectives. Students apply spatial thinking to real-world challenges in the United States and Canada. (MULT) (WI).

GEO 3310. Urban Geography.

This course examines the spatial organization, structure, and social dynamics of cities and metropolitan areas. It explores patterns of land use, population distribution, transportation networks, governance, housing, and economic activity. Students analyze processes influencing urban growth, decline, and renewal across multiple geographical contexts and over time. Emphasis is placed on understanding how physical, social, and economic factors influence urban form and function, and how cities interact with surrounding regions at various scales in shaping human and environmental systems.

GEO 3312. Understanding Climate Change: Drivers and Outcomes.

This course explores contemporary challenges shaped by climatic change by examining relationships between fundamental biophysical drivers such as atmospheric dynamics and carbon cycles and human-system implications including energy transitions and policy frameworks. It covers how earth system processes shape outcomes such as resilience, adaptive capacity, and mitigation strategies, as well as challenges related to climate change communication. The course addresses the multidimensional nature of forces driving climate change and the spatial distribution of its effects. Prerequisite: GEO 2310 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 3313. Natural Resource Use and Management.

This course uses environmental concepts at all geographic scales to identify and analyze patterns and processes of resource use, and discusses management strategies to address present and future concerns related to natural resources. It examines the distribution, availability, and utilization of resources such as water, soil, forests, minerals, and energy within ecological, economic, and social contexts. The course considers how environmental processes and human activities influence resource systems across local, regional, and global scales. Students explore approaches used to assess resource conditions, evaluate management options, and interpret policy frameworks that guide resource planning and stewardship in diverse environmental settings. Prerequisite: [GEO 2110 and GEO 2301] or GEO 2410 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 3320. Community and Regional Planning.

This course examines the practice, history, and development of community and regional planning in the United States. It introduces the evolution of planning institutions, legal frameworks, and policy tools used in community planning and development. The course explores land use, transportation, housing, economic development, environmental considerations, and governance structures. It includes analysis of planning processes across local and regional scales and the roles of public, private, and nonprofit actors in guiding growth and sustainable development. (WI) (MULT).

GEO 3321. Energy Resource Management.

This course examines energy resources from a geographic perspective, analyzing the distribution, characteristics, and uses of major energy sources across global and regional contexts. It considers both renewable and nonrenewable energy resources and explores the environmental, economic, and spatial factors that influence their development and management. The course also addresses issues related to energy production, consumption, and infrastructure, as well as policy and planning considerations associated with resource use. Emphasis is placed on understanding geographic patterns and challenges related to energy resource management. (WI) Prerequisite: MATH 1315 or MATH 1317 or MATH 1319 or MATH 1329 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2328 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 any with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 3323. Researching the City.

This course examines the principles and practices of research design in urban geography and planning. It covers the formulation of research questions, selection of data collection methods, and application of quantitative, qualitative, and spatial analysis techniques to investigate urban phenomena. Emphasis is placed on semester-length projects involving collaboration with local partners from public or private sectors to develop and implement research studies. The course includes evaluation of research frameworks, interpretation of findings, and application of methodological approaches to the analysis of cities, regions, and built environments. (WI).

GEO 3328. Geography of North Africa and the Middle East.

This course examines the geography of North Africa and the Middle East through an integrated analysis of physical environments, human populations, cultural patterns, and economic and political systems. The course explores major landforms, climate regions, water resources, and ecosystems alongside human and cultural characteristics. Topics include historical and contemporary regional organization, economic activities, resource use, transportation and trade networks, and state and regional structures. Emphasis is placed on understanding the ways geographic variables influence social, economic, and political patterns across North Africa and the Middle East. (MULT).

GEO 3329. Geography of Texas.

This course examines the geography of Texas through an analysis of its physical environments, human populations, cultural landscapes, and economic and political systems. The course explores Texas’s diverse landforms, climate regions, ecosystems, and natural resources, as well as patterns of settlement, population change, and urban development. Topics include regional variation, economic activities, transportation networks, environmental interactions, and political organization within the state. Emphasis is placed on understanding spatial patterns and regional identities and on analyzing how geographic factors influence these patterns across Texas. (MULT).

GEO 3333. Geography of East Asia.

This course facilitates development of student knowledge and skills for engaging in geographical inquiry centered on spatial, temporal and a range of interconnected dynamics across East Asia. Students explore the region through various approaches integrating biophysical dimensions with broad geographic themes through case studies at a range of scales. The course facilitates skill development necessary for students to analyze transformations unfolding across this region, as well as understand a range of changes shaped by them. (WI) (MULT).

GEO 3335. Oceanography.

This course enhances ocean literacy among students by introducing and acquainting them with essential aspects of the science of oceanography. Because of oceanography’s interdisciplinary nature, the course examines geological, physical, chemical, and biological processes as they apply to the ocean. The course covers a variety of important oceanographic terms and concepts, including how the ocean systems work, how they are studied and measured, how the ocean influences Earth’s biosphere and atmosphere, how the oceans support living ecosystems, and which issues concern the fate of the oceans and their coastlines. Prerequisite: BIO 1320 or BIO 1330 or [GEO 2110 and GEO 2301] or GEO 2410 or GEOL 1410 any with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 3340. Political Geography.

This course explores how political processes, institutions, and power relations shape, and are shaped by, spatial patterns across the globe. This course examines foundational concepts such as the state, territoriality, and sovereignty, as well as the dynamics of boundaries, nationalism, and geopolitical strategy. Students analyze international spheres of influence, conflict, and cooperation, alongside contemporary global issues including migration, resource competition, and development. The course also investigates the geographic dimensions of electoral politics, representation, and policy outcomes. Emphasis is placed on developing critical spatial thinking and applying geographic perspectives to real world political problems.

GEO 3349. World Population.

This course introduces the geographic study of population distribution, change, and spatial differences at global, national, and regional scales. Students examine patterns and processes related to fertility, mortality, and migration, and explore how demographic dynamics influence social, economic, and environmental conditions. Emphasis is placed on understanding population growth dynamics, demographic transitions, and analyzing population issues across different cultural and spatial contexts. The course provides an introduction to how demographic trends influence social, economic, and environmental conditions across different places. Prerequisite: MATH 1315 or MATH 1317 or MATH 1319 or MATH 1329 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2328 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 any with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 3351. Health Geography.

This course examines the spatial dimension of health, disease, and healthcare systems. The course introduces concepts of health, health care, disease, and illness from a geospatial perspective. The course examines how people and societies interact geographically with the natural, social, and built environment in ways that result in varying degrees of health. Topics include the geography of infectious and chronic diseases, environmental health, health disparities, population mobility and health, healthcare delivery systems, and the role of climate, industrialization, urbanization, and policy in shaping health landscapes. (MULT) (WI).

GEO 3411. Maps and Mapmaking.

This course introduces the principles and practices of reference and thematic map design. Students examine foundational concepts in cartography, including map purpose, scale, projection, symbolization, classification, and generalization, while learning essential techniques for representing quantitative and qualitative geographic data. The course also explores the history and evolution of cartography, geographic data presentation, and thematic mapping strategies. Emphasis is placed on map interpretation, and effective visual communication. Through hands-on exercises and a final project, students develop practical skills in designing clear, accurate, and purposeful maps that effectively communicate geographic information to diverse audiences. Prerequisite: MATH 1315 or MATH 1317 or MATH 1319 or MATH 1329 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2328 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 any with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 3416. Remote Sensing and Earth Observation.

This course introduces students to the acquisition, measurement (mensuration), interpretation, and mapping of digital imagery for environmental monitoring and inventorying. Students build theoretical and applied competence in core remote sensing concepts, including electromagnetic energy interactions with the atmosphere and surface features, the way sensors record energy, and how sensor outputs are displayed and interpreted. The course also emphasizes practical skills in displaying, processing, and interpreting digital imagery and datasets from satellite-based sensors through lecture and lab activities. Prerequisite: MATH 1315 or MATH 1317 or MATH 1319 or MATH 1329 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2328 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 any with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 3425. Geomorphology.

This course examines the processes that shape Earth’s surface and the resulting landforms across diverse environments. Topics include weathering, mass wasting, and fluvial, aeolian, karst, glacial, periglacial, and coastal systems, with attention to interactions among climate, tectonics, materials, and time. The course includes analysis of maps, spatial data, and field observations to examine landscape evolution. Course activities emphasize process interpretation, quantitative reasoning, and application of geomorphic concepts to contemporary environmental issues across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Prerequisite: [GEO 2110 and GEO 2301] or GEO 2410 or GEOL 1410 with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 3426. Advanced GIS.

This course builds on the principles introduced in GEO 2426 and presents an in-depth examination of the technical aspects involved in spatial data handling, analysis, and modeling. With an emphasis on GIS modeling, this course focuses on the conceptual framework and associated applications, including cartographic modeling, suitability assessment, surface analysis, network routing, diffusion and hydrologic modeling. The course includes the use of GIS software to model and display geographic phenomena in both human and physical systems. Prerequisite: GEO 2426 and GEO 3301 both with grades of "C" or better.

GEO 3434. Water Resources.

This course analyzes within a geographical perspective the formation, use, conservation, and management of water resources. Topics covered include the hydrologic cycle, water quality, dams, urban water resources, agricultural water resources, aquatic ecosystems, water law, water policy, socioeconomics of water, and water management agencies. This course provides professional-level knowledge with a focus on the supply and demand of water resources. The lab portion of the course involves accessing and analyzing water resources data, delineating watersheds, performing stream metrics, and producing professional reports on these analyses. Prerequisite: [GEO 2110 and GEO 2301] or GEO 2410 or [CHEM 1141 and CHEM 1341] with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 4190. Independent Study.

This course provides an individualized, faculty-supervised learning experience that allows students to pursue an in-depth topic, problem, or applied project not fully addressed in regularly scheduled coursework. Working with an instructor, students develop a written learning contract that defines the scope, readings/resources, methods of inquiry or practice, deliverables, and a timeline for completion. The course emphasizes self-directed learning, scholarly or professional-level work products, and regular consultation with the faculty supervisor to ensure rigor and accountability. Outcomes may include a research paper, project portfolio, technical report, creative work, or other discipline-appropriate product. This course may be repeated for credit, but a student may not exceed six hours of credit in Independent Study.

GEO 4290. Independent Study.

This course provides an individualized, faculty-supervised learning experience that allows students to pursue an in-depth topic, problem, or applied project not fully addressed in regularly scheduled coursework. Working with an instructor, students develop a written learning contract that defines the scope, readings/resources, methods of inquiry or practice, deliverables, and a timeline for completion. The course emphasizes self-directed learning, scholarly or professional-level work products, and regular consultation with the faculty supervisor to ensure rigor and accountability. Outcomes may include a research paper, project portfolio, technical report, creative work, or other discipline-appropriate product. This course may be repeated for credit, but a student may not exceed six hours of credit in Independent Study.

GEO 4306. Geography of the Southwest.

This course examines the regional geography of the southwestern United States that spans a debatable area from Texas to California and north to Utah and southern Wyoming. Though primarily defined by aridity, the southwestern United States is extremely diverse in its environments and peoples. This course explores how people have related to this land, the changing environment, and current issues and future trends in natural resources and cultural processes in the region. The course primarily integrates physical geography, cultural geography, environmental management, and water resources. (MULT).

GEO 4309. Cultural and Political Ecology.

This course examines cultural and political ecology as geographic approaches for understanding relationships among society, culture, power, and the biophysical environment. It explores how environmental knowledge, resource use, and ecological processes are shaped through social, political, and historical contexts. Emphasis is placed on comparative analysis across regions and time periods, including agrarian, pre-industrial, and contemporary settings. The course situates human–environment interactions within broader geographic frameworks that integrate cultural processes with ecological systems and spatial change. (MULT) (WI).

GEO 4310. Regional Field Studies.

This course focuses on observation, description, and analysis of a geographic environment through structured off-campus study in that setting. Students examine physical features, cultural landscapes, spatial patterns, and human–environment relationships within a defined region. Emphasis is placed on field-based methods, place-based inquiry, and the interpretation of geographic processes as they occur in the region of study. The course integrates experiential learning with geographic concepts to support contextual understanding of regional environments. The course may be repeated once, provided the second study is in a different region, for a total of 6 semester hours. (WI).

GEO 4313. Environmental Management.

This course provides both broad and granular analyses covering origins and causes of present and past environmental problems occurring and intersecting across multiple spatial and temporal scales. The range of challenges affect the quality of environmental media (air, water, land) and health of ecosystems, species, and the earth’s population. This course evaluates past and contemporary efforts to manage, mitigate, adapt to and/or solve many of these problems. Emphasis is placed on the critical role played by spaces and places in shaping environmental challenges, along with the ways geographical thinking can be used to identify and understand complex problems while developing solutions and management strategies. Prerequisite: [GEO 2110 and GEO 2301] or GEO 2410 and [GEO 3313 or GEO 3321 or GEO 3434 or GEO 4350 or GEO 4352] both with grades of "C" or better.

GEO 4314. River Basin Management.

This course studies the principles and practices of large-scale river basin management, including nested sub-basin and tributary systems. It examines the physical and environmental processes that shape river basins across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Historical and contemporary approaches to river basin management are analyzed, with emphasis on integrated land and water resource management. The course evaluates stakeholder perspectives and addresses issues related to policy, water supply, dams, hazards, economic development, and environmental protection. (WI) Prerequisite: GEO 3434 or GEO 4325 either with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 4316. Landscape Biogeography.

This course studies the present-day and post-Pleistocene spatial patterns of plants, animals, and biogeographical processes; and summarizes relevant biological, ecological, and physical geography factors that influence species ranges, dispersal, movements, colonization, and extinction. The course integrates principles of community ecology, ecosystem function, migration, and evolution. Physical and biological ecosystem interactions are evaluated through a spatial and temporal framework of landscape ecology principles applied to terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. Human interactions with biogeographical patterns and processes, including topics such as land use changes and conservation management are also addressed, as are methods for interpreting and reconstructing Holocene patterns of biogeographic distribution. Prerequisite: [GEO 2110 and GEO 2301] or GEO 2410 both with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 4317. Water Resources Planning.

This course examines water resources planning case studies related to water quality protection and mitigation as well as state and regional water supply planning from a policy practitioner’s perspective. It explores watershed planning and water supply management to illustrate the institutional, environmental, and technical factors involved in planning processes. The course considers the roles of governmental agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders in the development of water management strategies. Topics include water demand management, conservation and efficiency measures, watershed protection, regulatory frameworks, and planning approaches used to address water availability and water quality concerns across different geographic scales. Prerequisite: GEO 3434 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 4321. Cities and Urban Design.

This course examines the principles and processes that shape urban form and the design of built environments. It explores the interplay of intentional planning decisions and natural processes in shaping urban landscapes. The course introduces spatial thinking, urban morphology, U.S. planning history, planning law and policy, and the relationships among land use, transportation, public space, and environmental context. Students examine the roles of planning institutions, design practices, and collaborative decision-making in guiding the development and transformation of cities. (MULT) Prerequisite: GEO 3310 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 4322. Interpretive Environmental Geography.

This course examines principles and practices for interpreting environmental information within geographic contexts. It explores how physical and cultural landscapes, cultural ecology, and human–environment relationships are communicated to diverse audiences in a range of environmental settings. Emphasis is placed on geographic concepts, interpretive frameworks, and representational techniques used to convey environmental knowledge. The course also considers both traditional and digital approaches to interpretation and situates environmental communication within broader spatial, cultural, and institutional contexts relevant to contemporary geographic practice. (WI) Prerequisite: [GEO 2110 and GEO 2301] or GEO 2410 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 4323. Conservation Leadership.

This course serves as an in-depth introduction to the modern conservation movement and the philosophy, establishment, and operation of institutions and social actors engaged in that movement. Knowledge is presented by the instructor and leaders of non-profit and governmental conservation organizations, who provide experiences and instruction in key skills necessary for successful employment and careers in conservation. Problems and attributes of leadership are emphasized along with operational implications, ethical issues, and other considerations for successful employment and management at non-governmental, state, local, and federal levels.

GEO 4325. Fluvial Processes.

This course examines the principles governing river processes and channel forms from a geographic and natural science perspective. Students investigate the mechanics of fluvial systems, including river hydraulics, sediment transport, channel morphology, and watershed hydrology. Emphasis is placed on quantitative analysis of river dynamics and the relationships between process and spatial pattern in fluvial environments. Using field observations, maps, imagery, and empirical data, students evaluate how rivers evolve across space and time. The course also explores connections between fluvial processes and ecological systems, engineering practices, water resource management, and environmental policy. Prerequisite: GEO 3425 or GEO 3434 either with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 4326. Parks and Protected Places.

This course serves as an in-depth introduction to parks and protected places. Framing parks and protected places as social-ecological systems, this course provides both theoretical and applied perspectives on the acquisition, planning, management, use, and value of sites of unique cultural, natural, scenic, or recreational significance. Accordingly, the past, current, and future challenges for land conservation are covered. This course provides professional-level experience through readings, lectures, classroom discussions, presentations, and interactions with experts in various fields of parks and protected places.

GEO 4331. Geography of Food and Agriculture.

This course examines local and global food and agricultural systems from a geographic perspective. It explores patterns of production, distribution, and consumption across regions, and considers how climate, resources, culture, technology, and economic organization shape agricultural landscapes. Attention is given to rural and urban settings, regional variation, and connections among places at multiple scales. The course provides an overview of food-related spatial processes and landscape change worldwide within established geographic frameworks and comparative regional contexts used in contemporary geographic scholarship. (WI).

GEO 4334. Groundwater Resources.

This course examines the major concepts and principles that influence groundwater occurrence, availability, and use from a geographical perspective. Students analyze aquifer characteristics that affect groundwater quantity, movement, and quality, and evaluate the physical, environmental, economic, societal, and legal factors that influence groundwater development and management. Through case studies, applied analysis, and interpretation of data, students explore approaches used to assess groundwater resources, inform water-use decisions, and evaluate strategies for sustainable groundwater management and aquifer policy planning. Prerequisite: GEO 3434 with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 4335. Directed Research.

This course provides undergraduate students with structured opportunities to conduct supervised research within the discipline of geography. Participants engage in the development of research questions, review relevant literature, design methodological approaches, and analyze findings under faculty guidance. Emphasis is placed on ethical research practices, documentation standards, and effective communication of results. Topics vary according to faculty expertise and student interests and needs. Permission and project approval must be obtained from the supervising faculty member prior to registration. This course may be repeated for credit, but a student may not exceed six hours of credit.

GEO 4336. Transportation Systems.

This course examines the evolution of urban transportation technologies, policies, and systems, both in the United States and abroad. By comparing policies and institutions across countries and cities, students observe the effect of different policy choices and institutional legacies on the present day. This course introduces students to transportation data sources and analyzes travel behavior surveys, the literature in both transportation geography and urban transportation planning, and the current state of the practice in transportation.

GEO 4338. Planning Practicum.

This course provides a capstone experience in community and regional planning with an applied focus on local development projects. As the terminal course in the sequence, it examines enduring planning challenges and the relationships among governance, social, economic, and environmental systems that shape planning initiatives. Students engage with real-world projects, often collaborating with local stakeholder groups, and apply planning principles, legal frameworks, and community input to analyze, evaluate, and propose practical strategies for effective community and regional development. Prerequisite: GEO 3320 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 4339. Environmental Hazards and Disasters.

This course examines environmental hazards and disasters in relation to human land use, development, and settlement patterns, with an emphasis on how people occupy and modify hazardous landscapes. Students are introduced to the geologic, hydrologic, and meteorological processes that generate hazardous events such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires. The course emphasizes the spatial distribution and underlying physical mechanisms of these hazards, as well as their social, economic, and environmental impacts. Particular attention is given to the ways environmental conditions and human activities interact to shape exposure, vulnerability, and disaster risk, and to the implications for hazard mitigation, planning, and resilience. Prerequisite: {GEO 2110 and GEO 2301] or GEO 2410 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 4340. Geography Content and Methods for Teachers.

This course examines the K–12 Geography Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and national geography content standards, emphasizing alignment across grade levels and educational contexts. It explores instructional resources and materials, frameworks for unit development, and the principles of inquiry-based instruction. Attention is given to curricular coherence, disciplinary practices, and assessment design appropriate for learners, with consideration of classroom implementation, integration of standards, and geographic thinking across elementary, middle, and secondary school instructional contexts. (WI).

GEO 4341. Water Policy.

This course examines the development and implementation of water policy from the identification of water-related issues through political, legal, and institutional decision-making processes. Students analyze how policies are formulated, debated, and enacted at local, regional, and national levels. The course considers the roles of governmental agencies, legal frameworks, and stakeholder interests in shaping water management decisions. Through case studies and policy analysis, students evaluate the processes used to develop and implement water plans, programs, and infrastructure. Prerequisite: GEO 3434 with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 4350. Solid Waste Management and Resource Recovery.

This course is an examination of the magnitude, sources and characteristics of solid waste and the various elements of its management including generation, storage, collection, transportation, treatment, disposal, resource recovery, recycling and sustainable alternatives with a focus on the policies, laws, logistics and economics that frame the industry. The course delves into the planning, contractual, and operational aspects of solid waste management and the interface shared by the private sector industry, government and the public. Prerequisite: [GEO 2110 and GEO 2301] or GEO 2410 both with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 4351. Geospatial Data Science and Health.

This course explores how geospatial data science methods are applied to analyze health outcomes and how resulting insights can inform strategies to improve population health. In addition to introducing the fundamental concepts and methods of data science, the curriculum covers probability models, spatial cluster detection methods, exposure science, logistic regression, epidemiological analysis, spatial accessibility modeling, and quantitative assessment of health disparities. Furthermore, the course incorporates applied case studies addressing the identification of priority areas for evidence-based health interventions, environmental epidemiology, and health disparity analysis. Prerequisite: GEO 2426 and GEO 3301 both with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 4352. Air Quality Management.

This course assesses and analyzes air quality, including the types, sources, and effects of air pollutants on human health, welfare, and the natural environment. It examines atmospheric processes, the physics of contaminant generation and movement, and the chemical composition and behavior of pollutants. The course evaluates the impacts of airborne pollutants on ecosystems and human populations and analyzes patterns of pollution generation and dispersion. It also examines past and present approaches to managing atmospheric contaminants in relation to economic, legal, and social structures. Prerequisite: [CHEM 1141 and CHEM 1341] or [GEO 2110 and GEO 2301] or GEO 2410 or GEO 3305 any with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 4353. Geographic Elements of Environmental Law.

This course examines the spatial dimensions of environmental law, focusing on how legal frameworks vary across places and scales. Topics include environmental problems related to urbanization, industrialization, land development, noise, radiation, and solid waste management. Students analyze relationships among institutions and systems of environmental governance, with attention to jurisdiction, boundaries, land use, natural resources, pollution control, environmental impact review, and regulatory authority in local and national contexts. The course emphasizes how these spatial and institutional relationships shape legal processes and environmental outcomes across diverse legal systems. Prerequisite: GEO 3321 or GEO 3434 or GEO 4350 or GEO 4352 any with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 4356. Urban Infrastructure Management.

This course examines the technologies and governance of urban infrastructure, including buildings, transportation systems, water and waste treatment facilities, energy, and communication grids. It integrates perspectives from civil engineering, urban planning, and geography to analyze the policy and political dimensions of infrastructure management alongside current technological practices. The course introduces data used to assess infrastructure needs, including asset safety, functionality, and life cycle performance. (WI) Prerequisite: CE 3360 or [GEO 2426 and GEO 3301] either with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 4380. Internship in Geography.

This course provides on-the-job training in a public or private-sector agency related to the field of geography. Students engage in supervised professional activities that apply geographic knowledge, skills, and methods in organizational settings. Experiences may involve spatial analysis, environmental assessment, planning processes, data management, or community engagement, depending on the placement. The course integrates practical experience with geographic concepts to support professional development and understanding of workplace practices within geography-related fields. Students must apply to the department internship director at least six weeks prior to registering for the internship course. This course may be repeated one time for additional internship credit.

GEO 4390. Independent Study.

This course provides an individualized, faculty-supervised learning experience that allows students to pursue an in-depth topic, problem, or applied project not fully addressed in regularly scheduled coursework. Working with an instructor, students develop a written learning contract that defines the scope, readings/resources, methods of inquiry or practice, deliverables, and a timeline for completion. The course emphasizes self-directed learning, scholarly or professional-level work products, and regular consultation with the faculty supervisor to ensure rigor and accountability. Outcomes may include a research paper, project portfolio, technical report, creative work, or other discipline-appropriate product. This course may be repeated for credit, but a student may not exceed six hours of credit in Independent Study.

GEO 4393E. Social Geographies of the American City.

This course examines historical and contemporary interactions among social groups and how these dynamics have influenced and been shaped by urbanization in the United States, with an emphasis on geographic perspectives and the roles of space and place. It explores topics including segregation, immigration, civil rights history, social movements, housing and gentrification, crime and policing, environmental conditions, community development, and urban cultural economies. Through readings, discussions, and films, students analyze cases using comparative and interdisciplinary approaches and methods.

GEO 4411. Advanced Cartographic Design.

This course provides advanced study of the theoretical principles and professional practices of cartographic design. Emphasis is placed on visual communication, thematic mapping techniques, typography, color theory, projection selection, and atlas composition. Students examine the cartographic production process from conceptualization through final publication-quality output, including data preparation, symbolization, layout development, and integration of text and graphics. The course culminates in a final project requiring the creation of a professional-grade map portfolio that demonstrates the application of concepts and techniques covered in the course. Prerequisite: GEO 3411 with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 4412. Digital Image Processing and Machine Learning.

This course introduces students to digital image processing of satellite scenes with a strong emphasis on restoration and enhancement, information extraction, classification, and machine learning techniques used in environmental monitoring and inventorying. Students learn how and why specific processing algorithms are selected, how to structure a defensible processing workflow, and how to assess the accuracy of raw and classified imagery or derived data products. Through an integrated lecture-and-lab format, students develop hands-on proficiency with professional image processing software and apply core methods to real datasets, including change detection and mapping applications. (WI) Prerequisites: GEO 3301 and GEO 3416 both with grades of “C” or better.

GEO 4417. Digital Terrain Modeling.

This course examines the production, analysis, and application of digital terrain models (DTMs) in geographic research and professional contexts. Topics include terrain representation, raster-based modeling approaches, interpolation techniques, and the use of lidar- and radar-derived elevation surfaces. The course also addresses data quality standards, accuracy assessment, and error propagation in terrain analysis. Additional areas of study include terrain derivatives, hydrologic and visibility modeling, cost path analysis, and methods for visualizing and communicating digital elevation data. Prerequisite: GEO 2426 and GEO 3416 both with grades of "C" or better.

GEO 4420. GeoProgramming.

This course introduces students to advanced GIS concepts and application issues, with an emphasis on using programming to support spatial data manipulation and analysis. Students gain hands-on experience using GIS hardware and software tools to support a range of analytical tasks, including data management, automation, spatial analysis, and visualization. Instruction emphasizes the practical application of GIS methods to a diverse set of real-world geographic problems while enhancing technical proficiency and methodological understanding relevant to professional GIS work and related fields. Prerequisite: GEO 3426 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 4422. Web Mapping.

The course introduces students to interactive and dynamic mapping techniques within contemporary GIS environments, with an emphasis on web-based cartographic representation of temporal and non-temporal spatial data. Students examine methods for visualizing geospatial objects and phenomena using web-based mapping platforms and tools. Topics include spatial data preparation, web map design principles, dynamic visualization techniques, and the integration of spatial data with online mapping applications to support analysis, communication, and information sharing across digital environments. The course considers practical and conceptual issues associated with the design and implementation of interactive geospatial mapping systems. Prerequisite: GEO 3411 with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 4424. GPS and GIS.

This course progresses from foundational Global Navigation Satellite Systems theory to applied, client-based geospatial project implementation. Students examine system components, signal processing methods, signal error sources, and correction strategies before conducting structured field data collection of points, lines, and polygons. Labs emphasize accuracy assessment, metadata, offsets, and publishing workflows in ArcGIS Online. The semester culminates in collaborative project planning, data processing, GIS integration, app development, and professional report submission which serve to prepare students for careers in geospatial data collection. Prerequisites: GEO 3411 or GEO 3426 either with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 4427. GIS Consulting Practicum.

This course provides students with hands-on experience working on a substantive GIS project in partnership with clients from government, industry, or nonprofit organizations. Through project-based teamwork, students apply GIS methods to real-world problems while developing professional skills such as project scoping, client communication, data management, spatial analysis, technical writing, and cartographic presentation. The course emphasizes collaborative problem-solving, responsible use of spatial data, and the delivery of professional-quality GIS products that meet client needs and reflect industry standards. (WI) Prerequisite: GEO 3426 with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 4430. Field Methods.

This course introduces students to the principles and practices used to observe, measure, document, and analyze geographic phenomena in field settings. Emphasis is placed on hands-on data collection, spatial observation, mapping techniques, and the use of field instruments and geospatial technologies. Students gain practical experience designing and conducting field investigations in local and regional environments while developing skills in data recording, interpretation, and professional reporting. The course also emphasizes research design and technical proposal development, preparing students to plan independent geographic field projects and communicate scientific objectives effectively. (WI) Prerequisites: [GEO 2110 and GEO 2301 or GEO 2410] and GEO 3301 all with grades of “C” or better.

GEO 5190. Independent Study.

This course provides an individualized, faculty-supervised learning experience that allows students to pursue an in-depth topic, problem, or applied project not fully addressed in regularly scheduled coursework. Working with an instructor, students develop a written learning contract that defines the scope, readings/resources, methods of inquiry or practice, deliverables, and a timeline for completion. The course emphasizes self-directed learning, scholarly or professional-level work products, and regular consultation with the faculty supervisor to ensure rigor and accountability. Outcomes may include a research paper, project portfolio, technical report, creative work, or other discipline-appropriate product. 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 supports graduate students in completing a semester of a master’s thesis by emphasizing sustained progress from approved proposal and initial work to a final, defensible thesis product. Students continue working closely with a faculty advisor to complete data collection (if applicable), conduct rigorous analysis, and integrate results into a coherent thesis manuscript. The course focuses on refining argumentation, strengthening alignment among research questions, methods, results, and conclusions, and meeting disciplinary formatting and submission requirements. The semester culminates in a completed thesis and, where required, an oral presentation or defense.

GEO 5290. Independent Study.

This course provides an individualized, faculty-supervised learning experience that allows students to pursue an in-depth topic, problem, or applied project not fully addressed in regularly scheduled coursework. Working with an instructor, students develop a written learning contract that defines the scope, readings/resources, methods of inquiry or practice, deliverables, and a timeline for completion. The course emphasizes self-directed learning, scholarly or professional-level work products, and regular consultation with the faculty supervisor to ensure rigor and accountability. Outcomes may include a research paper, project portfolio, technical report, creative work, or other discipline-appropriate product. GEO 5190, GEO 5290, and GEO 5390 may be taken for a total of six semester hours of credit. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

GEO 5299B. Thesis.

This course supports graduate students in completing a semester of a master’s thesis by emphasizing sustained progress from approved proposal and initial work to a final, defensible thesis product. Students continue working closely with a faculty advisor to complete data collection (if applicable), conduct rigorous analysis, and integrate results into a coherent thesis manuscript. The course focuses on refining argumentation, strengthening alignment among research questions, methods, results, and conclusions, and meeting disciplinary formatting and submission requirements. The semester culminates in a completed thesis and, where required, an oral presentation or defense.

GEO 5300. Applied Research Design and Techniques.

This course provides graduate students with a comprehensive foundation in methodological approaches used in applied geography and environmental practice. It emphasizes the design and execution of applied research and professional projects, including projects that address practical, organizational, or policy relevant questions without necessarily following traditional research models. Topics include project scoping, methodological selection, ethical data collection, spatial and non spatial analysis, and fieldwork planning in applied settings. Instruction also covers technical and analytical writing, data visualization, and professional communication. The course prepares students to develop portfolios and complete methodologically sound projects relevant to academic, governmental, nonprofit, and professional contexts.

GEO 5301. Multivariate Quantitative Methods.

This course provides a foundation for completing quantitative research in geography and environmental studies. The application of univariate and multivariate descriptive and inferential statistical methods to analyze data will be explored, and students will learn how to properly manage and prepare data for analysis. The methods covered will include nonparametric statistics, the t-test, correlation, linear and multiple regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), factor analysis, principal components analysis, cluster analysis, and discriminant analysis. By utilizing specialized statistical software, the development of transferable practical and technical skills is emphasized. Prerequisite: GEO 3301 with a grade of "D" or better.

GEO 5304. Qualitative Research Methods.

This course provides an in depth introduction to qualitative research traditions in geography and environmental studies, emphasizing research design, data collection, and inductive forms of analysis. Students examine epistemological foundations of qualitative inquiry alongside techniques such as interviewing, participant observation, textual analysis, and field based documentation. The course highlights standards of scientific rigor that support systematic examination of complex social relationships and environmental interactions. Applications focus on human geography and nature–society relations, with attention to ethical considerations, positionality, and reflexive practice. Students gain experience designing qualitative projects and interpreting qualitative evidence within diverse geographic and environmental contexts.

GEO 5308. Regional Field Studies.

This course focuses on observation, description, and analysis of a geographic environment through structured off-campus study in that setting. Students examine physical features, cultural landscapes, spatial patterns, and human–environment relationships within a defined region. Emphasis is placed on field-based methods, place-based inquiry, and the interpretation of geographic processes as they occur in the region of study. The course integrates experiential learning with geographic concepts to support contextual understanding of regional environments. The course may be repeated once, provided the second study is in a different region, for a total of 6 semester hours. (MULT).

GEO 5309. Geographical Analysis.

This course introduces typical spatial problems of interest to geographers, with emphasis on current research and application being undertaken by the faculty in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies. Topics include environmental geography, land use and regional development, urban planning, spatial statistics, geographic information systems, remote sensing, cartographic representation, and geographic education. The course emphasizes critical thinking and the integration of diverse data sources to address complex geographical questions and challenges to conduct research.

GEO 5312. Managing Urbanization.

This course examines the dynamics of urban growth and spatial change in a variety of geographical regions. Students analyze patterns of land use, infrastructure development, and population distribution, considering the interplay between environmental, social, and economic factors. Emphasis is placed on conceptual frameworks and methodologies for understanding urban systems and evaluating management approaches. Through case studies, the course explores how urbanization processes influence resource allocation, governance structures, and regional planning strategies in diverse global contexts. (MULT).

GEO 5313. Environmental Studies.

This course examines contemporary trends in environmental scholarship with a strong emphasis on advanced research design, theory, and practice. Students critically engage with interdisciplinary literature across environmental studies, geography, and related fields to understand how research questions are framed, justified, and situated within broader scholarly debates. The course emphasizes methodological rigor, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches, as well as ethical considerations, data management, and reproducibility. Students develop original research projects, refine scholarly writing skills, and gain experience evaluating peer-reviewed research, preparing them for independent research in environmental studies.

GEO 5314. Geographic Elements of Environmental Law.

This course examines the spatial dimensions of environmental law, focusing on how legal frameworks vary across places and scales. Topics include environmental problems related to urbanization, industrialization, land development, noise, radiation, and solid waste management. Students analyze relationships among institutions and systems of environmental governance, with attention to jurisdiction, boundaries, land use, natural resources, pollution control, environmental impact review, and regulatory authority in local and national contexts. The course emphasizes how these spatial and institutional relationships shape legal processes and environmental outcomes across diverse legal systems.

GEO 5316. Applied Physical Geography.

This course surveys methods and techniques used in the collection, analysis, and evaluation of information related to problems within the physical environment. Emphasis is placed on applied approaches for examining environmental processes and conditions in specific geographic locations or environmental settings. Topics may include field and analytical techniques used to investigate issues related to landforms, water resources, soils, ecosystems, or environmental change. The course highlights the interpretation of environmental data within spatial contexts and may be repeated once for additional credit when offered with a different topic.

GEO 5317. Seminar in Applied Human Geography.

This course focuses on methods and techniques used in the collection, analysis, and evaluation of information related to problems within the human geographical environment. It emphasizes applied approaches for examining social, economic, cultural, and political processes in specific geographic locations or unique environmental settings. Students explore tools for interpreting spatial patterns, human–environment interactions, and demographic or socio-economic trends. The course highlights the integration of qualitative and quantitative methods in addressing human geography challenges and may be repeated once for additional credit when offered with a different topic.

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

This course examines the physical, social, and environmental characteristics of the U.S.–Mexico border region through an interdisciplinary geographic lens. The course traces the historical development of the border from the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo to contemporary forms of border governance, considering how legal, political, and infrastructural changes have shaped regional environments and communities. Students then analyze major issues such as land use change, ecological and wildlife dynamics, population patterns, water and waste management, and related health concerns as they affect communities in the borderlands. (MULT).

GEO 5322. Interpretive Environmental Geography.

This course examines advanced geographic theories and concepts used to interpret environmental information within diverse social, cultural, and ecological contexts. It emphasizes holistic and thematic interpretation grounded in environmental geography and interpretive principles. The course addresses advanced applications of traditional and digital interpretive techniques, including research informed communication strategies, audience assessment, and program evaluation. Emphasis is placed on integrating geographic theory, methodological rigor, and interpretive practice to support professional level environmental communication and analysis across academic, public, and applied settings.

GEO 5323. Researching the City.

This course examines the principles and practices of research design in urban geography and planning. Students explore how to formulate research questions, select data collection methods, and apply a range of quantitative, qualitative, and spatial analysis techniques to investigate urban phenomena. Emphasis is placed on semester-length projects in which students collaborate with local partners from the public or private spheres to develop and carry out research studies. The course prepares students to evaluate research frameworks, interpret findings, and apply methodological rigor to the analysis of cities, regions, and built environments.

GEO 5326. Parks and Protected Places.

This course serves as an in-depth introduction to parks and protected places. Framing parks and protected places as social-ecological systems, this course provides both theoretical and applied perspectives on the acquisition, planning, management, use, and value of sites of unique cultural, natural, scenic, or recreational significance. Accordingly, the past, current, and future challenges for land conservation are covered. This course provides professional-level experience through readings, lectures, classroom discussions, presentations, and interactions with experts in various fields of parks and protected places.

GEO 5329. Historical Geography of the Environment.

This course examines the evolution of environmental problems through the techniques and analytical perspectives of historical geography, emphasizing how past human–environment interactions shape present conditions. Students explore how environmental change unfolds over time in response to economic development, political decisions, technological innovation, and social processes. Special emphasis is placed on the historical roots of contemporary environmental challenges associated with urbanization and climate change. Through critical engagement with scholarship in the historical geography of the environment, students analyze primary and secondary sources, interpret spatial and temporal patterns, and develop original research projects that contribute to understanding long-term environmental change and its implications for present-day planning and policy.

GEO 5330. Geography of Hazards and Disasters.

This course examines advanced scholarship in the geography of hazards and disasters, focusing on threats to human life, health, and welfare arising from natural, technological, and social processes. Students engage with key theoretical frameworks that explain how hazards are produced, perceived, and managed, including concepts of risk, vulnerability, resilience, and adaptation. The course emphasizes analytical approaches used to assess and manage hazards and disasters across local, regional, and global scales. Through critical readings, case studies, and applied research, students evaluate disaster impacts, policy responses, and mitigation strategies, developing a sophisticated understanding of how geographic context shapes risk and disaster outcomes.

GEO 5332. Environmental Geography of the Coastal Zone.

This course investigates the physical geographic factors that shape coastal zones, including coastal geomorphology, ocean–atmosphere interactions, sea-level change, and sediment dynamics. It examines how these natural processes interact with human activities such as urban development, resource extraction, tourism, and coastal engineering. Students explore both the environmental problems and management opportunities characteristic of coastal environments, including erosion, flooding, habitat loss, and climate change impacts. Emphasis is placed on spatial patterns, human–environment interactions, and the challenges of balancing economic use with sustainability and resilience in dynamic and highly vulnerable coastal systems.

GEO 5334. Applied Water Resources.

This course covers the application of techniques employed in water resources management including urban water conservation and heat mitigation, agricultural water use in response to drought and resilience planning, flood hazards, water supply assessment, water management strategies, and monitoring ground and surface water changes in connection to biophysical and socio-economic parameters. Students apply principles to specific study areas and water problems through analysis of physical, land use, socio-economic, and legal factors. This course is also designed for students to conduct independent research in their topical areas.

GEO 5335. Professional Project.

This course serves as the culminating experience for the Master of Applied Geography program. Under the supervision of a graduate advisor, students complete a professional project that demonstrates the application and synthesis of advanced geographic knowledge, theories, methods, and technical skills. The project emphasizes integration of the student's graduate coursework with professional practice and applied problem solving. Credit is awarded upon successful completion of the comprehensive examination and approval of the final project by the committee.

GEO 5336. Transportation Systems.

This course examines the evolution of urban transportation technologies, policies, and systems, both in the United States and abroad. It compares policies and institutions across countries and cities to analyze the effect of policy choices and institutional legacies on the present day. This course introduces transportation data sources, methods for analyzing travel behavior surveys, and relevant literature in transportation geography and urban transportation planning. It also examines current practices in transportation systems and planning.

GEO 5339. Geography of Land Management.

This course explores U.S. land management philosophies, techniques, and development approaches within their historical, political, and environmental contexts. Students examine foundational land ethics and philosophies, along with U.S. traditions in cadastral geography and property systems. Major topics include patterns and consequences of urban sprawl, principles of green and sustainable development, and land conservation strategies such as zoning, easements, and preservation programs. The course also analyzes the roles of local, state, and federal regulations in shaping land management decisions. Emphasis is placed on evaluating the environmental, social, and economic impacts of land development and the trade-offs inherent in land-use planning.

GEO 5340. Active Learning in Geography.

This course examines instructional strategies used in geography education, with attention to approaches associated with active learning and alignment with standards. It addresses project-based, problem-based, and inquiry-based methods across geography, social studies, and the sciences. The course emphasizes the development of pedagogical knowledge and skills for incorporating these strategies into classroom practice, including connections to content goals, skill progression, instructional decision making, and broader curricular frameworks used in schools and instructional planning at different levels.

GEO 5341. Contemporary Issues in Geographic Education.

This course examines contemporary issues in teaching and learning geography within American K-12 educational settings. The course surveys historical to current national and state educational reform initiatives, including frameworks, standards, and teacher certification. Participants review current research in geographic education, including developments in emerging classroom materials, evolving instructional tools and strategies, and assessment practices. Students critically evaluate instructional resources and research literature to understand how changing societal, technological, and educational conditions shape geographic education practice and implementation.

GEO 5342. Theory and Research Methods in Geographic Education.

This course examines the design, conduct, and communication of empirical research on teaching and learning geography. It emphasizes the analysis of learning theories in geographic education, research questions, and methodological approaches used in the field of geographic education. Attention is given to contemporary theoretical frameworks in geography, data collection and analysis strategies, and conventions for presenting findings. Consideration is also given to how research informs instructional decision making and contributes to scholarly discourse within geographic education.

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

This course examines major curriculum traditions in U.S. geography education with comparative examples from the UK and other countries. Geography will be 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 course also focuses on educational assessment, including large-scale empirical studies of student achievement data as well as classroom-based practices of evaluating student learning using formative and summative assessment methodologies.

GEO 5345. Spatial Thinking in Education.

This course examines the concept of spatial thinking and its role in K–16 educational settings. It explores major theoretical perspectives, research foundations, and curricular contexts that inform how spatial reasoning develops across childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. Emphasis is placed on instructional strategies, assessment practices, and the use of tools such as maps, geospatial technologies, and visual representations. Attention is given to classroom applications, curriculum alignment, and the intentional design of learning experiences grounded in developmental considerations and disciplinary practices within geography and related fields.

GEO 5346. Inquiry-Based Teaching in Human Geography.

This course introduces historic and contemporary models of geographic inquiry for instruction in human geography at the secondary and postsecondary levels. Case studies examining contemporary global issues will be paired with lessons and activities that support integrated and inquiry-based approaches to teaching human geography topics including political, cultural, economic, and population issues. The course emphasizes the importance of developing inquiry lessons that are aligned with geography/social studies standards, the Advanced Placement Human Geography course, and introductory undergraduate courses in human geography.

GEO 5347. Jobs, Careers, and Professional Development in Geography.

This course introduces graduate students to research-based strategies for career planning and professional development in geography. Students explore diverse career pathways in business, government, nonprofit, and academic sectors, with particular attention given to how geographic expertise may be applied in professional settings. The course further examines professional identity, ethics, and the societal relevance of geography, while emphasizing lifelong learning, effective networking, work–life balance, and informed decision-making in support of long-term career growth and adaptability.

GEO 5349. Population and Sustainability.

This course examines the geographic dimensions of sustainability through population–environment relationships across multiple scales. Students investigate how fertility, mortality, migration, age structure, and urbanization intersect with resource use, land use change, exposure to environmental hazards, and climate adaptation. Emphasis is placed on interpreting socio demographic and environmental data, assessing spatial variability in sustainability challenges, and evaluating approaches to sustainable development and resilience. The course introduces frameworks for analyzing coupled human–environment systems and long-term socio ecological dynamics. (MULT).

GEO 5350. Practicum in Teaching Geography and Environmental Studies.

This course introduces key concepts in teaching geography and provides structured training and periodic evaluations of instructional responsibilities. Topics include instructional strategies, assessment approaches, classroom management, and development of pedagogical content knowledge for higher education. Required for first-year instructional assistants in Geography and Environmental Studies, the course is graded on a credit/no-credit basis and does not count toward graduate degree credit. Emphasis is placed on pedagogical theory, instructional materials development, and the improvement of teaching effectiveness.

GEO 5351. Solid Waste Management and Resource Recovery.

This course is an examination of the magnitude, sources and characteristics of solid waste and the various elements of its management including generation, storage, collection, transportation, treatment, disposal, resource recovery, recycling and sustainable alternatives with a focus on the policies, laws, logistics and economics that frame the industry. The course delves into the planning, contractual, and operational aspects of solid waste management and the interface shared by the private sector industry, government and the public.

GEO 5352. Air Quality Management.

This course provides an assessment and analysis of air quality, including types, sources, and effects of air pollutants on health, welfare, and the natural environment. Topics include atmospheric processes, the physics of contaminant generation and movement, and the chemical composition and behavior of pollutants. The course examines patterns of pollution generation and dispersion and evaluates impacts on human health and ecosystems. Past and present approaches to air quality management are analyzed within economic, legal, and social contexts. Students conduct original research and produce a report on a selected topic in air quality management.

GEO 5353. Emergency Management.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the core principles and functions of emergency management across multiple geographic scales, with particular emphasis on local, regional, and federal systems. Students examine the organizational structures, policies, and legal frameworks that guide emergency management in the United States. The course emphasizes best practices and standard methodologies used in disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. Through applied examples and case studies, students develop practical skills relevant to careers in emergency management, including planning, coordination, communication, and decision-making in complex and high-risk environments.

GEO 5360. Seminar in Planning Problems: Community Geography for Community Planning and Economic Development.

This course is a graduate seminar that offers an interdisciplinary exploration of contemporary planning challenges through the lens of geography and community economic development. Students engage theoretical, empirical, and applied literature while developing practical skills in data collection, geospatial analysis, and technical communication. Emphasizing collaboration and real-world application, the course focuses on identifying local assets and resource gaps, synthesizing quantitative and qualitative data, and formulating strategies that support positive community change. Through team-based projects, policy analysis, and engagement with local organizations, students learn to connect academic research with community priorities and contribute to evidence-informed planning and development efforts.

GEO 5365. Remote Sensing and the Environment.

This course is an advanced seminar on extracting environmental information from satellite imagery using cutting-edge machine learning and other quantitative remote sensing approaches. Students examine current research from a selection of topics such as semantic segmentation, feature extraction, atmospheric correction, and estimation of environmental variables, and implement selected methods using appropriate workflows for large image collections. Emphasis is placed on model and algorithm design, parameter selection, validation, and interpretation in the context of environmental questions, with attention to uncertainty, generalizability, and reproducibility. In some offerings, students also collect field data and integrate it with satellite image analysis to strengthen applied competence.

GEO 5367. Exploring Spatial Databases.

This course examines the design and use of spatially enabled database systems for storing, organizing, and analyzing geographic information. It introduces foundational ideas in ontology, semantics, and entity–relationship modeling to conceptualize how real‑world phenomena are represented in database schemas. Students study core relational database concepts and advanced query constructs alongside spatial extensions that support geometry types, coordinate reference systems, and spatial operators. Using a spatially enabled RDBMS, they practice importing, creating, reading, updating, deleting, and analyzing spatial and non‑spatial data, and complete a semester‑long spatial database project of their choosing. Prerequisite: GEO 5418 or equivalent with a grade of 'B' or better.

GEO 5368. Lidar and SfM Data Processing and Analysis.

This course examines lidar systems and Structure from Motion (SfM) workflows for environmental mapping and geospatial analysis. Students explore airborne laser scanning, computer vision principles, point cloud classification, quality assessment, and derivative product generation. Emphasis is placed on topographic modeling, hydroenforcement, vegetation structure analysis, and drone-based data acquisition, image processing, and orthophoto generation. Through lab applications and independent projects, students develop advanced skills in processing, analyzing, and visualizing lidar and SfM datasets that prepare them for professional careers in advanced geospatial data processing.

GEO 5370. Seminar in Applied Physical Geography.

This course provides a critical analysis of theories, models, and techniques used in physical geographic research, emphasizing their application to real-world environmental problems. Students examine approaches for investigating processes and patterns in topical areas such as landforms, water systems, soils, climate, and ecosystems, considering both spatial and temporal dimensions. Students evaluate methodological strengths and limitations in applied contexts and explore how research informs environmental planning and decision-making. It may be repeated once for additional credit when offered with a different topic.

GEO 5371. Seminar in Geographic Education.

This course is designed as a graduate research seminar that introduces foundational theories, methodological approaches, and current scholarship in geography education. It emphasizes analysis of research literature, structured academic discussion, and development of scholarly communication skills. The course may address selected contemporary topics in geography curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Attention is given to interpreting research findings and connecting them to professional practice. The seminar supports preparation for advanced study and applied work in geography education.

GEO 5380. Internship.

This course provides on-the-job training in a public or private-sector agency related to the field of geography. Students engage in supervised professional activities that apply geographic knowledge, skills, and methods in organizational settings. Experiences may involve spatial analysis, environmental assessment, planning processes, data management, or community engagement, depending on the placement. The course integrates practical experience with geographic concepts to support professional development and understanding of workplace practices within geography-related fields. Students must apply to the department internship director at least six weeks prior to registering for the internship course. This course may be repeated one time for additional internship credit.

GEO 5390. Independent Study.

This course provides an individualized, faculty-supervised learning experience that allows students to pursue an in-depth topic, problem, or applied project not fully addressed in regularly scheduled coursework. Working with an instructor, students develop a written learning contract that defines the scope, readings/resources, methods of inquiry or practice, deliverables, and a timeline for completion. The course emphasizes self-directed learning, scholarly or professional-level work products, and regular consultation with the faculty supervisor to ensure rigor and accountability. Outcomes may include a research paper, project portfolio, technical report, creative work, or other discipline-appropriate product. GEO 5190, GEO 5290, and GEO 5390 may be taken for a total of six semester hours of credit.

GEO 5393H. Professional Development in Geographic Education.

This course examines the role that professional development plays in addressing the needs of K-12 geography and environmental science teachers. Special attention is paid to disciplinary content knowledge, instructional practice, and teacher leadership. It explores online and face-to-face models of professional learning and evaluates digital resources used in geography instruction. Emphasis is placed on analyzing professional standards, examining roles and competencies in educational settings, and reflecting on teaching practice to support continued professional growth in geography education contexts.

GEO 5393I. Geography and the Social Studies.

This course examines the structure and organization of geography within the broader social studies curriculum in the United States. It analyzes how geographic content, skills, and perspectives are represented in historical and contemporary curriculum frameworks and standards across grade levels and states. The course explores interdisciplinary connections between geography, history, economics, and civics, with attention to curriculum alignment and instructional planning. Emphasis is placed on applying integrated approaches to geography instruction within social studies education contexts.

GEO 5395. Problems in Applied Geography.

This course is designed to examine selected topics within the field of applied geography. The course emphasizes the practical use of geographic concepts, analytical approaches, and geospatial tools to explore spatial problems and applied research questions. Topics may vary depending on student and faculty interests and may draw from any of the four graduate tracks: physical-environmental systems, urban and regional planning, geographic education, or GIScience. Through these areas, students investigate how geographic methods and frameworks are employed to analyze, interpret, and address real-world spatial phenomena. The course may be repeated for up to six credit hours to accommodate different topics and evolving areas of inquiry within the discipline.

GEO 5399A. Thesis.

This course guides graduate students through the initial planning, execution, and completion of their master’s thesis. Students work with a faculty advisor to refine a research question, situate the study within relevant scholarly literature, and select appropriate research design and methods (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, or applied project methodologies, as appropriate to the discipline). Emphasis is placed on ethical research practice, rigorous data collection and analysis, clear academic writing, and effective project management. The course culminates in a defensible thesis document and an oral presentation or defense.

GEO 5399B. Thesis.

This course supports graduate students in completing the second semester of a master’s thesis by emphasizing sustained progress from approved proposal and initial work to a final, defensible thesis product. Students continue working closely with a faculty advisor to complete data collection (if applicable), conduct rigorous analysis, and integrate results into a coherent thesis manuscript. The course focuses on refining argumentation, strengthening alignment among research questions, methods, results, and conclusions, and meeting disciplinary formatting and submission requirements. The semester culminates in a completed thesis and, where required, an oral presentation or defense.

GEO 5408. Web Mapping.

The course introduces students to interactive and dynamic mapping techniques within contemporary GIS environments, with an emphasis on web-based cartographic representation of temporal and non-temporal spatial data. Students examine methods for visualizing geospatial objects and phenomena using web-based mapping platforms and tools. Topics include spatial data preparation, web map design principles, dynamic visualization techniques, and the integration of spatial data with online mapping applications to support analysis, communication, and information sharing across digital environments. The course considers practical and conceptual issues associated with the design and implementation of interactive geospatial mapping systems. Prerequisite: GEO 3411 with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 5415. Geographic Applications of Remote Sensing.

This course is an accelerated introduction to digital remote sensing and Earth observation designed for graduate students who have limited experience with remote sensing. Students learn fundamental concepts of the electromagnetic spectrum and its interaction with the atmosphere and Earth’s surface, and develop practical skills in radiometric and geometric correction, image enhancement, and thematic classification. Students progress to accuracy assessment and change detection analysis using satellite imagery to investigate geographic patterns and human–environment relationships. Integrated lecture and laboratory activities help students build both conceptual understanding and applied competence, preparing them for more advanced remote sensing and geospatial analysis work.

GEO 5417. Advanced Cartographic Design.

This course provides advanced study of the theoretical principles and professional practices of cartographic design. Emphasis is placed on visual communication, thematic mapping techniques, typography, color theory, projection selection, and atlas composition. Students examine the cartographic production process from conceptualization through final publication-quality output, including data preparation, symbolization, layout development, and integration of text and graphics. The course culminates in a final project requiring the creation of a professional-grade map portfolio that demonstrates the application of concepts and techniques covered in the course. Prerequisite: GEO 3411 with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

GEO 5418. Geographic Information Systems I.

This course is concerned with the analysis and interpretation of maps stored in digital form. Students are introduced to concepts and practices involving computerized geographic data input, storage, and retrieval, as well as data manipulation, spatial analysis, and cartographic modeling. The course covers methods for producing graphic and tabular outputs and examines the use of GIS software for analyzing spatial data. Applications are drawn from a range of geographic topics to illustrate common analytical workflows and data structures used in GIS.

GEO 5419. Geographic Information Systems II.

This course focuses on the development of advanced GIS concepts and application issues, with an emphasis on strengthening spatial data manipulation and analysis skills. Students gain hands-on experience using GIS hardware and software tools to support a range of analytical tasks, including data management, automation, spatial analysis, and visualization. Instruction emphasizes the practical application of GIS methods to a diverse set of real-world geographic problems while reinforcing technical proficiency and methodological understanding relevant to professional and research settings.Prerequisite: GEO 5418 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 5424. GPS and GIS.

This course progresses from foundational Global Navigation Satellite Systems theory to applied, client-based geospatial project implementation. Students examine system components, signal processing methods, signal error sources, and correction strategies before conducting structured field data collection of points, lines, and polygons. Labs emphasize accuracy assessment, metadata, offsets, and publishing workflows in ArcGIS Online. The semester culminates in collaborative project planning, data processing, GIS integration, app development, and professional report submission which serve to prepare students for careers in geospatial data collection. Prerequisites: GEO 2426 with a grade of "D" or better or GEO 5418 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 5430. Field Methods.

This course introduces students to the principles and practices used to observe, measure, document, and analyze geographic phenomena in field settings. Emphasis is placed on hands-on data collection, spatial observation, mapping techniques, and the use of field instruments and geospatial technologies. Students gain practical experience designing and conducting field investigations in local and regional environments while developing skills in data recording, interpretation, and professional reporting. The course also emphasizes research design and technical proposal development, preparing students to plan independent geographic field projects and communicate scientific objectives effectively. Prerequisite: GEO 3301 with a grade of "D" or better.

GEO 5447. Technology in Geographic Education.

This course focuses on the applications and implications of technology in geographic education, particularly its role as an instructional tool in inquiry-based learning. It examines traditional and emerging technologies in geography and related fields and their relationships to spatial thinking and the teaching and learning of geography. The course reviews academic literature on methods and strategies using those technologies in geography education contexts. The laboratory component addresses the development of relevant technical skills and instructional competencies.

GEO 5599B. Thesis.

This course supports graduate students in completing a semester of a master’s thesis by emphasizing sustained progress from approved proposal and initial work to a final, defensible thesis product. Students continue working closely with a faculty advisor to complete data collection (if applicable), conduct rigorous analysis, and integrate results into a coherent thesis manuscript. The course focuses on refining argumentation, strengthening alignment among research questions, methods, results, and conclusions, and meeting disciplinary formatting and submission requirements. The semester culminates in a completed thesis and, where required, an oral presentation or defense.

GEO 5680. Internship.

This course provides on-the-job training in a public or private-sector agency related to the field of geography. Students engage in supervised professional activities that apply geographic knowledge, skills, and methods in organizational settings. Experiences may involve spatial analysis, environmental assessment, planning processes, data management, or community engagement, depending on the placement. The course integrates practical experience with geographic concepts to support professional development and understanding of workplace practices within geography-related fields. Students must apply to the department internship director at least six weeks prior to registering for the internship course.

GEO 5999B. Thesis.

This course supports graduate students in completing a semester of a master’s thesis by emphasizing sustained progress from approved proposal and initial work to a final, defensible thesis product. Students continue working closely with a faculty advisor to complete data collection (if applicable), conduct rigorous analysis, and integrate results into a coherent thesis manuscript. The course focuses on refining argumentation, strengthening alignment among research questions, methods, results, and conclusions, and meeting disciplinary formatting and submission requirements. The semester culminates in a completed thesis and, where required, an oral presentation or defense.

GEO 7190. Independent Study.

This course provides an individualized, faculty-supervised learning experience that allows students to pursue an in-depth topic, problem, or applied project not fully addressed in regularly scheduled coursework. Working with an instructor, students develop a written learning contract that defines the scope, readings/resources, methods of inquiry or practice, deliverables, and a timeline for completion. The course emphasizes self-directed learning, scholarly or professional-level work products, and regular consultation with the faculty supervisor to ensure rigor and accountability. Outcomes may include a research paper, project portfolio, technical report, creative work, or other discipline-appropriate product. GEO 7190, GEO 7290, and GEO 7390 may be taken for a total of six semester hours of credit.

GEO 7199A. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geography. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7199B. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geographic Education. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7199C. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geographic Information Science. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7290. Independent Study.

This course provides an individualized, faculty-supervised learning experience that allows students to pursue an in-depth topic, problem, or applied project not fully addressed in regularly scheduled coursework. Working with an instructor, students develop a written learning contract that defines the scope, readings/resources, methods of inquiry or practice, deliverables, and a timeline for completion. The course emphasizes self-directed learning, scholarly or professional-level work products, and regular consultation with the faculty supervisor to ensure rigor and accountability. Outcomes may include a research paper, project portfolio, technical report, creative work, or other discipline-appropriate product. GEO 7190, GEO 7290, and GEO 7390 may be taken for a total of six semester hours of credit.

GEO 7299A. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geography. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7299B. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geographic Education. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7299C. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geographic Information Science. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7300. Advanced Geographic Research Design.

This course provides students with an appreciation for the process of research as practiced by contemporary professional geographers. Topics covered include formulating research problems, reviewing and critiquing published literature, developing and executing a research design, and completing a research proposal. The course emphasizes the importance of aligning research questions, hypotheses, data sources, data analysis, reporting of results, and recommending further research. Additionally, the course covers research ethics and procedures for research projects that require data collection from human subjects.

GEO 7301. Spatial Statistics and Modeling.

This course examines quantitative approaches for analyzing geographically referenced data and modeling spatial processes, with emphasis on spatial statistical methodology. It addresses the application of multivariate statistical techniques to geographic data and the methodological considerations associated with implementing statistical and other quantitative methods in spatial contexts. Topics include spatial point processes, spatial cluster detection, spatial autocorrelation, spatial regression, and forest-based regression models. Emphasis is placed on probabilistic foundations, model specification, parameter estimation, statistical inference, and computational implementation.

GEO 7302. Nature and Philosophy of Geography.

This course traces the historical development and theoretical and philosophical foundations of geography as an academic discipline and realm of practice. Students examine major paradigms, debates, and methodological shifts that have shaped geographic inquiry over time. The seminar emphasizes the evolution of key concepts such as space, place, scale, and environment, highlighting their roles in framing research questions, methodologies, and approaches. Through critical engagement with foundational and contemporary texts, students gain perspective on the discipline’s intellectual lineage and diverse theoretical orientations. (MULT).

GEO 7304. Qualitative Research Methods.

This course provides an in depth introduction to qualitative research traditions in geography and environmental studies, emphasizing research design, data collection, and inductive forms of analysis. Students examine epistemological foundations of qualitative inquiry alongside techniques such as interviewing, participant observation, textual analysis, and field based documentation. The course highlights standards of scientific rigor that support systematic examination of complex social relationships and environmental interactions. Applications focus on human geography and nature–society relations, with attention to ethical considerations, positionality, and reflexive practice. Students gain experience designing qualitative projects and interpreting qualitative evidence within diverse geographic and environmental contexts.

GEO 7305. Historical Geography of the Environment.

This course examines the evolution of environmental problems through the techniques and analytical perspectives of historical geography, emphasizing how past human–environment interactions shape present conditions. Students explore how environmental change unfolds over time in response to economic development, political decisions, technological innovation, and social processes. Special emphasis is placed on the historical roots of contemporary environmental challenges associated with urbanization and climate change. Through critical engagement with scholarship in the historical geography of the environment, students analyze primary and secondary sources, interpret spatial and temporal patterns, and develop original research projects that contribute to understanding long-term environmental change and its implications for present-day planning and policy.

GEO 7308. Advanced Regional Field Studies.

This course focuses on advanced observation, description, and analysis of a geographic environment through structured off-campus study in that setting. Students examine physical features, cultural landscapes, spatial patterns, and human–environment relationships within a defined region. Emphasis is placed on field-based methods, place-based inquiry, and the interpretation of geographic processes as they occur in the region of study. The course includes preparation of site inventory, site guides, and on-site presentations. The course may be repeated once, provided the second study is in a different region, for a total of 6 semester hours.

GEO 7313. Environmental Systems.

This course examines environmental systems as integrated interactions among the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and human systems. Students explore theoretical frameworks and analytical approaches used to understand complex environmental processes, including ecosystem dynamics, global change drivers, and system feedbacks across spatial and temporal scales. Using a geographic perspective, the course investigates the scientific, cultural, and economic dimensions of environmental systems and their management. Through critical analysis of contemporary research, students evaluate methods and tools used to study environmental systems and develop conceptual foundations for addressing complex environmental challenges.

GEO 7316. Remote Sensing and the Environment.

This course is an advanced seminar on extracting environmental information from satellite imagery using cutting-edge machine learning and other quantitative remote sensing approaches. Students examine current research from a selection of topics such as semantic segmentation, feature extraction, atmospheric correction, and estimation of environmental variables, and implement selected methods using appropriate workflows for large image collections. Emphasis is placed on model and algorithm design, parameter selection, validation, and interpretation in the context of environmental questions, with attention to uncertainty, generalizability, and reproducibility. In some offerings, students also collect field data and integrate it with satellite image analysis to strengthen applied competence.

GEO 7318. GIS and Environmental Geography.

This course examines the nature of environmental phenomena and explores the application of GIS to a wide range of environmental modeling domains across physical, human, and environmental systems. The course emphasizes the use of GIS as an integrative analytical framework for understanding complex environmental systems and human–environment interactions. Students learn to design, implement, and execute advanced GIS workflows that support environmental modeling, spatial simulation, and decision-making. The course engages students in developing GIS-based research agendas focused on environmental topics across disciplinary and applied contexts.

GEO 7330. Geography of Hazards and Disasters.

This course examines advanced scholarship in the geography of hazards and disasters, focusing on threats to human life, health, and welfare arising from natural, technological, and social processes. Students engage with key theoretical frameworks that explain how hazards are produced, perceived, and managed, including concepts of risk, vulnerability, resilience, and adaptation. The course emphasizes analytical approaches used to assess and manage hazards and disasters across local, regional, and global scales. Through critical readings, case studies, and applied research, students evaluate disaster impacts, policy responses, and mitigation strategies, developing a sophisticated understanding of how geographic context shapes risk and disaster outcomes.

GEO 7334. Geographic Aspects of Water.

This course examines scientific, legal, cultural, economic, and conservation-related issues of water resources from a geographic perspective. The focus of this seminar is on developmental and current literature that define water’s role in influencing the physical and cultural characteristics of the earth. Weekly readings and discussions cover topics such as water as a critical natural resource, human-environment interactions, environmental history, land-water nexus, aquatic ecosystems, and water policy. The final project includes a thorough literature review under the theme of geographic aspects of water.

GEO 7337. Global Climate Change.

This course examines the scientific foundations of global climate change and its implications for natural systems and human societies. Emphasis is placed on physical climate processes, drivers of variability and change, and observed trends across multiple temporal scales, with particular attention to developments during the 20th and 21st centuries. The course is organized in a lecture–seminar format, and students learn from lectures, readings, discussions, presentations, and independent project. Students engage actively in discussion of scientific literature and develop written and oral communication skills through science-based assignments.

GEO 7339. Geography of Land Management.

This course explores U.S. land management philosophies, techniques, and development approaches within their historical, political, and environmental contexts. Students examine foundational land ethics and philosophies, along with U.S. traditions in cadastral geography and property systems. Major topics include patterns and consequences of urban sprawl, principles of green and sustainable development, and land conservation strategies such as zoning, easements, and preservation programs. The course also analyzes the roles of local, state, and federal regulations in shaping land management decisions. Emphasis is placed on evaluating the environmental, social, and economic impacts of land development and the trade-offs inherent in land-use planning.

GEO 7340. Managing Urbanization.

This course examines the dynamics of urban growth and spatial change in a variety of geographical regions. Students analyze patterns of land use, infrastructure development, and population distribution, considering the interplay between environmental, social, and economic factors. Emphasis is placed on conceptual frameworks and methodologies for understanding urban systems and evaluating management approaches. Through case studies, the course explores how urbanization processes influence resource allocation, governance structures, and regional planning strategies in diverse global contexts.

GEO 7341. Urban Environment.

This course explores the interactions between urban systems and environmental processes across diverse geographic settings. Students examine how cities shape and are shaped by physical, ecological, and socio-spatial factors. Emphasis is placed on understanding relationships between urban development trajectories and patterns of land use, resource flows, and environmental change. The course integrates theoretical and empirical perspectives from geography and cognate fields to analyze urban environments as dynamic complex systems influenced by natural processes and human decision-making. (MULT).

GEO 7342. Theories and Methods in Geographic Education.

This course is a doctoral seminar focused on critical analysis of historical and contemporary scholarship in geography education. It examines literature addressing pedagogy, philosophy, learning theory, research methods, teaching methodologies, and instructional techniques. Emphasis is placed on rigorous examination of research designs, theoretical arguments, and methodological approaches, along with the synthesis of scholarly perspectives. The seminar supports development of an original research paper grounded in disciplinary literature and aligned with established standards of academic inquiry in geography education.

GEO 7343. Synthesis of Geography Education Research.

This course introduces methods for synthesizing research, including systematic review, meta-analysis, and narrative review, within geographic education. It addresses procedures for identifying, evaluating, and integrating scholarly literature using established research synthesis frameworks. Attention is given to comparing review approaches, examining best practices, and selecting appropriate methods for specific research questions and disciplinary topics. The course emphasizes analytic processes, methodological rigor, and conventions for communicating synthesized findings in geography education research contexts and professional scholarly publications.

GEO 7344. Seminar in Geographic Curriculum.

This course examines curriculum theory and the role of geography within social studies and interdisciplinary educational contexts. It analyzes major curriculum frameworks and standards to evaluate how geographic knowledge, skills, and perspectives are represented and structured across educational systems. The seminar explores relationships between geography, U.S. and world history, economics, and civics, with attention to curriculum integration and instructional implications. Emphasis is placed on synthesizing scholarship to inform research and contribute to curriculum development in geography education.

GEO 7345. Contemporary Topics in Geographic Education.

This course examines historical and contemporary developments in geography education across K–12 and higher education contexts. It analyzes major reform movements and policy initiatives that have shaped geography education, including emerging issues that influence curriculum, standards, and instructional practice. The seminar evaluates current research literature to assess how institutional, technological, and societal changes shape the field. Emphasis is placed on synthesizing scholarship to identify research directions and contribute to ongoing scholarly conversations in geography education.

GEO 7346. Curriculum, Standards and Assessment in Geography.

This course examines major theories of curriculum and assessment in geography education. Classic literature is paired with contemporary studies of curriculum content and design over several decades of reforms in geography education in the United States and other countries. A major emphasis is on the concept of powerful knowledge and its relationship to human capability development. Additionally, the course analyzes documented inequalities in student outcomes as reported in educational assessment research.

GEO 7349. Population and Sustainability.

This course examines the geographic dimensions of sustainability through population–environment relationships across multiple scales. Students investigate how fertility, mortality, migration, age structure, and urbanization intersect with resource use, land use change, exposure to environmental hazards, and climate adaptation. Emphasis is placed on interpreting socio-demographic and environmental data, assessing spatial variability in sustainability challenges, and evaluating approaches to sustainable development and resilience. The course introduces frameworks for analyzing coupled human–environment systems and long-term socio-ecological dynamics.

GEO 7350. Practicum in Teaching Geography and Environmental Studies.

This course introduces key concepts in teaching geography and environmental studies and provides structured training and periodic evaluations of instructional responsibilities. Topics include instructional strategies, assessment approaches, classroom management, and development of pedagogical content knowledge for higher education. Required for first-year instructional assistants in Geography and Environmental Studies, the course is graded on a credit/no-credit basis and does not count toward graduate degree credit. Emphasis is placed on pedagogical theory, instructional materials development, and the improvement of teaching effectiveness.

GEO 7352. Social Theory, Space, and Geography.

This course examines key thinkers and core concepts in social and political theory, focusing on theories of space and their mobilization in geographical research. Class meetings will alternate between discussing works by theorists and philosophers of space and examining how geographers have not only contributed to spatial social theory but also deployed, adapted, and expanded the ideas of other theorists in geographical research. The course provides students with a foundation in spatial social and political theory and its role in research design and a pragmatic understanding of how theory informs their own research.

GEO 7361. Advanced Geographic Information Systems.

This course introduces advanced topics in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), emphasizing quantitative approaches for analyzing, modeling, and interpreting complex spatial patterns and relationships. Students will examine methods for investigating environmental and human systems, integrating diverse spatial and non-spatial datasets, and applying computational and analytical tools to solve real-world geographic problems. The course strengthens skills in spatial reasoning, model development, data management, and systematic evaluation of analytical results, preparing students to conduct rigorous and applied geographic research across varied spatial contexts.

GEO 7362. Spatial Data Visualization.

This course introduces students to the principles and practices of spatial data visualization, emphasizing its role in exploring, analyzing, and communicating spatial information within GIS and geospatial data science. Students examine emerging visualization technologies and computational strategies for developing dynamic interfaces that facilitate spatial exploration and insight generation. The course focuses on integrating interactive mapping environments with analytical workflows to effectively represent both spatial datasets and the outputs of spatial models. Emphasis is placed on critical interpretation of results, and the thoughtful communication of findings to support data-driven decision-making across environmental, urban, and socio-spatial contexts. Prerequisite: GEO 3411 with a grade of "D" or better.

GEO 7364. Geocomputation.

This course reviews and analyzes concepts of computational modeling in geography. The course covers modeling theory and techniques that intersect Geographic Information Science (GIScience), computer science, and other multidisciplinary domains. Topics include distributed computing, machine learning and artificial intelligence, geographic microsimulation, scientific visualization, and advanced spatial modeling. Students examine conceptual frameworks for advanced technical methodologies and apply computational techniques to geographic research problems.

GEO 7366. Advanced Topics in Remote Sensing.

This course explores advanced remote sensing through a rigorous treatment of its theoretical basis, mathematical foundations, and current research frontiers. Students deepen their understanding of the physics of image formation and measurement, the mathematical models that underpin sensing systems and data products, and the analytical methods used to extract reliable information from complex observations. The course emphasizes critical engagement with contemporary scholarly literature, enabling students to evaluate emerging methods, compare competing approaches, and identify open research questions. Students apply advanced remote sensing concepts to research design and to contribute thoughtfully to ongoing scientific and technical debates. Prerequisite: GEO 5415 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 7368. Lidar and SfM Data Processing and Analysis.

This course examines lidar systems and Structure from Motion (SfM) workflows for environmental mapping and geospatial analysis. Students explore airborne laser scanning, computer vision principles, point cloud classification, quality assessment, and derivative product generation. Emphasis is placed on topographic modeling, hydroenforcement, vegetation structure analysis, and drone-based data acquisition, image processing, and orthophoto generation. Through lab applications and independent projects, students develop skills in processing, analyzing, and visualizing lidar and SfM datasets.

GEO 7369. Exploring Spatial Databases.

This course examines the design and use of spatially enabled database systems for storing, organizing, and analyzing geographic information. It introduces foundational ideas in ontology, semantics, and entity–relationship modeling to conceptualize how real‑world phenomena are represented in database schemas. Students study core relational database concepts and advanced query constructs alongside spatial extensions that support geometry types, coordinate reference systems, and spatial operators. Using a spatially enabled RDBMS, they practice importing, creating, reading, updating, deleting, and analyzing spatial and non‑spatial data, and complete a semester‑long spatial database project of their choosing. Prerequisite: GEO 7417 or equivalent with a grade of 'B' or better.

GEO 7370. Advanced Seminar in Environmental Geography.

This course examines methods, approaches, issues, and concepts associated with major themes in environmental geography. The course emphasizes theoretical and conceptual perspectives on human–environment interactions from a geographical standpoint. Students engage with scholarly literature, discuss current research directions, and analyze methodological frameworks used in the field. Topics may vary by offering and reflect emerging or specialized areas of study within environmental geography. The seminar may be repeated once for additional credit when a different topic is addressed.

GEO 7371. Advanced Seminar in Geographic Education.

This course is designed as a doctoral-level seminar that examines foundational theories, methodological approaches, and current scholarship in geography education. It emphasizes critical analysis of research literature, structured scholarly dialogue, and development of advanced academic competencies. The course may address a range of emerging and frontier topics in geography education, reflecting ongoing developments in research, curriculum, instruction, and assessment. It supports independent inquiry, peer review, and preparation for scholarly dissemination consistent with doctoral study in geography education.

GEO 7372. Seminar in Geographic Information Science.

This course deals with advanced and current research issues in Geographic Information Science. Based on this objective, the course prepares doctoral students to conduct original research in the theoretical and methodological aspects of Geographic Information Science as well as develop innovative applications of Geographic Information Science. It covers the most current literature and cutting-edge research themes in various topical areas of Geographic Information Science. The course may be repeated for credit with a different topic.

GEO 7374. Advanced Seminar in Human Geography.

This course engages students in systematic critical analysis of theories and methods in human geography by providing advanced theoretical, methodological, and professional training in environmental interpretation. It builds on undergraduate foundations in environmental and human geography by emphasizing research-informed interpretation, audience analysis, and program evaluation within varied environmental and institutional contexts. The course supports graduate pathways in applied geography, environmental communication, and professional practice. Students develop conceptual frameworks and analytical approaches that inform effective communication of environmental information across diverse geographic settings.

GEO 7376. Evidence-based Practices in Geography Education.

This course examines research evidence from the science of learning and applies it to practices in geography teaching. Emphasis is placed on instructional strategies that support development of transferable knowledge, skills, habits, and mindsets that support continued learning, as identified in learning sciences research. The course addresses how learning sciences research informs classroom practice, systems of support for evidence-based teaching, and integration of research findings into geography instruction. Attention is also given to instructional design and the development of evidence-based teaching units for geography courses.

GEO 7390. Independent Study.

This course provides an individualized, faculty-supervised learning experience that allows students to pursue an in-depth topic, problem, or applied project not fully addressed in regularly scheduled coursework. Working with an instructor, students develop a written learning contract that defines the scope, readings/resources, methods of inquiry or practice, deliverables, and a timeline for completion. The course emphasizes self-directed learning, scholarly or professional-level work products, and regular consultation with the faculty supervisor to ensure rigor and accountability. Outcomes may include a research paper, project portfolio, technical report, creative work, or other discipline-appropriate product. GEO 7190, GEO 7290, and GEO 7390 may be taken for a total of six semester hours of credit.

GEO 7393D. International Migration.

This course examines international migration from a geographic perspective, analyzing spatial patterns, drivers, and consequences of human mobility across multiple scales. Major migration theories and conceptual frameworks are introduced to interpret population movement between and within regions. The course considers migration drivers, including economic conditions, political circumstances, social networks, demographic change, and environmental variability. Topics include diasporas, transnational connections, borders and borderlands, and refugee and asylum processes. Attention is given to relationships among migration, labor markets, urban development, and regional change. Quantitative and qualitative data are used to examine migration flows and migration experiences across world regions. (MULT).

GEO 7393G. Political Geography.

This course provides an advanced survey of geographic and social science research within the field of political geography. Students examine major theoretical developments, analytical frameworks, and contemporary debates that shape political geographic inquiry. Emphasis is placed on understanding how political processes, governance structures, territorial arrangements, and spatial power dynamics are studied across diverse empirical contexts. The course highlights interdisciplinary approaches, drawing on human geography, political science, and related social sciences to analyze topics such as boundaries, geopolitics, citizenship, and environmental governance. Students engage with current research to evaluate methodological strategies and apply political geographic perspectives to complex human-environment and socio-political issues. (MULT).

GEO 7393J. Soil and Society.

This course examines soils as dynamic natural systems that underpin environmental processes, human societies, and long-term sustainability. Students engage with advanced concepts in soil science, including soil formation, classification, biogeochemistry, geomorphology, and spatial variability, while critically evaluating the social, economic, and environmental implications of soil use and management. Emphasis is placed on the role of soils in ecosystem function, food security, land-use change, climate regulation, and sustainable development. Through quantitative analysis, field investigation, and evaluation of regional and global case studies, students develop interdisciplinary perspectives on soil conservation, degradation, and resource stewardship relevant to contemporary environmental challenges.

GEO 7393N. Rivers and Society.

This course examines nature and society interactions in river systems from an applied physical and environmental geography framework. Students integrate a spatial and temporal understanding of river system processes, how they are influenced by human activities, and how rivers influence society. River and society interactions include examples from historic cultures to the modern world, and international to local case studies. The course covers topics such as bio-cultural connections to rivers, social-aesthetic dimensions of riverine landscapes, river-related hazards, engineering works, impacts of water resource development, instream and riparian restoration, environmental flow management, and watershed conservation practices. Students examine principles and practices of river basin management with attention to stakeholders, perspectives, and management goals.

GEO 7399A. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geography. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7399B. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geographic Education. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7399C. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geographic Information Science. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7415. Geographic Applications of Remote Sensing.

This course is an accelerated introduction to digital remote sensing and Earth observation designed for graduate students who have limited experience with remote sensing. Students learn fundamental concepts of the electromagnetic spectrum and its interaction with the atmosphere and Earth’s surface, and develop practical skills in radiometric and geometric correction, image enhancement, and thematic classification. Students progress to accuracy assessment and change detection analysis using satellite imagery to investigate geographic patterns and human–environment relationships. Integrated lecture and laboratory activities help students build both conceptual understanding and applied competence, preparing them for more advanced remote sensing and geospatial analysis work.

GEO 7417. Geographic Information Systems.

This course focuses on the analysis and interpretation of maps stored in digital form. Students are introduced to concepts and practices involving computerized geographic data input, storage, and retrieval, as well as data manipulation, spatial analysis, and cartographic modeling. The course covers methods for producing graphic and tabular outputs and examines the use of GIS software for analyzing spatial data. Applications are drawn from a range of geographic topics to illustrate common analytical workflows and data structures used in GIS.

GEO 7418. Technical Foundations and Methods in Geographic Information Science.

This course examines the technical foundations and analytical methods that support research in geographic information science. It covers fundamental concepts of geographic representation, spatial algorithms, and analytical operations, along with current topics in GIScience. Students apply these methods to analyze geographic phenomena using advanced GIS tools and computational approaches, with emphasis on spatial data structures, modeling, and algorithmic problem-solving in geographic research.

GEO 7419. Advanced Techniques in Geographic Information Science.

This course develops GIS concepts, application issues, and spatial data manipulation and analysis skills, while providing hands-on experience with spatial analytics hardware and software environments. Students engage with advanced GIS techniques, geoprogramming workflows, and analytical methods to manage, analyze, and visualize spatial data. The course focuses on systematic problem formulation, reproducible analytical workflows, and effective interpretation of spatial results. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of these skills to real-world geographic problems across a range of disciplinary, research, and professional contexts. Prerequisite: GEO 7417 or equivalent with a grade of "C" or better and instructor approval.

GEO 7430. Field Methods.

This course introduces students to the principles and practices used to observe, measure, document, and analyze geographic phenomena in field settings. Emphasis is placed on hands-on data collection, spatial observation, mapping techniques, and the use of field instruments and geospatial technologies. Students gain practical experience designing and conducting field investigations in local and regional environments while developing skills in data recording, interpretation, and professional reporting. The course also emphasizes research design and technical proposal development, preparing students to plan independent geographic field projects and communicate scientific objectives effectively. Prerequisites: GEO 2301 and GEO 3301 both with grades of "D" or better.

GEO 7447. Geospatial Technologies in Education.

This course examines the applications and implications of geospatial technologies in education, particularly their roles as instructional tools to facilitate inquiry. The course focuses on how geographic information systems, web mapping platforms, and other emerging geospatial technologies support student learning of disciplinary knowledge, skills, and practices through review of research on methods and strategies for using geospatial technologies in educational contexts. The laboratory component addresses the development of relevant technical skills and competencies for advanced instructional design and classroom implementation.

GEO 7599A. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geography. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7599B. Dissertation.

Original research and writing in Geographic Education to be accomplished under direct supervision of the dissertation advisor. While conducting dissertation research and writing, students must be continuously enrolled each long semester.

GEO 7599C. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geographic Information Science. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7699A. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geography. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7699B. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geographic Education. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7699C. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geographic Information Science. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7999A. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geography. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7999B. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geographic Education. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7999C. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geographic Information Science. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.