Global environmental systems students characterize and analyze Earth's physical environment across time and space through the study of physical geography. This 12-credit certificate helps to prepare students for a variety of careers in resource management, ecological restoration, and climate change mitigation where an understanding of geographic patterns and physical processes associated with water, landforms, soils, vegetation, and climate are critical for the survival of life on planet Earth. Learning Objectives: Identify, describe, and analyze the processes that lead to spatial variation on Earth's surface, and the current and historical, physical and biotic processes that shape specific landscapes.
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
Students earning the Global Environmental Systems certificate learn a wide range of research and analytical skills that are highly valued by employers. Students trained in physical geography find jobs in all levels of government, nonprofit organizations, and in industry. This is one of several geography-related certificates that students can use to tailor their educational experience in preparation for the job market. In addition to Global Environmental Systems, the Department of Geography offers certificates in Environment and Society Geography; Geospatial Big Data Analytics; Geographic Information Systems; Human Geography; Justice, Ethics and Diversity in Space; and Landscape Ecology.
Students earning the certificate in Global Environmental Systems are well-positioned to find employment with diverse organizations spanning business, government, and nonprofit sectors. Such organizations may include (but are not limited to): Conservation International; Federal Emergency Management Agency; NASA; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; National Park Service; Natural Resources Defense Council; Resources for the Future; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Forest Service; U.S. Geological Survey; local, regional, and state planning agencies, environmental and engineering consulting firms; policy research institutes; private corporations; and humanitarian organizations.
A certificate in Global Environmental Systems is useful for students who are interested in pursuing graduate degrees in the environmental and social sciences. Alumni enter graduate and professional studies in a variety of programs, including (but not limited to) geography, environmental sciences, ecology, sustainability, public policy, emergency management, planning, and law. They sometimes begin graduate or professional programs directly after finishing undergraduate studies, but often get several years' work experience before returning to school, either full or part-time.
The information below includes the course number and name, semester hours in parentheses, whether it's offered in the fall or spring, the general education category (if applicable), and a brief course description. Last Updated: May 2022
GHY 1020: Exploring People and Places Globally (formerly "Geographic Diversity and Globalization") (3) F;S - General Education: Social Science Designation; Liberal Studies Experience - The exploration of our contemporary world through the geographic lens of its people and places. Examination of global issues, including population, race, technology and culture change, rural versus urban development, the environment and climate, international trade, political identity, and international conflict. (Global Learning Opportunity Course)
GHY 1040: Human Geography and Social Justice (formerly "Introduction to Human Geography") (3) F;S - General Education: Social Science Designation; Liberal Studies Experience - This is an introductory course that examines the spatial patterns of human society. The course emphasizes social justice by fostering an understanding of the economic systems, the welfare state and societal structures that contribute to inequalities. Students will also gain insight into policies relating to global challenges such as climate change, poverty and economic development. The geographical perspective is valuable in helping us interpret and critically examine events and socio-cultural issues throughout the world.
GHY 2310: Cartographic Design and Analysis (3) F;S - Maps are powerful tools for the communication and visualization of geographic data. This course provides an introduction to cartography, including the art, science, and technology of mapmaking and map use. The primary emphasis of the course is on the cartographic representation design of static maps for print and digital use. Students will use Adobe Illustrator to create a portfolio of original thematic maps and develop proficiency with data selection, classification, and symbolization. Course labs focus on the techniques for the conception, production, and dissemination of maps in the world today.
GHY 3000: Communicating Geographic Information (3) F;S - General Education: Junior Writing in the Discipline (WID) - This course introduces students to writing styles in geography and provides practice with written and oral communication skills in a variety of academic and professional contexts. Students will critically evaluate geographic writing and oral presentations, use writing as a means of enhancing clarity of thought and depth of knowledge in geography, and communicate effectively in academic and professional settings.
GHY 3011: Europe Past and Present (3) S - General Education: Junior Writing in the Discipline (WID) - This course will explore the geography of the European region, including population, technology and culture change, rural versus urban development, the environment and climate, international trade, political identity, and international conflict.
GHY 3100: Weather and Climate (3) S - Students will learn how to observe and forecast weather events and their impacts. This course also demonstrates the interactions between human activities, weather, and climate.
GHY 3110: Ecoregions and Dynamic Landforms (3) F - The course examines changes in natural and human environments that are illustrative of the broad principles of physical geography. Students will apply laboratory and field methods to analyze changing environments around the world. The course is a comprehensive study of our physical earth, emphasizing the patterns and interrelations of natural vegetation and landforms in North America and globally. Students will study the interactions between physical systems and human activities, and human effects on environmental quality and sustainability.
GHY 3130: Geography of Biodiversity (3) S - The study of past and present geographic patterns of biodiversity. The course focuses on the living environment, emphasizing the physical and ecological conditions and processes that influence the distributions of organisms, communities, and ecosystems. Topics include past climates and continental configurations, dispersal and invasion, patterns of speciation and extinction, biodiversity, and application of biogeographic concepts of environmental conservation.
GHY 3210: Economic Geography (3) S - The geographic analysis of world economic systems, regions and patterns, as affected by interrelationships between both human and physical variables. Emphasis will be equally divided between theoretical and real-world patterns. Specific subjects of study include agriculture, manufacturing, services, transportation, urban/rural relationships, international markets and trade, and cultural differences in economic patterns. Recommended for business majors and required for geography majors.
GHY 3310: Environmental Remote Sensing (3) F - An introduction to remote sensing technologies used for environmental and geographic analysis. Topics include aerial photo interpretation, satellite sensors, analysis of satellite imagery, thermal and radar sensors, and applications of remote sensing technology for vegetation, hydrology, landform, settlement, and economic development studies. Lecture two hours, laboratory two hours.
GHY 3320: Environmental Issues in Appalachia (3) F - General Education: Junior Writing in the Discipline (WID) - This course offers a systematic study of the physical and cultural setting of Appalachia. Topics include weather and climate, landforms, soils, vegetation, population, settlement and resource use. Emphasis is placed on the various interactions between people and their environment (e.g. air and water pollution, accelerated erosion, landslides). Field trips will be taken.
GHY 3510: Advanced Honors Seminar in Geography (3) S - Seminar on selected geographic topics. Enrollment by invitation of the Department or by application. Barring repetitive content, qualified students may repeat course once. For enrollees, this course may substitute for the appropriate Geography elective.
GHY 3520: Instructional Assistance (1) F;S - A supervised experience in the instructional process on the university level through direct participation in a classroom situation. May be repeated for a total credit of three semester hours. Graded on an S/U basis.
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