Program Overview

The Department of Geography at Millersville University provides students with the opportunity to study how people relate to their natural and human surroundings. Geography is a bridge discipline, an environmental science which brings together principles of physical sciences and other social sciences; a social science which looks at the spatial characteristics of culture, history, politics, economies and business decisions; and a liberal arts discipline which provides background for study in art, languages, literature, music, education and many other subjects.

Geographers can bring to analyses of current issues an understanding of global interrelationships and specialized map-related skills. Many geographers develop professional skills in map interpretation, cartography and computer-based mapping and analysis. Geographic understanding and skills create the potential for employment in such diverse areas as planning and other government agencies, environmental and cartographic service companies, and the business community.

The liberal arts program in geography offers emphases in sustainability studies, environmental studies, global studies, and geospatial applications for geography majors and minors. A minor in geography brings an added dimension to any major, and current geography minors hold majors in many different University departments. The program in secondary education, providing certification for social studies teaching with a geography emphasis, is also serving a growing demand. Every student will benefit from the liberal arts value of the introductory and regional geography courses.

B.S. Environmental and Spatial Sciences The Environmental and Spatial Sciences program prepares students for careers as environmental scientists with advanced training in geospatial technologies (i.e. geographic information science (GIS), global positioning system (GPS) technology, remote sensing, data management, and cartography). Graduates of the program are well positioned for careers in environmental analysis and mitigation of environmental problems. The program prepares students to assess environmental and human-environment systems, identify and evaluate environmental problems, and design innovative and sustainable solutions. 

The degree requires 120 credit hours with 54-58 credit hours in the major with an additional 20-21 credit hours that may be applied to the general education requirements of the university.

The B.A. Geography program offers specializations in the following: 

Sustainability Studies is an interdisciplinary field, engaging sustainable development, environmental studies, public and environmental policy, city and regional planning, economics, social well-being, and global and local understanding. A major in Geography with an option in Sustainability Studies requires 42 major field requirement credits and 24 required related credits (including a minor). A minor in Sustainability Studies requires 18 credits. 

Environmental Studies emphasizes physical geography and environmental topics.  Environmental topics run through many of the department's courses. A major in Geography with an option in Environmental Studies requires 36-37 major field requirement credits and 25 required related credits (including a minor). A minor in Environmental Geography requires 18 credits.

Geospatial Applications emphasizes the acquisition of skills in geographic information systems (GIS), map use and interpretation, cartography, and basic analytical skills. A major in Geography with an option in Geospatial Applications requires 36 major field requirement credits and 28-33 required related credits (including a minor). A minor in Geospatial Applications requires 18 credits. 

Global Studies emphasizes international understanding.  Regional emphases in the department include Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Canada in addition to the United States. A major in Global Studies requires 36 major field requirement credits and 24-27 required related credits (including a minor). A minor in Global Geography requires 18 credits.

For those interested in a teaching career, students may pursue a B.S.Ed. by majoring in Secondary Education with an concentration in Geography. 

General Geography - a student may declare the Geography major without choosing an option. However, a student must declare sustainability studies, environmental studies, geospatial applications, or global studies in order to graduate with a B.A. Geography. A minor in General Geography requires 18 credits and is the most flexible minor by design, allowing students to customize their educational plan. An advising guide (blue sheet) for B.A. Geography without a concentration is available here; however, we strongly encourage students to meet with an advisor as soon as possible to discuss their options. An advising guide (grey sheet) for a minor in General Geography is available here.