This is an archive of the 2017-2018 University Catalog.
To access the most recent version, please visit catalog.csun.edu.

This is an archive of the 2017-2018 University Catalog.
To access the most recent version, please visit catalog.csun.edu.

About the Department

The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) prepares students for careers in an increasingly complex and dynamic world. Majors typically graduate with a diverse and relevant skill set in demand by industries in the public and private sector. Students are offered the opportunity to master geospatial techniques, solve complex problems and communicate effectively in relation to human-environment interactions.

The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies offers two B.A. major options in Geography: (1) Standard Program and (2) Geographic Information Science (GIS). The department also offers a minor in both of these areas. The broad-based Geography Standard Program prepares students to understand the environment around us and to interpret the patterns found across the Earth’s surface. Comprised of 45 units, the major allows flexibility in course selection while providing a solid background in human, physical and regional aspects of the discipline. The Geography major option in GIS focuses on the study and application of cutting-edge geospatial technologies to investigate social and environmental issues and to provide solutions. This option features a strong technical component based on applications of GIS, digital cartography and remote sensing, along with training in geospatial analysis and decision making.

Academic Advisement

Seeking academic advisement is essential to academic success and timely graduation. Undergraduates must consult with an advisor as soon as they declare Geography as their major and before registration each semester. Graduate students must consult with the graduate advisor before registering for classes. Contact the department chair for undergraduate advisement and the graduate coordinator for questions about graduate study. Academic advisement is also available to students through both the department advisor and staff advisors in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Student Services Center/EOP. Please call (818) 677-2658 to schedule an appointment.

Careers

Training in Geography leads students toward careers in the private or public sector as city and regional planners, conservationists, economic development and environmental consultants, environmental analysts and managers, Geographic Information Science (GIS) analysts, climatologists and teachers at all levels. More geographers than ever before are employed in exciting careers, which include travel, working outdoors and utilizing cutting-edge geospatial technologies to solve important social, economic and environmental issues. A recent survey of CSUN alumni indicates that geographers have a higher level of job satisfaction and a higher income than many other disciplines.

The degree also can provide a foundation for pursuing advanced or professional degrees in social, environmental or physical sciences.

Skills

Technical skills taught in geography include computer mapping, field observation and data collection, GIS, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), land-use analysis, map analysis, presentation graphics, professional report writing, sediment analysis, statistics, topographic surveying and weather station instrumentation.

Clubs and Societies

Scholarships and Awards

The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies offers several scholarships and awards to its students. Please see scholarships for more information.

 

Computer Labs, Classrooms and Technology

The department houses two state-of-the-art geospatial computer labs geared toward geographic information systems, and all of our classrooms are designed as Smart classrooms with the latest technology to meet student needs. We are developing a series of courses with content designed for tablet devices as a part of the myCSUNtablet initiative. In addition, the department has extensive field and lab equipment for our physical geography program. See the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies website for more information.

Contact

Chair: Edward Jackiewicz
Sierra Hall (SH) 150
(818) 677-3532
www.csun.edu/social-behavioral-sciences/geography