Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Major in Geography

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.