Geography — Track in Environment and Society

Program Description: Geography — Track in Environment and Society at Slippery Rock University

The Geography – Track in Environment and Society at Slippery Rock University offers students a comprehensive education that integrates the scientific study of the Earth's physical features with the social, political, and cultural aspects of human-environment interactions. This program is designed to equip students with a broad understanding of geographic concepts, analytical skills, and practical experiences necessary to address complex environmental and societal challenges in a rapidly changing world. Students will explore topics such as environmental sustainability, resource management, urban and rural development, and the impact of human activities on natural systems.

Throughout the program, students will engage in research-based learning, fieldwork, and hands-on projects that foster critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The curriculum includes core courses in physical geography, human geography, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, environmental policy, and social sciences related to environmental issues. Elective courses offer specialization opportunities in areas like conservation, environmental planning, and community development. The program emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to consider ecological, economic, and social factors in their analyses.

Graduates of the Geography – Track in Environment and Society are prepared for careers in environmental consulting, urban planning, conservation organizations, government agencies, and non-profit sectors focused on sustainable development. They acquire valuable skills in spatial analysis, data interpretation, and effective communication, making them well-equipped to contribute to policy-making and environmental advocacy. The program also provides a strong foundation for students interested in pursuing graduate studies or careers in research related to geographic information systems, environmental science, or social ecology.

In addition to classroom instruction, students have access to modern laboratories, GIS software, and extensive field facilities that enhance their learning experiences. The program fosters a collaborative environment where students work closely with faculty faculty members who are active researchers and practitioners in the field. Overall, the Geography – Track in Environment and Society at Slippery Rock University prepares students to become environmentally conscious professionals dedicated to understanding and solving real-world issues at the intersection of geography and society.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline Rolling basis Tuition fee Not specified Start date August 2015 Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time

Course Content

Major Requirements - Credits: 50

Basic Core - Credits: 15

• GES 150 - The Natural Environment Credits: 3
• GES 205 - Cultural Geography Credits: 3
• GES 315 - Cartography I Credits: 3
• GES 331 - Economic Geography Credits: 3
• GES 489 - Field Studies Credits: 3

Techniques Core - Credits: 8

• GES 115 - Map Reading and Interpretation Credits: 1
• GES 220 - General Methods of Fieldwork Credits: 3
• GES 325 - Introduction to Geographic Information Science Credits: 3
• EGEO 272 - Introduction to Georeports/Lab Credits: 1

Regional Geography - Credits: 3

Choose one course from the following:

• GES 303 - Asia Credits: 3
• GES 307 - Australia Credits: 3
• GES 309 - Africa Credits: 3

Planning and Policy - Credits: 3

Choose one course from the following:

• GES 215 - Planning for Sustainable Communities Credits: 3
• GES 324 - Environmental Law and Policy Credits: 3

Human Geography - Credits: 3

Choose one course from the following:

• GES 345 - Population Analysis Credits: 3
• GES 361 - Gender & the Environment Credits: 3
• GES 375 - Geography of Intolerance Credits: 3

Additional Environment & Society courses - Credits: 6

• GES 344 - Environmental Justice Credits: 3
• GES 444 - World Environmental Thought Credits: 3

Geography Electives - Credits: 9

Choose any three 300/400 level GES courses

Required Mathematics - Credits: 3

• MATH 152 - Elementary Statistics I Credits: 3

Requirements

Slippery Rock University has a strong commitment to student success, and we thoroughly research the academic background of the students who tend to succeed at SRU. We use this information to establish admission guidelines for first year students (new freshmen). We are seeking students who have attained at least a 3.0 GPA at the time of admission, have demonstrated proficiency in college preparatory coursework, and who have average to above average scores on the SAT or ACT. We will accept either test and use the best scores available. Offers of admission for new freshmen from high school may be made as soon as August following their junior year in high school. High school admitted students are required to submit proof of high school graduation in the form of Official Transcripts upon high school graduation.

In order to apply for admission, the following credentials are required:

• Official High School Transcripts, including a 12th Grade class schedule if applicable
• SAT or ACT Scores
• $30.00 application fee

WAIT LIST: Applicants who do not meet the admission guidelines are still encouraged to apply for admission if they are close to our admission guidelines. Such applicants may be placed on a wait list for admission consideration. Students who are placed on a wait list need to understand it is not the same as being denied admission. Wait list status simply means that an applicant's credentials may require a closer review beyond just the quantitative numbers. Offers of admission will be made to wait listed applicants on regular intervals.
Wait listed applicants should strive to improve their grades and/or test scores and re-submit them to the Office of Admissions as soon as is practical after the next marking period or re-test. Periodic review of the wait list will likely begin in November and offers of admission made on a rolling basis. Our goal is to have most of the wait list offers of admission made in March or April. A final round of wait list offers may be made in mid-May on a space available basis. We encourage students to submit additional information if it improves the academic record.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Slippery Rock University.

Funding

Contact the Office of Financial Aid for detailed information on various financial aid programs and scholarship materials. You can submit your questions regarding financial assistance directly to the Financial Aid Office at financial.aid@sru.edu. Students are encouraged to apply for admission early.

The Geography — Track in Environment and Society at Slippery Rock University offers students a comprehensive education focused on understanding the complex relationships between humans and their natural environment. This program emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills, spatial analysis, and sustainable practices to address pressing environmental issues affecting local and global communities. Students gain a solid foundation in physical geography, human geography, and environmental studies, enabling them to analyze spatial data and geographic information systems (GIS) effectively. The curriculum includes coursework in land use planning, environmental policy, conservation, and the social impacts of environmental change, preparing graduates for careers in environmental consulting, planning, resource management, and advocacy. The program is designed to promote interdisciplinary learning, incorporating insights from biology, sociology, and political science to provide a well-rounded perspective on environmental challenges. Opportunities for fieldwork, internships, and community projects are integral parts of the program, giving students practical experience and networking opportunities within the environmental sector. The faculty members are experienced professionals and researchers who mentor students and facilitate innovative research projects. Graduates of this track are equipped to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development initiatives, environmental education, and policymaking. The university’s facilities, including GIS labs and environmental research centers, support student learning and research endeavors. Overall, the Geography — Track in Environment and Society prepares students to become knowledgeable and responsible environmental citizens capable of making positive impacts in their communities and beyond.