Geography at NMU
The Geography Department offers a variety of programs in human geography, earth science, physical geography, geographic information science, environmental conservation and education, along with a certificate program in geographic information systems (GIS). The department is committed to excellence in teaching and preparing students for graduate study, professional careers in teaching, governmental service and the private sector.
Since geography is an integrative discipline, students, whether interested in its human or physical aspects, must have a basic understanding of the scope of the discipline and its methodologies. This is reflected in the department’s core curriculum, which all geography students are required to take. It consists of courses in human and physical geography, three methods classes and a capstone course that integrates the human and physical aspects of the discipline by focusing on the interactions between humankind and the natural environment.
Geography majors have the opportunity to gain practical work experience through internships with local governmental agencies and the private sector.
- Environmental Science Organization
- Gamma Theta Upsilon Honor Society
- Student Michigan Education Association
- Superior Geography Club
- Rock and Mineral Club
- GIS and Remote Sensing Lab
As a requirement for graduation, all non-teaching geography department majors must have a minimum grade of “C” and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.25 for all courses constituting the major curriculum. Students majoring in secondary education earth science, secondary education geography, or minoring in geography education or earth science education must maintain a grade point average of 2.70 or greater with no grade below a “C” in the professional education sequence, the major and/or minors and required cognates combined.
Students majoring in programs in the department must also:
1. Successfully complete EN 211 before taking 300-level courses or above in the major;
2. Complete AIS 101, if required, during the freshman year or within the first year of transferring to a major in the department;
3. Satisfy the prerequisites for each major course enrolled in as described in this bulletin.
Note: Petition for exception to any of the program policies must be made in writing and submitted to the Geography Department. The petition must include reasons why an exception should be made and provide documentation of those reasons, if applicable.