GC’s Geography major teaches students about the study of the physical features of the earth and its atmosphere. Geography can also be used to see how humans interact in these different atmospheres.
Tanner Adams, a senior geography major, has been interested in geography since middle school.
“I was always fascinated by maps and learning about human movement throughout history and stuff,” Adams said. “So when I got here, I really wanted to open my eyes to more cultures and different traditions around the world.”
Students who take on geography as a major learn how to identify problems and solve them through the use of patterns. This major provides opportunities in government, teaching, agriculture or non-profit organizations.
“I had no idea as a senior in high school what my capabilities could be after college when it came to earning my degree in geography,” Adams said. “It is very broad, meaning I could choose from many different pathways. Specifically, I’ve been introduced to geographic information systems, or GIS. That’s something I hadn’t heard of before I came to school.”
Geographic information systems are computer-based tools used to store, visualize, analyze and interpret geographic data. It mainly works with anything that can be mapped, such as roads.
Students can take courses in human geography, regional geography, physical — or environmental — geography and geographic information. Through these courses, they are introduced to real, hands-on experience that can help future geographers develop much-needed skills. To gain a degree in this field, one must complete an advanced course in each one of these areas as well as complete a senior capstone course.
There are also opportunities for internships in the area of work regardless of major.
“I was a GIS intern this summer,” Adams said. “The main skill that I’ve learned is geospatial data analysis. Understanding the data that I have and also how I can manipulate it and project this on a map using the software so people understand what I’m presenting and also the problems and solutions that come with it.”
Geography is also available as a minor. Students can also join the Geography Club. This club spends time discussing academic outreach and service projects to help improve the community as well as educating its members on different cultures and traditions around the world.
One of the projects that Adams worked on in a previous class was focused on analyzing the waste areas in Baldwin County. Using public participatory geographic information systems, or PPGIS, the class was able to map out problem sites.
“I basically asked the local community members at the Sustainability Symposium what information they had on dumping sites or hazardous areas within our own community and how can I display that on a map to show others in our community what is actually going on,” Adams said. “What are the problem areas that we can go out there and fix on a screen with a very visual and informative projection to make people more aware?”
A geography degree can be used in multiple different avenues, and at GC, students can get real-world practice with the current technology to find their specific passions.
