Mar 01, 2025

2010-2011 General Catalog

2010-2011 General Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: To search archives, MUST use search box to left. Current catalog: catalog.usu.edu.

Geography (Watershed Science), BS

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Physical Geography Emphasis, Geography Major

In addition to the BS degrees in Watershed and Earth Systems and Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, the Department of Watershed Sciences administers the BS in Geography for students choosing an emphasis in Physical Geography. The complete degree requirements for the BS in Geography are listed here . Degree requirements for the Physical Geography emphasis in the Geography BS degree are listed below.

Overview of Geography Major

The Geography major consists of a minimum of 74 credits. Students choose one of three areas of emphasis: Human-Environment Geography, Geographical Analysis and Bioregional Planning, and Physical Geography. All students complete a common core of 15-16 credits, and also complete two courses from each of the other two emphasis cores, ensuring a broad and meaningful geography education.

A. Geography Core (15-16 credits)

B. Physical Geography Emphasis (60-61 credits)

Students majoring in Geography are required to select an emphasis from one of the following three areas to complement the disciplinary core: Human-Environment Geography, Geographical Analysis and Bioregional Planning, or Physical Geography. Requirements for the Physical Geography emphasis are shown below. For information about requirements for the other two emphases (which are administered by the Environment and Society Department) see Geography, BS . Students must file an approved emphasis plan prior to applying for graduation, but it is recommended that they meet with their faculty advisor to develop and gain approval for the emphasis no later than midway through the first semester of the junior year. Courses requiring prerequisites are marked with **. For specific information about prerequisites, see the Course Descriptions section.

1. Physical Geography Core (36-37 credits)

MATH 1100 - Calculus Techniques (QL) 3 ** or
MATH 1210 - Calculus I (QL) 4 **
PSC 3000 - Fundamentals of Soil Science 4
STAT 3000 - Statistics for Scientists (QI) 3 **
WATS 3700 - Fundamentals of Watershed Science (CI) 3
WATS 3820 - Climate Change (DSC/QI) 3 **
WATS 4490 - Small Watershed Hydrology 4 **
WATS 4930 - Geographic Information Systems 4
Two courses chosen from the Human-Environment Geography core (see the Geography, BS for list of courses) 6
Two courses chosen from the Geographical Analysis and Bioregional Planning core (see the Geography, BS for list of courses) 6

2. Elective Courses (24 credits)

Complete 24 credits chosen from the following list:

C. General Electives (12 credits)

After meeting the University Studies, USU upper-division, and Geography Major requirements, students may take the remainder of their 120 required credits in any discipline and from any department.