University General Course Catalog 2024-2025 
    
    Dec 11, 2024  
University General Course Catalog 2024-2025

Geography, B.S.


The department offers a Bachelor of Science with a major in Geography. The Bachelor of Science emphasizes proficiency in physical geography, geospatial methods, human/environment interactions and develops skills in mathematics and statistics. Students will develop skills in the use of geotechnologies (GIS, Remote Sensing, and Cartography). Students are encouraged to develop with their advisors an individualized program of study within the degree. Our specialties include cultural geography, climatology and climate change, land use planning, water resources, biogeography, sustainability, and environmental justice. Students are encouraged to meet with their assigned academic advisor every semester.

Program Learning Outcomes


Students will be able to:

  • develop professional skills that will promote career development (writing; verbal presentation; visual communication; library and archival research; field work; computing; quantitative analysis; qualitative analysis; accountability, efficiency, precision and accuracy).  (C)
  • develop proficiency in a range of analytical skills (memorizing, analyzing, synthesizing, judgment, applications). (CT)
  • build substantive disciplinary knowledge (spatial analysis, perception and geography; regional understandings; cultural interpretations of place and landscape; physical geographic analysis; human-environment interactions). (QR)
  • capitalize on learning experiences through well-designed departmental curriculum, strong academic advising, access to relevant departmental faculty, and opportunities for specialized training and experience.

Contact Information


Mackay Science 201
(775) 784-6995

Email: geography@unr.edu

Transfer to the University of Nevada, Reno


Use the transfer agreement  and the degree planner (available by clicking Print degree planner icon at the top right of this page) to build your plan for graduation with your advisor. Course substitutions not identified on the transfer agreement require UNR advisor approval.

If a major-to-major transfer agreement is not available for your transfer institution, please check the General Core agreement  if available. If neither is available, access Transferology to assist in your planning.

Graduation Requirements


  • Total Units | 120
  • Cumulative GPA | 2.0
  • University GPA | 2.0
  • Major GPA | 2.0
  • Residency Requirement | 30 Upper-Division Units at UNR
  • Major Residency Requirement | 15 Upper-Division Units in the major at UNR
  • Upper-Division Requirement | 40 Upper-Division Units

I. Core General Education Requirements (25-33 units)


NOTE: Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter of this catalog for information regarding the “Core English and Math Completion Policy  .”

Students in this major must meet all Core Objectives (CO1 through CO14). Courses satisfying Core Objectives are designated (e.g., CO9) in General Catalog curricula and course descriptions.

A. Composition & Communication; Critical Analysis & Use of Information (3-6 units) - CO1, CO3


B. Quantitative Reasoning (4-7 units) - CO2


C. Physical & Natural Phenomena (6-8 units) - CO4, CO4L


D. Cultures, Societies, & Individuals (3 units) - CO6


E. Artistic Composition, Interpretation, & Expression (3 units) - CO7


Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO7 courses .

II. Additional Core Requirements (9 units maximum)


Students must take courses that satisfy the following Core Objectives. Some or all of these Core Objectives may be satisfied in the Major Requirements (Section IV). Refer to the Core Curriculum   chapter in this catalog.

A. Science, Technology & Society - CO9


The following recommended courses can also be used in the Major Requirement:

B. Diversity & Equity - CO10


The following recommended course can also be used in the Major Requirement:

C. Global Context - CO11


The following courses count in the Major Requirement:

D. Ethics - CO12


E. Capstone Integration & Synthesis - CO13


The following recommended courses can also be used in the Major Requirement:

F. Application - CO14


III. Additional Requirements (0 units)


IV. Major Requirements (48-52 units)


A. Geography Core (12-16 units)


B. Additional Geography Core Requirement (6 units)


C. Geography Upper-Division Electives (30 units)


Lists are sorted into areas of focus, however, students may count all upper division GEOG courses except those counted towards meeting the major requirements. It is recommended that students consult with an undergraduate advisor in selecting courses.

V. Electives (26-38 units)


VI. Recommended Schedule


A. First Year


Fall Semester (15 units)


Spring Semester (15 units)


B. Second Year


Fall Semester (15 units)


Spring Semester (15 units)


C. Third Year


Fall Semester (15 units)


Spring Semester (15 units)


D. Fourth Year


Fall Semester (15 units)


  • Geography Upper-Division Elective (12 units)
  • General Elective (3 units)

Spring Semester (15 units)