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Overview

Geography is the study of human-environmental interactions. Geographers analyze the natural environmental processes on earth and the social, cultural, political, and economic interactions across space. Three perspectives in geography form the basis of study: social theoretical, humanistic, and spatial modeling. Using these diverse approaches, geographers study human-environmental interactions, as well as human-to-human and human-to-non-human species. The field contributes to the contemporary issues of environmental justice, sustainability, and global climate change.

Geography is offered as a minor field of study at Sul Ross State University. Students must complete at least 19 semester credit hours of geography courses, including Geography 1302 and 2302 plus Geography 3401/Geology 3401.

An academic concentration in the geography minor may be developed by taking, in addition to the required core, Geography 3301, Geography 3412/Geology 3412 and an additional three semester credit hours in geography.

A technical concentration may be developed by taking, in addition to the core, nine additional semester credit hours to include Geology 2407, Geography 3412/Geology 3412 and an additional three semester credit hours of Geography or Geology as recommended by the advisor.

What to Expect

If the value of real estate is determined by location, the landscapes of the Big Bend provides every geography student with a rich educational experience. SRSU is in one of the most diverse and interesting ecosystems on the planet, making it an ideal place to study the world and the people in it.

Geography is the study of place and space over time. Students in the geography minor will learn and experience the lands, physical features, flora and fauna, and natural phenomena. As a geography student at SRSU, through research, critical thinking, analysis, and hands-on experience, you’ll explore the many ways in which world cultures interact with environment and environment interacts with world cultures.

Through research, critical thinking, analysis, and hands-on experience, students will explore the many ways in which world cultures interact with environment and environment interacts with world cultures. Geographers link the human and physical sciences through both land and human interaction with the environment. SRSU geography students gain an interdisciplinary education as they explore how human influence on geography affects these areas. The geography minor program exists to complement major programs that explore the intersection of humanity and natural resources, including: geology, computer science, psychology, history, political science, education, kinesiology, and criminal justice.

Students in the geography program learn

  • Disciplinary knowledge and theory;
  • Research skills training;
  • Direct application in field;
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration; and
  • Geo-visualization and data technologies.

All students have opportunities to conduct and present research at annual research symposia, the Musem of the Big Bend, the Archives of the Big Bend, national and state parks, as well as regional and national conferences. In addition, geography students develop connections with fellow students and scholars through involvement in local and regional associations, national honors societies, professional organizations, and internship opportunities.

Careers

Understanding how places differ, how people interact with the environment, and why these changes take place, as well as research, writing, and critical thinking skills that develop in the geography program are valuable assets in many professions, including:

  • Business Management
  • Education
  • Health
  • Civil Service
  • Conservation
  • Climate Sciences
  • Federal, State, and Local Government
  • Tourism Boards and Convention Centers
  • Museums and Historic Sites
  • Utility Companies
  • Surveying
  • Park Services