BA in Geography (Geographic Information Science)

Degree Roadmaps (2YR) (4YR)

Units required for Major: 46
Total units required for BA: 120

Program Description

The Bachelor of Arts in Geography with a concentration in Geographic Information Science (GIScience) emphasizes student development of geospatial skills. Geographic Information Science, cartography, remote sensing, and qualitative and quantitative methods prepare students to tackle any problem with a spatial dimension—from advising an individual firm on good locations for a new branch or supplier to modeling the spread of wildfires across a region to analyzing the global spread of diseases or new technologies. 

Note:

  • Courses cannot double count for the core and the concentration.
  • Courses in the concentration core requirements (Geog 109, Geog 110, Geog 150, and Geog 155) must be passed with a minimum grade of C- to satisfy requirements.

Program Requirements

Required Lower Division Core Courses (10 Units)
GEOG 1Physical Geography: The Distribution of Natural Phenomena 13
GEOG 2Cultural Geography 13
GEOG 3Introduction to Maps and Geographic Technologies3
GEOG 11Laboratory in Physical Geography1
Required Upper Division Core Courses (9 Units)
GEOG 102Ideas and Skills in Geography3
GEOG 118Earth Transformed3
GEOG 190Senior Research Seminar in Geography 13
Geography Core (9 Units)
Select one course from each of the following three areas:9
Human Geography
Geography of Economic Activity
Environmental Hazards and Society
Population Geography
Urban Geography
Urban and Regional Planning
Transportation Geography
Physical Geography
Elements Of Meteorology
Climate
Biogeography
Global Climate Change
Landforms
California's Water Resources
Regional Geography
United States and Canada
GEOG 125
Geography Of Africa
Geography Of Europe
Special Topics in Regional Geography A
Special Topics in Regional Geography B
Special Topics in Regional Geography C
California
Concentration18
Concentration Core Requirements
Complete all of the following:
Geographic Information Systems
Advanced Geographic Information Systems
Programming for GIS
GIS Data Acquisition and Management
Concentration Electives
Select two of the following:
Cartography
Remote Sensing
Programming for GIS II
Applied GIS
Quantitative Methods in Geography
Qualitative Methods in Geography
Geography Internship A
Special Problems
Total Units46
1

Course also satisfies General Education (GE)/Graduation Requirement.

General Education Requirements1

Area A: Basic Subjects (9 Units)
A1 - Oral Communication3
A2 - Written Communication3
A3 - Critical Thinking3
Area B: Physical Universe and Its Life Forms (9 Units)
B1 - Physical Science 20
B2 - Life Forms3
B3 - Lab (Note: Lab experience to be taken with one of the following: B1, B2 or B5) 20
B4 - Math Concepts3
B5 - Additional Course (Any B to reach 12 units) - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements.3
Area C: Arts and Humanities (12 Units)
C1 - Arts3
C2 - Humanities3
C1/C2 - Area C Course3
C1/C2 - Area C Course - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements.3
Area D: The Individual and Society (6 Units)
Area D Course3
Area D Course 20
Area D Course - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements.3
Area E: Understanding Personal Development (3 Units)
Area E Course3
Area F: Ethnic Studies (3 Units)
Area F Course3
Total Units42
1

To help you complete your degree in a timely manner and not take more units than absolutely necessary, there are ways to use single courses to meet more than one requirement (overlap). For further information, please visit the General Education page.

Note: There is no way to list all possible overlaps so please consult with a professional advisor. The Academic Advising Center can be visited online, by phone (916) 278-1000, or email.

2

Required in Major; also satisfies GE.

Graduation Requirements1

Graduation Requirements (required by CSU) (6 Units)
American Institutions: U.S. History3
American Institutions: U.S. Constitution & CA Government3
Writing Intensive (WI) 20
Graduation Requirements (required by Sacramento State) (12 Units)
English Composition II3
Race and Ethnicity in American Society (RE)3
Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement 36
1

To help you complete your degree in a timely manner and not take more units than absolutely necessary, there are ways to use single courses to meet more than one requirement (overlap). For further information, please visit the General Education page.

Note: There is no way to list all possible overlaps so please consult with a professional advisor. The Academic Advising Center can be visited online, by phone (916) 278-1000, or email.

2

Required in Major; also satisfies Graduation Requirement.

3

If not satisfied before entering Sacramento State, it may be satisfied in General Education Area C2 (Humanities). "C- or better required." The alternative methods for satisfying the Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement are described here: https://www.csus.edu/college/arts-letters/world-languages-literatures/foreign-language-requirement.html