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Our department is among the most diverse in the University in terms of faculty interests and expertise. Teaching and research in Geography explore spatial patterns of human-environment interaction as well as urban, political, and regional sub-disciplines of Geography. Physical Geography and Geology teaching and research involve the scientific investigation of the nature of the Earth's interior, lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere in four dimensions as well as forces that influence the development, distribution, and organization of physical features. Three themes in particular bridge the differences in faculty expertise and training. These themes are: the Environment, GIS-Cartography, and Geography/Earth and Space Science Education.
The Department of Geography-Geology has fifteen tenured or tenure-track faculty (including the chair) and three support staff. We offer three degree programs, a B.S./B.A. in Geography, a B.S. in Geology, and an M.S. in Hydrogeology. The Hydrogeology program is highly specialized; it involves assessing and solving socially relevant, scientifically important problems through applied and theoretical research in the broad field of groundwater science. Recognizing valuable overlap among disciplines, the Department is a principal contributor to three interdisciplinary minor programs: Environmental Studies, Tourism Studies, and Urban Studies Minor. The cornerstones of the Department are our traditional B.S./B.A. programs.
Our educational philosophy is firmly rooted in the liberal arts tradition. The common goal of each of these programs is to graduate broadly trained students who are equally prepared to pursue an advanced degree or obtain suitable employment as professionals within or outside of the discipline. These cornerstones are strengthened by our involvement in the interdisciplinary minor programs, which allow us to service students who pursue degrees in other programs. The Department is an essential contributor to the General Education curriculum.