BA in Geography

If you are exploring or planning to transfer to CLA, learning more about your intended major is important.

Click on the ” Full Requirements” button above to see all of the major requirements, and any limits or restrictions on certain kinds of courses or credits. Every major has a requirement of a minimum number of upper level credits or courses that must be taken through their department. Some departments also have limits to the number of 1xxx or 2xxx level courses that can count towards major requirements.

Courses to Prepare for the Major

If you are considering a major in Geography, you are encouraged to take a 1xxx-level (lower division) geography course early in your college career to explore your interest. A lower division course can provide a broad introduction to geography or explore a specific area of study such as human geography, environmental geography, or geographic information science. Click on the “Full Requirements” button above to see all of the major requirements. Here are examples of 1xxx level courses offered at UMTC:

• GEOG 1301W - Our Globalizing World
• GEOG 1372 - Geography of Global Cities
• GEOG 1973 - Geography of the Twin Cities
• GEOG 1403 - Biogeography of the Global Garden
• GEOG 1425 - Introduction to Weather and Climate
• GEOG 1502 - Mapping Our World

It is possible to take an introductory course after transferring. This is common for students transferring from schools where a major similar to Geography was not available.

Geography BS supporting science requirement - The Geography BS does have a supporting science requirement fulfilled by courses from outside of Geography. Approved courses in statistics, programming, chemistry, biology, physics, earth science, math, and other disciplines can count towards this requirement. Some of the approved courses have prerequisites. Depending on the supporting science courses you choose, plan to start appropriate prerequisites for courses early in your academic career. Click on the “Full Requirements” button above to see all of the major requirements including the supporting science courses.

A grade of C- or better is required in all courses approved to satisfy major requirements.

Transferring Courses and Credits

Use Transferology to help you plan your courses for the major. Remember, when using Transferology, look for courses that transfer as direct equivalents to UMTC major courses.

Check Transferology to see if an evaluation already exists for courses you would like to use towards the major. If you find a course that has not been evaluated, you can submit an evaluation request to find out if your course is equivalent to a specific UMTC course. A copy of the course syllabus is required for the evaluation.

Declaring the Major

Transfer students must apply and be admitted to the College of Liberal Arts in order to declare a major. Check out the information on the Geography declaration process on the Advising page.

BA Second Language Requirement 

The BA degree does have a second language requirement. Consider completing or starting your second language before you transfer to CLA. Be sure to talk with a CLA transfer advisor about any questions.

Who Can Help as You Plan Your Transfer

• CLA Transfer Advising - CLA Transfer Advisors are ready to assist you as you plan your transfer to CLA. The Transfer to CLA website provides additional information to help you in your transfer exploration and planning.  
• Geography Department Advising - The departmental advisor can answer questions that are specific to the major.
• Office of Admissions - Requirements for admission to CLA are not the same as the requirements to declare a major. Read through the CLA Transfer Admissions requirements to learn more, and contact the Office of Admissions with any questions.

       If you are a current UMTC student or a UM-Rochester student, you will use the 
       Change of College application process.