Geography
When you study Geography at Cal Poly Humboldt, you're part of something bigger. A community of passionate teachers and students. A time-honored profession. A world of people and problems in need of solutions.
Our Program
Working in small classes and our state-of-the-art lab, you explore humankind's ever-changing relationship to the environment. Then you use what you know out in the field, undertaking important research topics that interest you - like global warming, deforestation, ethnic conflict, urban planning and much more - in places that inspire you.
But innovative teaching, hands-on learning and unforgettable field study are just a few of the reasons our program stands out. Our professional-minded students also attend regional and national conferences each year, where their projects earn major awards and the respect of their fellow geographers. And we're known far and wide for preparing students for success in graduate school and on the job.
Become a Major
The Humboldt geography major allows students to pursue a wide range of interests within the natural and social sciences. Field experience, community involvement, knowledge of particular world regions, and development of a global awareness are emphasized.
Requirements
- A core set of geography courses encompassing physical, human, and geographic techniques.
- Geographic techniques, including cartography, remote sensing, GIS, and various field techniques. A course on geographic research and writing skills is also required.
Upper division courses cover such topics as economic geography, environmental conservation, human migrations, water resources, climatology, and regional studies. Special topics courses include arid lands, global ecosystems, tourism and American cultural landscapes.
Become a Minor
The Minor in Geography offers students a broad-based background in the discipline and an opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interest through upper division electives. A geography minor is a useful complement to a number of majors, including Natural Resources Planning & Interpretation, Geology, History, Anthropology, Economics, Religious Studies, Government & Politics, and International Studies. It is also excellent preparation for careers in planning, teaching, natural resource management, government, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Requirements
- GEOG 105 Human Geography
- GEOG 106 Physical Geography
- Three upper division electives via written contract.
GIS Certificate Program
The Geospatial Certificate Program provides foundational concepts and methods in GIS, Remote Sensing, and Cartography that are transferable and relevant across disciplines and industries.
Whether you’re considering a career change or looking to advance or augment your current career, the Geospatial Certificate Program will give you the tools to stay current in an exciting and expanding field.
The accelerated program has a flexible course sequence and is devised to meet your career interests. Courses are 100% online—ideal for working people who want to advance in their current career, break into a new field, gain points towards a license, or advance the mission of their organizations.
As an integrative discipline, geography provides the skills needed for leadership and success in a rapidly changing world.
FIELD EXPERIENCE
Senior field courses that take students backpacking in the Grand Canyon and Utah, analyzing urban environments in California and Oregon.
EDUCATIONAL TRIPS
One-unit weekend field trips exploring such issues as natural resource management, and historical and cultural geographies of California.
INNOVATIVE COURSES
Innovative courses on diverse topics, including postmodern urban landscapes, human migrations, and geography of mountain regions.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Student opportunities as field and lab assistants for studies in the Dendroecology Lab. Gain experience in biogeography and other environmental fields.
GEO-VISUALIZATION / MAPPING
Kosmos computer laboratory for training in geographic visualization and practical application through the Institute for Cartographic Design.
INTERNSHIPS
Internships with local government, nonprofit organizations, the the National Park Service, and the National Geographic Society.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Educational outreach events such as the California State Geographic Bee for K-12 students, and trips to local schools to talk about geography.
PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING
Trips to annual professional meetings, such as California Geographical Society (CGS) to present student papers, posters, and maps.
DIVERSE OPPORTUNITIES
Choose your path. A degree in geography can lead to diverse career opportunities that include city planning, cartography, and so many more.
