Geography

College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Program Description

Geography students at Sacramento State explore Earth’s natural and cultural environments using methods from the natural sciences and the social sciences.  They study climate, weather, landforms, water resources, and plants and animals, as well as peoples, societies, economies, and cities.  These phenomena overlap in intricate ways, giving rise to distinctive places and regions.  Geography’s approach emphasizes Earth’s spatial relationships and patterns, and the processes that govern them, whether found in nature or in human behavior. 

Students work with quantitative and qualitative data from a variety of sources, including published censuses and maps, aerial imagery, field and lab work, surveys, and interviews.  They use a variety of tools, including Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and other computer applications to collect, display, and analyze spatial data.  Geography students study and address complex issues, especially those with a human-environment interface, such as climate change, resource management, urban growth and design, globalization, immigration, ethnic identity, and territorial conflict.  Geographical understanding is applied at different scales, from the local to the global, and regional expertise is cultivated.

Lower division offerings in physical geography, cultural geography, and geographical techniques introduce students to the discipline. At the upper division level, students can choose among regional classes, topical classes on subjects from meteorology to transportation, and technique classes that include GIS, map making, quantitative methods, remote sensing, and field work. Majors select a concentration in a geographic subfield. Although not required, the department encourages students to take elective courses and/or pursue a minor complementary to their geographical interests. It also encourages and facilitates students going on Education Abroad.

Degree Programs

BA in Geography (Geographic Information Science)

BA in Geography (Human Geography)

BA in Geography (Metropolitan Area Planning)

BA in Geography (Physical Geography)

Minor in Geography

Minor in Geographic Information Systems

Certificate in Pre-Planning (Metropolitan Planning or Resource Planning)

Special Features

  • Numerous internships and jobs in the Sacramento area, including many with state and local government
  • Many opportunities for field work in a variety of settings
  • A senior project class in which each student conducts his/her own research
  • A small major allowing for lots of interaction with faculty and fellow students, including attendance at state and regional professional meetings
  • Various pathways to complete the major, providing flexibility and the opportunity to make efficient progress toward graduation

Career Possibilities

Geographer · Cartographer · Climatologist · Resource Scientist · Meteorologist · Geospatial Intelligence Professional · Environmental Scientist · Geographic Information System Specialist · Geographic Consultant · Surveyor · Sustainability Coordinator · Water Resources Analyst · Redevelopment Specialist · Environmental Planner · Energy Analyst · Foreign Area Specialist · Land Economist · Recreation Planner · Locational Analyst · Environmental Education Specialist · Conservationist · Urban Planner · Transportation Planner · Aerial Photo Interpreter · Remote Sensing Specialist · Community Development Specialist · Land Use Planner · Demographer · Cultural Resources Manager · Air Resources Specialist · Real Estate Research Analyst · Pedestrian and Bicycle Advocate  · Teacher· Recycling Coordinator · Route Planner · Habitat Manager

Contact Information

Matt Schmidtlein, Department Chair


Administrative Support Coordinator
Sequoia Hall 334
(916) 278-6109
Department of Geography Website

Faculty

ARPAGIAN, JASMINE

GERVAIS, BRUCE R.

KEEGAN, CAROLINE

KLIMASZEWSKI-PATTERSON, ANNA

MOLANA, HANIEH

OBERLE, PATRICK

ORCUTT, ERICA

SCHMIDTLEIN, MATHEW

WANKET, JAMES A.