Department of Geography and Geology

Environmental Sciences and Technology Building
Office 304, Phone: (270) 745-4555
Website: www.wku.edu/geoweb

Dr. David J. Keeling, Head

Wendy Decroix: Office Coordinator

Professors: S. Foster, C. Groves, D. Keeling, K. Kuehn, M. May
Associate Professors: K. Algeo, J. All, R. Mahmood, F. Siewers, A. Wulff 
Assistant Professors: A. Celestian, J. Durkee, X. Fan, L. Florea, G. Goodrich,  M. Gripshover, J. Polk, J. Yan
Instructors: W. Blackburn, K. Cary, M. Crowder, S. Dobler, D. Kreitzer, A. Seymour, D. Reader

Programs offered by the Department of Geography and Geology are designed to meet the career goals of students in a wide variety of geoscience areas. Over the past twenty years, most of our program graduates have found employment in their preferred professions.

Geography courses provide a scientific foundation for the investigation and understanding of the physical and biological environments, the nature of social, political and economic activity, and the interaction between humans and the environment. Collectively, these courses offer basic professional training for geographers and planners, as well as providing geographic training for prospective elementary, middle, and high school teachers. They are also an essential component of international programs offered by the university in Latin American, Asian, African, and Canadian studies, and in International Business. Geography is considered an essential life skill.

Geography prepares students for service as water and environmental resource managers, city and regional planners, industrial and commercial consultants, meteorologists and climatologists, cartographers, G.I.S. analysts, educators, and government employees in a wide range of national, state, and local agencies. Environmental Planning and Sustainable Development are interdisciplinary specialties of the Department and many graduates work for the National Park Service, National Forest Service, and other management agencies. Majors in Meteorology and Geographic Information Science (GIS) prepare students for professional careers in the atmospheric sciences and in positions that demand sophisticated spatial analytical techniques.

Geology courses provide the basic professional foundation for the scientific investigation of the Earth as well as geological education for the prospective teacher. Geology majors may enter positions in industry and government agencies. Many geologists work in interdisciplinary fields such as hydrology, energy, environmental and engineering geology, geophysics, and geochemistry. Geologists are needed in many areas for basic Earth research, for exploration and development of natural resources, and to address various environmental problems. Students are prepared for a variety of interesting and important career positions in federal and state agencies, engineering and environmental firms, and other areas of private industry, including oil, gas, and coal companies. In addition to the traditional BS degree in geology, majors may also select A.B. options in earth and space science or general geoscience. The geology program also prepares students for eventual certification as a Professional Geologist.

When planning a program of study in this department, each student should be aware of the University’s academic requirements and regulations contained in this catalog in the chapter, “Academic Information.” Specific attention should be given to the subsections in the chapters entitled (a) Academic Programs, (b) General Education Requirements, and (c) Academic Requirements and Regulations. Students should be aware that some academic programs may require additional scholastic regulations and standards not specified in the catalog. To obtain a copy of these regulations, students should contact the department head.

The four-year plan for timely completion of a geography, meteorology, GIS, or geology major appears on the departmental website at: www.wku.edu/geoweb/info/program.htm. A five-year bachelors/masters in environmental management and geoscience has been developed so that motivated students can focus their research interests and gain a Master’s degree in an expedited timeframe. Five-year bachelors/masters programs can be tailored to meet other research interests for motivated students.

Major in Geographic Information Science
The major in geographic information science (reference number 576) focuses on the concepts and principles of GISystems, along with its four components: (1) input, corrections, and collection of geospatial data; (2) storage and retrieval of geospatial data; (3) manipulation and analysis of geospatial data; and (4) maps and other forms of presentation of geospatial data. The major in geographic information science (reference number 576) requires a minimum of 57 semester hours of GIS courses. The required courses are AMS 163, CS 145, 230, GEOG 100 or GEOL 102, GEOG 101 or GEOG 110, GEOG 300, 316, 317, 391, 414, 417, 418, 419, 443, 475 or 495, 477, 492 and 499. Required support courses are CE 160-161, CS 240, ENG 307, MATH 118 (or MATH 116 or 117) and 126. Qualified students may omit MATH 118 and start with MATH 126. GIS courses require a course fee.

Major in Meteorology
The major in meteorology (reference number 578) leads to a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and requires a minimum of 49.5 semester hours of meteorology, geography, and computer science. A minor program is not required. Other required courses in physics and mathematics total an additional 26 semester hours. Students majoring in meteorology will learn the key concepts and skills necessary to qualify as a meteorologist for the National Weather Service, and to meet the standards of the American Meteorological Society. The core courses required are GEOG 100 or GEOG 102 or GEOG 111; GEOG 101 or GEOG 110; GEOG 121, 300, 316, 391, 422, 424, 499; CS 240.  The professional courses required are GEOG 325, 431, 432, 433, 437, 438; CS 245.  The following are additional courses required outside of the major:  PHYS 255/256, 265/266; MATH 126, 227, 327, and 331.

Major in Geography
The major in geography (reference number 674) requires a minimum of 36 semester hours and leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. A minor or second major is required. Required courses totaling 30 - 32 hours are required for each area of concentration, with an additional 3-6 hours chosen from specified electives. Incoming freshmen are encouraged to take GEOG 175 (University Experience) as preparation for the major.

Students majoring in geography will develop, with their advisor, a group of courses designed to meet their specific needs within the framework of departmental offerings.

At present, the department offers six specific areas of concentration with a required course of study. These areas of concentration with their specific curricula are as follows:

Environment and Sustainable Development

• Program Requirements 32 hours
  GEOG 100 or GEOL 102, GEOG 101 or 110, 280, 300, 316, 328, 391, 471, 474, 475 or 495, 499
• Program Electives 4 hours
  GEOG 208, 209, 310, 317, 350, 414, 417, 419, 444, 452, 455, 487, GEOL 415
• Program Total 36 hours
• Additional requirements: MATH 118 (or MATH 116 and MATH 117) and one Ethics course: PHIL 320 or GEOG 444

General Geography

• Program Requirements 32 hours
  GEOG 100 or GEOL 102, 101, 110,  200 or 278, 300, 316, 391, 350 or 360, 444 or 464, 475 or 495, 499
• Program Electives 4 hours
  GEOG 208 or 209, plus any 3 hours of upper-division courses.
• Program Total 36 hours
• Additional requirement: MATH 118 (or MATH 116 and MATH 117)

Planning and GIS

• Program Requirements 32 hours
  GEOG 100 or GEOL 102, 101 or 110,  240, 300, 316, 317, 391, 474, 475 or 495, 484, 499
• Program Electives 4 hours
  GEOG 350, 360, 414, 416, 417, 419, 423, 451, 477, 480, 487, 488,  497
• Program Total 36 hours
• Additional Requirements: MATH 118 (or MATH 116 and 117) AMS 163, CIS/CS 226 or CS 230

Land, Weather, and Climate

• Program Requirements 30 hours
  GEOG 100 or GEOL 102 or GEOL 111, 101 or 110, 121,  300, 316, 391, 422, 424 or 426, 475 or 495, 499
• Program Electives 6 hours
  GEOG 122, 222, 310, 325, 328, 414, 420, 424 or 426, 429, 455, 471, GEOL 311, 325
• Program Total 36 hours
• Additional Requirements: MATH 118 (or 116/117), PHY 201

Cultural Geography

• Program requirements 32 hours
  GEOG 100 or GEOL 102, 101, 110,  278, 300, 316, 391,430,451,475 or 495, 499
• Program Electives 4 hours
  Any upper-division courses
• Program Total 36 hours
• Additional Requirements: MATH 118 (or MATH 116 and 117)

Geography Honors

• Program Requirements 30 hours
  GEOG 100 (Honors), 110 (Honors), 300, 316, 391, HONS 300, HONS 301, Honors Enriched Embedded Courses (10 hours), 499
• Program Electives 6 hours
  HONS 403 Thesis for 6 hours, or 475 or 495
• Program Total 36 Hours
• Additional Requirements: MATH 118 (or MATH 116 and 117), one ethics course may be satisfied by taking PHIL 320 or GEOG 444.

Four-Year Degree Program
By taking the courses required of all majors during the freshman, sophomore, and junior years and the courses required for the specific concentrations during the sophomore, junior, and senior years, a student may graduate in four years. Recommended semester-by-semester schedules can be obtained from advisors, the department office, or the department website: www.wku.edu/geoweb/info/program.htm.

Major in Geology
The geology program offers four distinct major concentrations, depending on the career goals of the student.

The professional major in geology (reference number 677) is for students seeking careers as a professional geologist and requires a minimum of 40 semester hours and leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. A minor or second major is required. This major provides students with a solid background in all traditional areas of geology for entry-level employment or graduate school. Incoming freshmen are encouraged to take GEOG 175 (University Experience) as preparation for the major.

Professional Major (reference number 677)

• Program Requirements 31 hours
• GEOL 111, 112, 113, 114, 270, 308, 330, 350, 380, 460, 499
• Program Electives 9 hours
• Any 9 hours of approved geology electives

Additional requirements include: MATH 126, BIOL 122-123, CHEM 120-121, PHYS 250-251, CS 230, GEOG 316, 317, 391, and an approved geology field camp or completion of the WKU certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

The professional extended major in geology (reference number 577) is for students seeking a comprehensive background in the essential content areas within the discipline of geology as defined by the Association of State Boards of Geology. Students who complete this program will be prepared to pass the nationally standardized ASBOG examination, which is one step in the process of achieving professional registration and becoming practicing, professional geologists.

Professional Extended Major (reference number 577)

• Program Requirements 40 hours
• GEOL 111, 112, 113, 114, 270, 308, 330, 350, 380, 415, 440, 460, 485, 499
• Program Electives 12 hours
• Any 12 hours of approved geology electives

Additional requirements include: MATH 126, BIOL 122-123, CHEM 120-121, PHYS 250-251, CS 230, GEOG 316, 317, 391, and an approved geology field camp or completion of the WKU certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

The earth and space science and general geoscience concentrations in geology (reference number 676) are for students who either seek the content knowledge needed to qualify for teacher certification in Kentucky in Earth and Space Science or who do not intend to practice professional geology. This major leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Earth and Space Science Concentration (reference number 676)

• Program Requirements 26 hours
• GEOL 111, 112, 113, 114, 308, 311, 325, 380, 460, 499
• Program Electives 6 hours
• Any 6 hours of approved geology electives

Additional requirements include: MATH 116, PHYS 201, CS 145, GEOG 121, ASTR 104, 106, 405, and a minor field.

General Geoscience Concentration (reference number 676)

• Program Requirements 26 hours
• GEOL 111, 112, 113, 114, 308, 311, 325, 380, 460, 499
• Program Electives 6 hours
• Any 6 hours of approved geology electives

Additional requirements include: MATH 116, CHEM 105/106, PHYS 201, CS 230, GEOG 121, GEOG 316, and a minor field.

Minor in Geography
The minor in geography (reference number 374) requires a minimum of 21 semester hours. Required courses are GEOG 100, 101, 110, one technique course selected from 300, 316, 317, 391, 417, 419, and 452, and 9 hours of upper-division electives chosen in consultation with your advisor.

Department advisors should be contacted to develop a course of study compatible with the department’s philosophy and the student’s needs.

Minor in Geology
The minor in geology (reference number 377) requires a minimum of 21 semester hours. Required courses are GEOL 111, 112, 113, and 114. Two additional courses must be selected from GEOL 308, 330, 350, 380, 405, 460. Additional geology courses, to total a minimum of 5 hours, are to be chosen in consultation with a geology advisor.

Minor in Earth Science
The minor in earth science (reference number 353) is for prospective earth science teachers and requires a minimum of 21 semester hours. Required courses are GEOL 111, 112, 113, 114, GEOG 121, and ASTR 214. Courses to total seven additional hours must be elected from GEOL 308, 330, 370, 405, 420, and GEOG 328 and 420. A minor in earth science must be taken in conjunction with a major or minor in another science or in mathematics.

Minor in City and Regional Planning
The minor in city and regional planning (reference number 339) is designed to develop an academic foundation for students interested in pursuing careers in planning agencies, Geographic Information Sciences, and other government public-service organizations. This minor, in conjunction with an appropriate major, provides a basic foundation for students seeking to pursue graduate or professional studies in the field of city and regional planning.

Two tracks are available in this minor. The Management Track requires GEOG 240, 484, one technique course chosen from GEOG 316,300, 317, 391, 414, 417, 419, and 452; six hours chosen from GEOG 423, 434, 474, 480, 488, and 495; and six elective hours selected in consultation with the advisor. The GIS Analysis Track requires GEOG 240, 484, and 317; six hours chosen from GEOG 417, 474, 488, and 495; and 6 hours of electives chosen from GEOG 316, 419, 423, and 480 in consultation with your advisor. A minimum of 21 semester hours is required for completion of the minor.

Minor in Water Resources
This 22-hour minor program (reference number 491) provides a foundation in the physical and social science aspects of water resource management and policy. The minor is appropriate for students interested in careers in applied hydrology and/or water resources management and policy. Required courses (16 hours) include GEOL 111/113 and GEOG 121, 310, 427, and 474. Restricted elective courses (6 hours) include GEOL 415, 440, 445, GEOG 422, 426, 428, and 487.

Minor in Geographic Information Systems
This 22-hour minor program (reference number 366) provides a foundation in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The minor is appropriate for students interested in careers utilizing GIS as a tool in areas such as geography, geology, biology, political science, business, journalism and broadcasting, engineering, and public health, or for students pursuing GIS as a profession in a related discipline such as Computer Science or Computer Information Systems. Required courses (22 hours) include GEOG 100 or GEOL 111, GEOG 101 or 110, 316, 317, 417, 419, and GEOG 414 or 477.

Minor in Environmental Studies
(See Environmental Studies under Pre-professional and Interdisciplinary Programs.)

Minor in Sustainability
The minor in sustainability (reference number 475) requires 21 semester hours.  The minor provides students with the environmental science knowledge and the theoretical foundation to approach decision making in a way that is sustainable for the long term.  They will understand how both individual and societal decision-making impacts the environment.  Completion of the minor will enable students to examine objectively the impact of specific human activities on the environment and how to mitigate the negative ramifications.

The following courses are required for the 21 hours in the minor (12 hours must be upper-level): 

• Three courses in the foundation and capstone areas (9 hours total):  GEOG 280, 380, and GEOG 495.
• At least one course from each of the following four clusters (12 hours total).  Note—No more than 6 hours of cluster courses can be taken from any single discipline:
• Cluster A:  Ethics and Human Behavior—GEOG 444, SOCL 470
• Cluster B:  Economics, Law, and Policy—ECON 430, GEOG 471, 487
• Cluster C:  Physical Systems and the Environment—BIOL 315, GEOL 415, GEOG 427, 455, ENV 375, PH 385
• Cluster D:  Planning and Land-Use—AGRO 454, AMS 470, CE 351, GEOG 474, ENV 460

Associate Degree in Meteorological Technology
The associate degree in meteorological technology (reference number 269) requires a minimum of 64 semester hours and leads to an Associate of Science degree. This program is designed to meet the increasing need for well-prepared meteorological technicians. The program was developed in consultation with experts of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), the two agencies that offer the largest share of job opportunities.

WKU’s meteorological technology program is the only one of its kind in the United States. While providing a well-structured professional technical education, it should also serve well those students who wish to continue studies toward higher degrees in the sciences.

Required courses are GEOG 121, 122 or GEOG 222,  325, 422, MATH 126, CS 230, and PHYS 201.

Geographic Information Systems Certificate (13 hours)
Geographic Information Systems technology is widely used in business and industry, government, and education. This certificate (reference number 174) is designed for students in a variety of disciplines that involve the analysis, mapping, and interpretation of geographic data. Students who complete the program will have a solid foundation that spans the collection, management, analysis, interpretation, and display of data using geographic information systems. They will gain practical experience by completing projects that require the use of sophisticated GIS functions. Finally, they will learn how to develop and implement customized GIS applications.

The program is housed in the Department of Geography and Geology. It consists of a series of four courses taken for a total of 13 credit hours. The courses are GEOG 316, 317, 417, and 419.

Graduate Degree Programs
The Master of Science in geoscience programs are designed to provide advanced training for those students pursuing administrative and other higher level employment or who plan to continue their graduate education at other universities offering Ph.D. degrees. Undergraduate students who plan early can continue their education and receive a bachelors and masters within five years in the department. While the specializations in geography and geology are similar to those offered at the undergraduate level, emphasis is placed on independent research under the guidance of a graduate advisor. There are many funded research projects within the Department for qualified students. Graduate students are strongly encouraged to write a Master’s thesis, although a non-thesis research paper of publishable quality option is available.

The department also cooperates with the College of Education in offering a Master of Arts in Education degree with a major or minor in geography.

A number of assistantships are available to outstanding graduate students. For further information see the Graduate Studies Catalog or contact the Office of Graduate Studies.