Apr 20, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Geographic Information Science BS


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How do we track the spread of contagious diseases? Can we use satellites to create a more accurate model of air pollution? How can geographic-based data from social media help us respond to natural disasters faster and more efficiently? If these are the types of questions that make you more curious about our planet-and if you enjoy using software and technology and thinking about where things happen-then UB’s geographic information science program is designed for you.

Visit the Geographic Information Science academic program page for more information about the academic experience, who you will learn from, opportunities outside of class and what you can do with this degree.

Visit the Geography department page  for contact information, a brief overview of the department and the curricular options.

Admission Criteria


Current UB students seeking admission to the Geographic Information Science BS will be added to the major upon request by completing the College of Arts and Sciences Major/Minor Change Request Form.

Course Requirements


Additional Geography Electives (5-7 credits)


  • GEO 300/400 level courses to meet the requirement of 37 Geography (GEO) credit hours.

Notes


*Statistics Substitution (GEO 211 ): If you have already completed one of the following Stats courses, you will not need GEO 211 . Approved substitutions: PSC 408 , PSY 207 , SOC 294 , STA 119 , STA 119 , ECO 480 . However, students who take a course outside Geography that is equivalent to GEO 211  must complete an additional Geography elective to fulfill the requirement of 37 Geography credit hours.

Total Credits Required for Major: 45


Additional Degree Requirements Include:


  • Additional coursework to fulfill UB Curriculum requirements
  • Elective courses as needed to complete the 120 credit hour total

Total Credits Required for Graduation: 120


Total Credit Hours Required represents the minimum credits needed to complete this program, and may vary based on a number of circumstances. This should not be used for financial aid purposes.

Academic Requirements


Minimum GPA of 2.000 overall.

Program Honors and Program Distinction


Students must complete an honors project under the supervision of a Geography faculty member. Each project is to be read and evaluated by a second faculty member in the department who has expertise in the area of the student’s project. Students who wish to complete an honors project must make arrangements with the appropriate faculty member by the end of the semester preceding the semester (or summer session) when the student expects to register for the honors course. Students must receive a grade of B or higher in the honors course. Students must also meet the remaining Program Honors criteria outlined in the Academic Honors policy

Majors who do not pursue a thesis but have exceptional grades are eligible for Program Distinction upon degree conferral if the criteria are met.  These criteria are also found in the Academic Honors policy.

Curricular Plan


A Curricular Plan provides a roadmap for completing this academic program and the UB Curriculum on time. Your actual plan may vary depending on point of entry to the university, course placement and/or waivers based on standardized test scores, earned alternative credit and/or college transfer credit.

First Year Fall


Total Credits: 15 or 16


First Year Spring


Total Credits: 14 or 15


Second Year Fall


Total Credits: 14


Second Year Spring


Total Credits: 16


Third Year Fall


Total Credits: 16


Third Year Spring


Total Credits: 14


Fourth Year Fall


  • GEO 300/400 level Elective Credits: 4
  • Elective Credits: 2
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15


Fourth Year Spring


Total Credits: 15


Total Credits Required: 120


Note: Some classes may count toward both a major and UB Curriculum requirement.

Learning Outcomes


Upon completion of the Geographic Information Science degree, students will be proficient in collecting, describing, analyzing, interpreting, and visualizing patterns, processes, and interactions of geospatial phenomena including the environment, human activities, and their interactions in time and space. Students will develop skill in using state-of-the-art geospatial software and technologies employed in research, industry, and government agencies. Students will have theoretical and practical experience in solving geospatial problems in a variety of geographic realms including the environment, health, cities, and social media.


 

(HEGIS: 22.06 GEOGRAPHY, CIP45.0702 Cartography)

 

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