The Geography major focuses on the integrated study of our globalizing world, as made by human and non-human forces alike. The major is unparalleled in the University. It embraces and synthesizes approaches widely used in the humanities and social, biophysical, and information sciences. It is uniquely able to study combinations of social, political, economic, and ecological processes - especially the role of space, place, and geographic networks in shaping these processes and their interactions. Geography attempts to interpret not just these phenomena, but also, in many instances, how they are perceived and what meanings they hold. Such an integrative perspective on global, regional, and local change provides students with a singular understanding of today's complex world. Geographers prize the world's diversity and offer insight into many of the most pressing challenges of the day, from climate change and social-environmental justice, to the uneven effects of globalization and urban transformation, to the skillful and responsible use of geographic information. Depending on their specific interests, geographers will employ one or more of a variety of research techniques, including field observation, legal and archival analysis, participant observation, interviewing, textual analysis, ethnography, mapping, and spatial statistics and modeling. Many geographers are interested in the intersections of science, technology, and information, such as the impact of geographic information science on decision-making. There are a variety of opportunities for graduates who have degrees in Geography. Federal, regional and local governmental agencies seek geographers for city and regional planning, park service, law enforcement, and transportation department positions. Private industry consulting, environmental and marketing firms, the non-profit sector, and local, national and transnational non-governmental organizations also seek geographic skills. Many Geography undergraduate majors obtain careers in education and many go on to graduate school. Both the B.S. and the B.A. offer a solid foundation in the theories and practice of geography. The B.S. offers a greater emphasis on quantitative analysis while the B.A. focuses more on qualitative analysis, but students can tailor their programs to meet their needs and goals.

Special Policies on Counting Courses: 1. Qualifying students may substitute a 5xxx course for a 3xxx course with which is cross-listed. Students who register for 5xxx-level courses should expect to complete additional work. 2. Courses counting toward the electives requirements must be worth three or four credits each. In some circumstances, students may substitute 2 two-credit courses for one of the electives course requirements. 3. Any given course can only be used to satisfy one requirement for the major. See major adviser for final approval of individual program. A note about the senior project: students who double-major and choose to complete the senior project in their other major are still responsible for taking a minimum of 44 total credits within the major. At least 14 upper-division credits in the major must be taken at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities campus. Students may earn up to one undergraduate degree in the geography program: a B.A. or a B.S. or a minor in geography. Students may pursue additional degrees in the department's public health, urban studies and/or GIS programs alongside their geography degree. Beginning fall 2012, all incoming CLA freshmen must complete the appropriate First Year Experience course sequence. Specific information about this collegiate requirement can be found at: http://class.umn.edu/degree_requirements/index.html