Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate in written and oral forms.  These outcomes are evaluated together because they are connected for our students who often are in careers where their written work is the substance of their oral presentations.  We see the linkage of the two to be the most important aspect.
2. Students will demonstrate understanding of and the use of one geographical technique such as GIS, remote sensing, cartography, or spatial statistics.
3. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of the central themes within the discipline.
4. Students will be prepared for careers in the field or for graduate study in geography.

Admissions

Entrance Requirements

New freshmen who meet University admissions standards are eligible for admission to degree programs offered by the college. A student who wishes to enter the College of Arts and Sciences from another college on the Columbia campus must be in good standing and have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher. A student who wishes to enter the College of Arts and Sciences from another USC campus must fulfill one of the following requirements:

1. Be in good standing, meet the admission requirements for a baccalaureate degree on the Columbia campus, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher.
2. Be in good standing and have completed 30 semester hours with a GPA of 2.00 or higher on a USC campus.

Some programs in the College of Arts and Sciences have special admission requirements established by the department or committee that supervises the specific degree program, for example, Cardiovascular Technology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Economics, Environmental Science, the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, and the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. These requirements are listed in the sections of this bulletin that describe department and special degree programs.

Degree Requirements (120 hours)

Program of Study

Founding Documents Requirement

All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade in the subject areas of History, Political Science, or African American Studies that covers the founding documents including the United State Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation Proclamation and one or more documents that are foundational to the African American Freedom struggle, and a minimum of five essays from the Federalist papers.  This course may count as a requirement in any part of the program of study including the Carolina Core, the major, minor or cognate, or as a general elective.  Courses that meet this requirement are listed here.

Requirements (120 hours)

¹

Must be passed with a grade of C or higher.

²

Carolina Core Stand Alone or Overlay Eligible Requirements — Overlay-approved courses offer students the option of meeting two Carolina Core components in a single course. A maximum of two overlays is allowed. The total Carolina Core credit hours must add up to a minimum of 31 hours. Some programs may have a higher number of minimum Carolina Core hours due to specified requirements.

³

At least two courses for the major must be from the 500-level.  GEOG 595 can be used to fulfill up to 3 hours of geography elective credit, but not the 500-level requirement.  Courses used to fulfill Carolina Core or College Requirements may not be used again to fulfill major requirements.

⁴

GEOG 341, GEOG 345, or GEOG 531 may be used if not used above.

B.S. with Distinction in Geography (36 hours)

Available to students majoring in Geography who wish to participate in significant research activities in their major field under the supervision of a faculty mentor.

Prerequisite

A minimum GPA of 3.50 in the major, and 3.30 cumulative, is required to apply for a BA or BS with Distinction in Geography.

Requirements

• Students must submit a written application for the BS with Distinction in Geography at least eight months before completion of the degree.
• Written sponsorship agreement from a Geography faculty mentor on file in the department.
• An established thesis committee consisting of a tenure-track faculty member in Geography and at least one other tenure-track or research faculty member at the University of South Carolina.
• A written thesis demonstrating significant original work and approved by the thesis committee. 
• A public presentation of the Senior Thesis research.
• Successful fulfillment of all requirements below with a minimum GPA of 3.50 in the major and 3.30 cumulative.
• General major requirements, plus 12 additional credit hours including:
  • A minimum of nine credit hours in GEOG 498, or any GEOG 500-level courses (9 hours)
  • GEOG 499

Note: South Carolina Honors College students satisfying the above requirements will graduate with “Honors from the South Carolina Honors College” and with “Distinction in Geography.”

Major Map

A major map is a layout of required courses in a given program of study, including critical courses and suggested course sequences to ensure a clear path to graduation.

Major maps are only a suggested or recommended sequence of courses required in a program of study. Please contact your academic advisor for assistance in the application of specific coursework to a program of study and course selection and planning for upcoming semesters.

Geography, B.S. General Geography Concentration

Geography, B.S. Geographic Information Science Concentration

Geography, B.S. Physical/Environmental Geography Concentration

Geography, B.S. General Geography Concentration

¹

Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA. 

²

Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses.  Courses indicated in this column are included in the major GPA for this program of study. 

³

Students who do not place into MATH 122 or 141 will be required to take the required prerequisite before proceeding with MATH 122 or 141.  

⁴

Students in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 122 course through course credit or the corresponding foreign language placement score.

⁵

The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students. 

⁶

The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences requires one U.S. History and one non-U.S. History course, both of which must be chosen from the approved Carolina Core GHS courses.  Whichever is not fulfilled through the Carolina Core GHS requirement must be fulfilled through this college requirement. 

⁷

GEOG Major Courses (15 hours): GEOG 263, 285, 310, 311, 312, 313, 321, 324, 330, 341, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 360, 365, 370, 371, 510, 511, 512, 515, 516, 521, 525, 530, 531, 535, 541, 542, 544, 545, 546, 547, 549, 551, 552, 554, 556, 561, 562, 563, 564, 565, 566, 567, 568, 569, 570, 571, 573, 581, 590. 

⁸

The cognate is intended to support the course work in the major.  The cognate must consist of twelve hours of courses at the advanced level, outside of, but related to the major.  In place of a cognate, a student may choose a minor consisting of at least 18 credit hours of courses concentrated in one area that follow a structured sequence.  All minor courses must be passed with a grade of C or higher.  For B.S. degrees, grades of D are acceptable for completion of the cognate requirement.  A second major eliminates the minor/cognate requirement. 

⁹

No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.  The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses.  Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. 

¹⁰

Geography Electives (6 credit hours): Select 2 courses at the 200-level or above with advisor’s approval.  At least 2 courses from the major must be from the 500-level.  GEOG 595 can be used to fulfill up to 3 hours of geography elective credit, but not the 500-level requirement. 

Program Notes:

• All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
• Any exceptions or additional options in the Geography major may be made with the consultation and approval of the departmental advisor.
• BA with Distinction in Geography (36 hours): Available to students majoring in Geography who wish to participate in significant research activities in their major field under the supervision of a faculty mentor.  A minimum GPA of 3.50 in the major and 3.30 cumulative is required to apply for a BA or BS with Distinction in Geography.  Requirements:
  • Students must submit a written application for the BS with Distinction in Geography at least eight months before completion of the degree.
  • Written sponsorship agreement from a Geography faculty mentor on file in the department.
  • An established thesis committee consisting of a tenure-track faculty member in Geography & at least one other tenure-track or research faculty member at the University of South Carolina. o A written thesis demonstrating significant original work and approved by the thesis committee.
  • A public presentation of the Senior Thesis research.
  • General major requirements, plus 12 additional credit hours including: a minimum of 9 credit hours in GEOG 498, or any GEOG 500-level courses, and GEOG 499-Senior Thesis (3).
• The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia. 

Geography, B.S. Geographic Information Science Concentration 

¹

Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA. 

²

Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses.  Courses indicated in this column are included in the major GPA for this program of study. 

³

Students who do not place into MATH 122 or 141 will be required to take the required prerequisite before proceeding with MATH 122 or 141.  

⁴

Students in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 122 course through course credit or the corresponding foreign language placement score. 

⁵

The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students. 

⁶

The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences requires one U.S. History and one non-U.S. History course, both of which must be chosen from the approved Carolina Core GHS courses.  Whichever is not fulfilled through the Carolina Core GHS requirement must be fulfilled through this college requirement. 

⁷

Geography Major Courses (9 credit hours): At least 2 courses from the major must be from the 500-level.  GEOG 595 can be used to fulfill up to 3 hours of geography elective credit, but not the 500-level requirement.  Choose from the following: GEOG 285, 349, 535, 541, 542, 551, 552, 554, 556, 562, 563, 564, 565, 495.  GEOG 341, 345, or 531 may be used if not already taken. 

⁸

The cognate is intended to support the course work in the major.  The cognate must consist of twelve hours of courses at the advanced level, outside of, but related to the major.  In place of a cognate, a student may choose a minor consisting of at least 18 credit hours of courses concentrated in one area that follow a structured sequence.  All minor courses must be passed with a grade of C or higher.  For B.S. degrees, grades of D are acceptable for completion of the cognate requirement.  A second major eliminates the minor/cognate requirement. 

⁹

No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.  The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses.  Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. 

¹⁰

A list of non-Geographic Information Science electives can be found in the Bulletin. 

Program Notes: 

• All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
• Any exceptions or additional options in the Geography major may be made with the consultation and approval of the departmental advisor.
• BA with Distinction in Geography (36 hours): Available to students majoring in Geography who wish to participate in significant research activities in their major field under the supervision of a faculty mentor.  A minimum GPA of 3.50 in the major and 3.30 cumulative is required to apply for a BA or BS with Distinction in Geography.  Requirements:
  • Students must submit a written application for the BS with Distinction in Geography at least eight months before completion of the degree.
  • Written sponsorship agreement from a Geography faculty mentor on file in the department.
  • An established thesis committee consisting of a tenure-track faculty member in Geography & at least one other tenure-track or research faculty member at the University of South Carolina.
  • A written thesis demonstrating significant original work and approved by the thesis committee.
  • A public presentation of the Senior Thesis research.
  • General major requirements, plus 12 additional credit hours including: a minimum of 9 credit hours in GEOG 498, or any GEOG 500-level courses, and GEOG 499-Senior Thesis (3).
• The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia. 

Geography, B.S. Physical/Environmental Geography Concentration 

¹

Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA. 

²

Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses.  Courses indicated in this column are included in the major GPA for this program of study. 

³

Students who do not place into MATH 122 or 141 will be required to take the required prerequisite before proceeding with MATH 122 or 141.  

⁴

Students in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 122 course through course credit or the corresponding foreign language placement score. 

⁵

The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students. 

⁶

The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences requires one U.S. History and one non-U.S. History course, both of which must be chosen from the approved Carolina Core GHS courses.  Whichever is not fulfilled through the Carolina Core GHS requirement must be fulfilled through this college requirement. 

⁷

The cognate is intended to support the course work in the major.  The cognate must consist of twelve hours of courses at the advanced level, outside of, but related to the major.  In place of a cognate, a student may choose a minor consisting of at least 18 credit hours of courses concentrated in one area that follow a structured sequence.  All minor courses must be passed with a grade of C or higher.  For B.S. degrees, grades of D are acceptable for completion of the cognate requirement.  A second major eliminates the minor/cognate requirement. 

⁸

No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.  The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses.  Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. 

⁹

Geography Electives (18 credit hours): At least 2 courses from the major must be from the 500-level.  GEOG 595 can be used to fulfill up to 3 hours of geography elective credit, but not the 500-level requirement.  Select 6 courses from the following: GEOG 330, 343, 346, 347, 348, 360, 365, 370, 371, 516, 530, 535, 545, 546, 547, 549, 566, 567, 568, 569, 570, 571, 573, 590. GEOG 201 or 202 may be used if not used to satisfy Carolina Core or College Requirements. 

Program Notes:

• All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
• Any exceptions or additional options in the Geography major may be made with the consultation and approval of the departmental advisor.
• BA with Distinction in Geography (36 hours): Available to students majoring in Geography who wish to participate in significant research activities in their major field under the supervision of a faculty mentor.  A minimum GPA of 3.50 in the major and 3.30 cumulative is required to apply for a BA or BS with Distinction in Geography.  Requirements:
  • Students must submit a written application for the BS with Distinction in Geography at least eight months before completion of the degree.
  • Written sponsorship agreement from a Geography faculty mentor on file in the department.
  • An established thesis committee consisting of a tenure-track faculty member in Geography & at least one other tenure-track or research faculty member at the University of South Carolina.
  • A written thesis demonstrating significant original work and approved by the thesis committee.
  • A public presentation of the Senior Thesis research.
  • General major requirements, plus 12 additional credit hours including: a minimum of 9 credit hours in GEOG 498, or any GEOG 500-level courses, and GEOG 499-Senior Thesis (3).
• The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia.