The B.A. in Geography with Data Science Option builds on geography coursework in data management, data visualization and the societal implications of data science while offering students additional opportunities to engage in coursework in programming, machine learning, and advanced statistics and probability. This series of coursework allows students to graduate with evidence of data science experience on their transcript.

Admissions, Advising & Student Resources

Please see our Undergraduate Programs section for information about declaring the major in geography, career paths, scholarships, and other student resources. If you are ready to declare the geography major, please complete this form to begin the major declaration process. If you have additional questions, please contact an adviser via the Advising page.

Geography Major Requirements

Geography is an open major, which means there are no prerequisites or special admissions requirements. The requirements for geography majors with the option in data science are as follows:

Foundations: GEOG 258, GEOG 360 and GEOG 381; plus one course from either the Environment, Economy, and Sustainability track or Globalization, Health, and Development track (20 credits). Check out the three-quarter planner to find when these courses are offered, then review the list of Geography courses by track to choose your "broad track" elective.

GEOG 258, GEOG 360 and GEOG 381; plus one course from either the Environment, Economy, and Sustainability track or Globalization, Health, and Development track (20 credits). Check out the three-quarter planner to find when these courses are offered, then review the list of Geography courses by track to choose your "broad track" elective. GEOG 315: Explanation and Understanding in Geography (5 credits). This course covers the beginning steps in the research process. Students develop basic library and writing skills as preparation for future research methods classes and independent research. Recommended preparation includes 10-15 credits of prior GEOG curriculum coursework.

Explanation and Understanding in Geography (5 credits). This course covers the beginning steps in the research process. Students develop basic library and writing skills as preparation for future research methods classes and independent research. Recommended preparation includes 10-15 credits of prior GEOG curriculum coursework. Methods: One course from among GEOG 317 or 326, or other courses approved by petition to the Geography Advising Office (5 credits).

One course from among GEOG 317 or 326, or other courses approved by petition to the Geography Advising Office (5 credits). Electives: Complete all of the requirements below (36-39 credits). Programming: either CSE 142 or CSE 160; either CSE 143 or CSE 163 Machine Learning: either STAT 311 or MATH/STAT 390; one of CSE 416/STAT 416, STAT 435, or INFO 371 GIS, Mapping, and Society: GEOG 458; GEOG 461; GEOG 465; GEOG 482

Complete all of the requirements below (36-39 credits).

Total required: 66-69 credits. No single course may be counted toward more than one degree requirement. Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in courses applied to the major

The Major Planner Worksheet is a helpful resource when planning out your courses.

The Geography B.A. with Data Science Option is awarded upon: