Bachelor of Science in Geography
Fairfax, USA
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2024
TUITION FEES
USD 4,897 / per semester **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for International student | Domestic student is 1st of February
** in-state tuition full-time (12-15 credits); USD 16,980 - out-of-state tuition full-time (12-15 credits); USD 1,803 - mandatory student fee
Introduction
The Geography, BS is designed to offer students the opportunity to study the integrated social and environmental processes that continuously shape and reshape the world we live in.
This major provides students with broad training across the core subdisciplines of geography (human, physical, and GIScience), emphasizing application and technique-driven coursework, in addition to a rigorous science and mathematics curriculum. Students will find numerous opportunities for employment in both the private and public sectors, as well as in academia. Given their interdisciplinary approach and uniquely spatial perspective, geographers are well suited to address important local, regional, and global challenges in today's world.
The Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science fosters a supportive, active learning environment in which students are encouraged to work closely with both faculty and peers. The curriculum in this major provides students with the analytical, technical, and practical training that prepares them to be successful in an ever-evolving job market.
Career Opportunities
With a Geography, BS degree, students will have endless opportunities.
- Our students have gone on to work for local and Federal agencies such as the World Bank, Booz Allen Hamilton, Mapbox, NASA, NGA, and CIA.
- While it isn't a degree requirement, many students choose to engage in internships to further enrich their education. We have strong ties with USGS, NOAA, American Red Cross, and Leidos.
- Get hands-on learning to build up your resume. Students have the chance to conduct research with graduate students and faculty, learn to fly drones, and assist instructors as learning assistants.
Research Opportunities
Research opportunities aren't just for graduate students. Our undergraduate students participate in research with faculty and local sponsors such as,
- DARPA
- Fairfax County Government
- NASA
- NOAA
Student Testimonials
Curriculum
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
Geography
Candidates for the Geography, BS degree must complete the following Core, Breadth, and Experience, and Spatial Computing courses with a minimum GPA of 2.00:
Core Courses
- GGS 102 Physical Geography (Mason Core) 3-4 or GGS 121 Dynamic Atmosphere and Hydrosphere (Mason Core) or GGS 122 Dynamic Geosphere and Ecosphere
- GGS 103 Human Geography (Mason Core) 3
- GGS 110 Introduction to Geoinformation Technologies 3
- GGS 300 Quantitative Methods for Geographical Analysis 3
- GGS 310 Cartographic Design 3
- GGS 311 Geographic Information Systems 3
- GGS 415 Seminar in Geographic Thought and Methodology 3
Total Credits 21-22
Breadth and Experience Courses
Systematic Courses
Select one from the following: 3
- GGS 301 Political Geography (Mason Core)
- GGS 302 Global Environmental Hazards
- GGS 303 Geography of Resource Conservation (Mason Core)
- GGS 304 Population Geography (Mason Core)
- GGS 305 Economic Geography
- GGS 306 Urban Geography
- GGS 307 Geographic Approaches for Sustainable Development
- GGS 309 Introduction to Weather and Climate
- GGS 312 Physical Climatology
- GGS 314 Severe and Extreme Weather
- GGS 321 Biogeography
- GGS 340 Health Geography
- GGS 344 Military Geography
- GGS 357 Urban Planning
Regional Courses
Select one from the following: 3
- GGS 315 Geography of the United States
- GGS 316 Geography of Latin America
- GGS 317 Geography of China (Mason Core)
- GGS 320 Geography of Europe
- GGS 325 Geography of North Africa and the Middle East
- GGS 326 Geography of Eastern Europe and Russia
- GGS 333 Issues in Regional Geography
- GGS 380 Geography of Virginia
Electives 9
- Select 3 credits of GGS courses
- Select 6 credits of upper division GGS courses
Total Credits 15
Spatial Computing
- GGS 366 Spatial Computing 3 or CDS 130 Computing for Scientists (Mason Core)
- MATH 113 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) 4
- GGS 379 Remote Sensing 3
Select four courses from the following: 12
- GGS 308 Field Mapping Techniques
- GGS 354 Data Analysis and Global Change Detection Techniques
- GGS 366 Spatial Computing 2 - only if unused above
- GGS 411 Geovisualization
- GGS 412 Air Photography Interpretation
- GGS 416 Satellite Image Analysis
- GGS 422 Drone Remote Sensing
- GGS 426 Physical Fundamentals of Remote Sensing
- GGS 429 Remote Sensing of the Environment and Earth System
- GGS 462 Web-based Geographic Information Systems
- GGS 463 RS: GIS Analysis and Application
- GGS 470 Special Topics in Geographic Techniques
Total Credits 22
In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires an additional 61-62 credits, which may be applied toward any remaining Mason Core requirements, Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, Alternative to a Concentration, and elective courses. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.
Mason Core
Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.
Foundation Requirements
- Written Communication (ENGH 101) 3
- Oral Communication 3
- Quantitative Reasoning 3
- Information Technology and Computing 3
Exploration Requirements
- Arts 3
- Global Understanding 3
- Literature 3
- Natural Science 7
- Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
- Western Civilization/World History 3
Integration Requirements
- Written Communications (ENGH 302) 3
- Writing-Intensive 3
- Synthesis/Capstone 3
Total Credits 40
Admissions
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English Language Requirements
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