Dec 11, 2024  
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2024-25 
    
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2024-25

Geography (B.A.) [offered through Honors Tutorial College]


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Major Code BA1968*

Honors Tutorial College  
35 Park Place
Phone: 740.593.2723
honors.college@ohio.edu
www.ohio.edu/honors/tutorial-college

Risa Whitson, director of studies/contact person
whitson@ohio.edu

Program Overview

Geography is the study of spatial relationships between humans and their changing environment. For example, geographers note the Earth’s human population is now predominantly urban and increasingly demands a higher standard of living. Thus geographers investigate, among other things, how development pressure is greatly straining the Earth’s capacity to sustainably carry its human inhabitants. The HTC program in Geography offers students the opportunity study this process using cutting-edge techniques and methods. Honors tutorial students can major in the Urban Planning and Sustainability track and learn how to design healthy and environmentally friendly cities. Students can major in the Globalization and Development track to learn about international development and how it can be more equitably carried out to raise the standard of living for billions of people coping with poverty. The HTC Geography program also offers a Meteorology track that trains students to be atmospheric scientists capable of analyzing weather and shifting/changing climate patterns. Finally, a General Geography track is an option for majors that allows them much flexibility in tailoring an individualized educational experience based on specific topics/methods of interest. Topics include geographic information systems, hazards, landforms, environmental law, climate science, historical geography, political geography, economic geography, among many others.

*This program was previously BA1944 which awarded the Bachelor of Arts in Geography degree. Pending Board of Trustees approval (anticipated June 2024), the new program code will be BA1968 and will award the Bachelor of Arts effective the 2024-25 catalog year.  

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

Applicants are selected by the program director of studies in consultation with the dean of the Honors Tutorial College on the basis of superior academic ability and the potential for self-motivated study and research. Applicants typically are required to submit additional essays, and an interview with the director of studies is required for admission. More information, including materials and deadlines, is available at www.ohio.edu/honors/tutorial-college/apply. Letters of recommendation are strongly recommended. Although this is a four-year program, consideration will be given to applications of first-semester Ohio University freshmen. 

Change of Program Policy

The program will consider applications from exceptionally promising students already enrolled at Ohio University. These students must meet the same entrance requirements as entering freshmen. 

External Transfer Admission

The program will consider transfer applications from exceptionally promising students at another institution. These students must meet the same entrance requirements as entering first-year students. 

Opportunities Upon Graduation

The HTC program in Geography prepares talented and highly motivated students for employment in the public or private sector as well as further studies in highly ranked graduate programs. Students majoring in the Urban Planning and Sustainability track may work in planning-oriented agencies and consulting firms. They may also be capable of working in sustainability offices on college campuses and for various nonprofits. Students majoring in Globalization and Development may work for public and private organizations that focus on development at a variety of scales, from local nonprofits to international aid agencies. Meteorology majors may work in forecast meteorology and/or research environments for public and private entities. General Geography majors will have tailored their educational experience to meet their specific interests, and career options will depend on the kinds of courses taken. The HTC Geography program recommends all majors seek out internships that provide additional opportunities for career enhancement. The Geography Department’s record of placing its majors in top-tier graduate programs is also excellent.    

Requirements

HTC Grade Requirements


Earn at least 120 semester hours and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher overall.

University English Composition Requirement


Complete one Written Communication course (ENG 1510 ) and one Advanced Writing course (FAW).

Quantitative Skills Requirement


Complete the University’s Quantitative Reasoning Requirement. More information can be found by viewing the OHIO BRICKS  page (see Quantitative Reasoning heading within “Foundations Requirements”).

HTC Seminar


First-year students must complete the following course:

Transfer students


Transfer students may substitute an HC special topics seminar for their HC 2500 requirement.

Geography Tutorials


Complete the following tutorials:

HTC Thesis Requirement


Approval of a completed thesis or professional project by the advisor, director of studies, and Dean of the College.

Track 1 Urban Planning and Sustainability


Urban Planning and Sustainabilty Track requirements:

Core Courses


Complete all of the following core courses:

Elective Courses


Complete one of the following elective courses:

Techniques/Methods Course


Complete one of the following techniques/methods courses:

Track 2 Globalization and Development


Globalization and Development Track requirements:

Core Courses


Complete all of the following core courses:

Techniques/Methods Course


Complete one techniques/methods course:

Regional Courses


Complete at least one of the following regional courses:

Track 3 Meteorology


Meteorology Track requirements:

Extra-departmental Courses


Complete all of the following extra-departmental courses:

Chemistry Course


Complete one of the following chemistry courses:

Track 4 Geography


Geography Track requirements:

Core Courses


Complete 2 courses.

Upper-division Geography Courses


Complete at least six upper-dividsion geography courses, including one regional course from the following list:

Techniques/Methods Course


Complete one techniques/methods course:

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