Undergraduate FAQs
- What sort of undergraduate degrees are offered in Geography?
-
The Department offers four undergraduate degrees: a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Geography, a BA in Geography with an emphasis in Geographic Information Science, a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Physical Geography, and a BS in Physical Geography with an emphasis in Ocean Science. The majors are designed to provide a fundamental background for students seeking an interdisciplinary understanding of our planet and the varied human and natural systems that interrelate within it. For more, see Majoring in Geography.
- Can I take courses outside of Geography for credit towards the major?
-
A maximum of eight upper division units from related fields may be applied automatically for major credit toward the BA, or to a specific major discipline by petition.
- How do I declare a major in Geography?
-
Make an appointment with the Undergraduate Advisor, who will review your transcript and determine course requirements, and help you create an academic plan for earning a degree in Geography.
- What is an “add code” and how do I get one?
-
Approval (add) codes are a means for an academic department or course instructor to allow a student to register, bypassing registration restrictions on the course. Examples of restrictions a code will bypass are:
- Instructor or department approval required prior to registration
- Major limitations
- Level limitations
- Closed or full classes
- What other majors combine well with Geography for a double major?
-
Environmental Studies is the most common and most complementary double major with Geography. Other majors that are compatible with Geography include Computer Science, Earth Science, Statistical Science, Economics, Biological Sciences, Linguistics, and many more. Students with interest and talent in two separate major fields may propose completion of a double major. In their proposal, they must estimate the number of units they will need to complete in satisfying degree requirements and the term in which they will become eligible to graduate. In general, double majors are approved for students who demonstrate that they can meet all degree requirements without exceeding 200 units of credit from all institutions attended. Students who receive approval for a double major will be allowed to continue their studies at UCSB only through the final quarter listed on their proposal. Up to 8 units may be applied simultaneously to the upper-division requirements of majors.
- Please explain the procedure for graduation
-
Progress checks are an evaluation of academic work completed toward meeting degree requirements, and you are strongly advised to have a Progress Check audit with the undergraduate advisor at least two terms before graduation. For comprehensive details regarding the requirements for graduation, rules and regulations, declaration of candidacy, degree evaluation, commencement ceremonies, and the issuance of diplomas, see link below.
- I would like to participate in the Education Abroad Program. Will this affect my graduation in any way?
-
Because there is usually a delay in processing grades for courses completed abroad, students participating in the Education Abroad Program during their senior year may need to postpone declaring candidacy to graduate at least one quarter beyond the final academic term abroad. For more information, see the Undergraduate Advisor and the EAP web site.
- What sorts of jobs can I get with a degree in Geography?
-
Geography majors are among the most marketable of all majors, according to placement counselors. As the Association of American Geographers Career Guide points out, Geography’s theories and methods provide analytical techniques applicable to a wide range of questions asked over a broad spectrum of occupations. For students planning to end their formal education with the bachelor’s degree, a major in Geography provides marketable skills and the broad perspectives on environment and society that enable graduates to move beyond entry-level positions. Geography also provides a sound foundation for students who plan to enter graduate work in a variety of fields, from geography and the physical and social sciences to business, land use planning, law, and medicine. Geography majors find work as public sector transportation planners; environmental impact analysts; airline route specialists; import / export and shipping logistics planners; geodemographic analysts and marketers; strategic planners in banking, insurance, and real estate; software developers; web designers and programmers; urban and regional planners; computer cartographers using Geographic Information Systems; international trade consultants; teachers at all levels; studies of satellite imagery/remote sensing, climate change analysis, and land use/ land cover change; and much, much more.
- How do I enroll in research assistant or independent study units?
-
Contact a Geography faculty member with research interests similar to your own and propose your idea for a research or independent study project. Once the research or project has been approved, make an appointment with the undergraduate advisor to verify prerequisites. Return to sponsoring faculty member to complete this form, specifying course number, units to be earned, and include a description of the proposed readings, research, or independent study project. Return the completed form to the Geography Undergraduate Advisor in order to obtain an add approval code for the course.
A copy will be kept on file in the Geography department. NOTE: The prerequisites for Geography 198, 199 & 199RA are as follows:
- Upper-division standing (90 units or above)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in the preceding three quarters
- 2 upper-division Geography courses completed
- Instructor and departmental approval
- How do I get keycard access to Geography labs?
-
Contact your TA for the Google Form link. If you are not taking a class but still need computer lab access, contact Patty Murray
