Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Academic Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Geography, BA


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The Geography, BA degree offered by the Department of Urban and Regional Planning , prepares students to understand the environment around us and interpret human and non-human patterns across the Earth’s surface. The major allows flexibility in course selection while providing a strong foundation in human, physical, and regional aspects of the discipline. Geography at SJSU also features a strong technology component based on applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Geography is essential to the growing need for global literacy and our faculty is committed to working with students to develop the skills that will serve them well in a career or in graduate studies. 

Summary of Degree Units

University Graduation Requirements 35
Major Preparation 3
Major Core 28
Major Electives 18-20
University Electives 34-36
Total 120

Program Roadmaps

The 4-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways are also available online.

University Requirements


Students must satisfy all of the major and Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements , which includes unit, GPA, and residency requirements as well as the below identified General Education , American Institutions, Graduation Writing Assessment, and Physical Education requirements. Courses that meet Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements are noted with an area designation (see Course Abbreviations ).

Core Lower Division General Education (27 units)


Of the 39 units required by the university, 12 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Courses that meet GE Areas A1, A2, A3, B4, or F must be passed with a “C-” or better to meet the requirement. Consult with a major advisor for details.

Note: Students who have completed the ADT Transfer degree (under SB 1440) for this major will have completed all lower division GE requirements and should follow the 60 unit guarantee roadmap. Meet with an advisor prior to registering for your first semester for the 60 unit roadmap or Specific questions.

Upper Division General Education


Of the 9 units required by the university, 9 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Consult with major advisor for details.

American Institutions (6 units)


Complete one 6-unit sequence of American Institutions (US123) courses, which also satisfies GE Area D. Students may also satisfy the American Institutions Requirement  with other courses, but these may not satisfy other GE areas.

The American Studies (AMS 1A /AMS 1B ; 12 units) and Humanities Honors (HUM 1A /HUM 1B /HUM 2A /HUM 2B ; 24 units) sequences satisfy the American Institutions Requirement and additional GE Areas (see course descriptions for details).

Consult with a major advisor to select the appropriate sequence.

Asian American Studies (6 units)


U.S. History and Government (6 units)


Complete One US1: US History Course


Complete One US23: US Constitution and California Government Course


Physical Education (2 units)


All SJSU undergraduate students, regardless of major, have an opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in physical activities. To accommodate students’ needs and interests, the university offers a diverse selection of activity courses .

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement


At SJSU, students must pass both the SJSU Writing Skills Test (WST) and a Writing in the Disciplines (100W) course. The Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)  is satisfied by a course in the major. A grade of C or better (C- not accepted) is required to meet graduation requirements.

Major Preparation (3 units)


Major Requirements (46-47 units)


Major Electives (18-20 units)


GEOG 92, GEOG 124, GEOG 180, and GEOG 197 (no more than 12 units) may be substituted for core courses and major electives only with prior advisor approval.

Human Geography (minimum of 6 units)


Students must complete two human geography courses.

Physical Geography (minimum of 6 units)


Students must complete two physical geography courses.

Geographic Information Science (minimum of 3 units)


Complete one GIS course.

University Electives (34-36 units)


Declaring a minor is recommended.

Total Units Required (120 units)


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