There are four different program concentrations within Geography. Geography is a multiple character discipline that embraces physical science, social science and technology. Geography inquiry is concerned with the spatial aspects and interrelationships within the earth's human and physical environments.

The department offers a major in geography leading to the bachelor of science degree. A geography major will provide a student with an appropriate preparation to enter such professional areas as: location analysis, landscape analysis, cartography, remote sensing, government service, environmental intelligence, and elementary and secondary education. Coursework in geographic techniques (airphoto and map interpretation, cartography and remote sensing) also is of significant value to persons majoring in many related disciplines. The department major concentrations are in geography, geography education 7-12 (education licensure), and resource management (applied physical geography).

Writing: Students must complete a minimum of four writing-intensive courses. At least two of these courses must be in the major field of study. At least two of the four courses must be at the 3000-4000 level.

Oral Communication: Students must complete a minimum of two oral communication-intensive courses. At least one of these courses must be in the major field of study.

Using Information Technology: Students must complete at least one using information technology-intensive course in the major field of study.

Bachelor of Science Degree
Geography Major (GEOG)
Geography Concentration (GEOG)

TBR General Education Requirements.................41 Credit Hours
ENGL 1010 Critical Reading and Expository Writing......................................3
ENGL 1020 Critical Thinking and Argumentation .........................................3 Communication: Oral Communication* .....................................................3 Mathematics*........................................................................................3 HIST 2010 The United States to 1877 .......................................................3 HIST 2020 The United States Since 1877 ..................................................3
GEOG 1110 Earth Science: Weather and Climate........................................4 GEOG 1120 Earth Science: Landforms and Processes..................................4 Humanities/Fine Arts* ...........................................................................9 GEOG 1012 Introduction to Cultural Geography ........................................6 Social/Behavioral Science*.....................................................................3
* See TBR General Education Core Requirements for Options

Geography Major Requirements..........................30 Credit Hours
Required Courses.............................................17 Credit Hours ENTC Student in University....................................................................2
GEOG 1013 Introduction to World Regional Geography................................3 GEOG 3110 Modern Geographic Concepts.................................................3 GEOG 3210 Cartography..........................................................................3 GEOG 4007 Geography of the United States..............................................3 GEOG 4217 Geographic Information Systems..............................................3

Select at least (13) thirteen hours from the following:
GEOG 3010 Economic Geography - Manuf. and Svc. Industries .....................3
GEOG 3020 Economic Geo. Agri. & Extractive Industries..............................3
GEOG 3040 Conservation of Natural Resources...........................................3
GEOG 3060 Geomorphology.....................................................................3
GEOG 3090 Meteorology & Climatology......................................................3
GEOG 3120 Intro. to Geography of Southern Appalachia..............................3
GEOG 3300 Political Geography................................................................3
GEOG 4077 Seminar in Geography of Southern Appalachia...........................3
GEOG 4107 Urban Geography and Planning................................................3
GEOG 4117 Resource Management...........................................................3
GEOG 4307 Regional Geography...............................................................3
GEOG 4907 Independent Study................................................................3
GEOG 4017 Advanced Cartography...........................................................3
GEOG 4237 Advanced Remote Sensing......................................................3
GEOG 4257 Geography of Soils.................................................................3
GEOG 4267 Hydrology.............................................................................3
GEOG 4317 Advanced Geographic Information Systems................................3
GEOG 4807 Advanced Field Methods in Geography.....................................3
* Satisfies TBR General Education Core Requirements

Minor Requirements...................................18-26 Credit Hours
Electives.................................................23-31 Credit Hours
Total Hours Required for Degree....................120 Credit Hours

Coursework in geographic techniques (airphoto and map interpretation, cartography and remote sensing) also is of significant value to persons majoring in many related disciplines.

The department also offers a related bachelor's degree program in Surveying and Mapping Science .

Teacher Education

Students interested in pursuing a teacher education program for certification as a geography teacher in grades 7-12 are asked to see a department advisor or the professional advisor in the Office of Student Services, 321 Warf-Pickel, College of Education. Students should be aware that admission to the university does not mean that one is admitted to Teacher Education. Students would be advised to read the requirements for admission to Teacher Education in the College of Education section of the undergraduate catalog, and to seek further information from that college's advisor about when one should apply for admission.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
and Resource Management

Computers have revolutionized geography, especially the technical field of geographical resource management. This field includes cartography, remote sensing, and geographic information systems.

Since 1993, the department has had access to a Geographic Information System (GIS) processing laboratory, which is probably among the largest for a university in Tennessee. This lab is continually being expanded and/or upgraded and has been in full use since the Spring 2001 semester.

Undergraduate students may also minor in Geography . Students who choose a minor in geology will find that most of the courses carry four (4) credit hours.

For more information about the Geography B.S. degree program and career opportunities, please contact the program advisor:
Mr. Charles 'Chig' Gunter via E-Mail or by phone at (423) 439-7531.