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Geography 

At UW-Eau Claire 

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geography class

Geography is a scientific discipline that employs a spatial perspective to answer questions and solve problems about the human condition, the natural world, and the interconnections between humans and the environment. Geographers explore and analyze spatial patterns (both physical and cultural patterns) to gain insight into human habitation of earth. Geographers provide geographical knowledge critical to decision makers in business, resource management, law, education, planning, government/public affairs and health sciences, to name a few!

Well equipped

UW-Eau Claire students use cutting edge geospatial technology. Where most universities reserve this high end equipment for graduate level students, UW-Eau Claire students get their hands on it in 100 level courses! Field research requires students — even as freshman — to use cutting edge technology, including state-of-the-art geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing software, and ground penetrating radar.

Applied knowledge

Geography students at UW-Eau Claire gain valuable experience solving real-world problems, gathering and analyzing data,

interpreting earth processes, functioning as part of interdisciplinary research teams and producing and presenting technical reports. Students use a wide variety of field, laboratory and geographic research methods, tools and techniques. Extended field trips are important components of many classes, providing opportunities for students to develop and apply their geographic knowledge and skills. Field courses are even offered in places such as Hawaii, New York City, New Zealand, Vietnam, or the Galapagos Islands.

Internships and resources

Geography majors may earn credit while gaining on-the-job experience through internships with city, county and regional governments or private businesses. The university library is a Federal Map Depository with a collection of more than 92,000 maps in its Simpson Map Library, which can be used for research and study. In addition the department has two computer labs dedicated to geospatial science (cartography, GIS, remote sensing).

Job outlook

According to the Department of Labor the three fastest growing career areas in the coming two decades are predicted to be nanotech, biotech, and geospatial tech.

geography student David

Majors

Geography
- liberal arts
- teaching

Comprehensive majors

Requires no minor
- Environmental Geography
- International Geography

Minors

Geography
- liberal arts
- teaching


Suggested freshman curriculum

Foundations of Geography courses:
- Human Geography
- The Physical Environment
- Conservation of the
  Environment
- Geography Techniques
- Intro to College Writing
- Math competency for
  BS/BA degree
- GE electives (consult with
  Geography advisor)

More advising information

Our graduates

Geographers are everywhere in both the public and private sectors. There are careers for geographers in education; environmental engineering and consulting; land-use planning and resource management, at the municipal through the Federal levels; emergency management and NGO relief organizations, industry, supervising shipping routes and identifying industrial locations; public utilities, managing infrastructure; travel and

note

Special admission notes

Students are encouraged to meet with Geography faculty as early as possible as they explore courses and possible minors in related disciplines. They should also meet with faculty to discuss career opportunities.

international business, helping companies understand the people and places where they do commerce; and in the retail sector, siting store locations and analyzing markets and customers.
More career information

Places you’ll find recent graduates:

- Edit Cartographer,
  National Geographic,
  Silver Spring, MD
- Central Irrigation Specialist,
  Spot Water Management,
  San Jose, CA
- Soil Conservation 
  Technician, NRCS,
  Chippewa Falls, WI
- Association Market Research
  Analyst, Star Tribune,
  Minneapolis, MN
- GIS Technician,
  Wood County,
  Wisconsin Rapids, WI
- 7th Grade Social Studies
  Teacher, River Falls School
  District, River Falls, WI
- Grad School, Penn
  State, Arizona State,
  Missouri State
- Cartographic Technician,
  Garmen, Olathe, KS

Department contact information

Yvonne Plomedahl
plomedym@uwec.edu
715-836-3244

Excellence. Our Measure. Our Motto. Our Goal.