Upcoming Courses

FALL 2026 

SUST 101 Introduction to Sustainability

Provides a foundation for sustainability knowledge and problem-solving. Explores the relationships between people and natural systems, examines pressing global challenges, and outlines leadership solutions to wicked challenges. Consideration of the most urgent concerns tied to living out of balance with the planet that sustains life. 

  • Fulfills General Education Requirement (IFPE)

GEOG 210 Planet Earth - People and Place

Introduction to our earth as home to people and place through geographic approaches that analyze cultural, societal, economic, political, and environmental change. Topics include: human dimensions of climate change; sustainability; spatial analysis techniques and theories; population distributions and migration; cultural geographies; global economic development and its distribution; urbanization; political geography; and human-environment relations. (Same as Global Studies 210.) (GSHE, SUSS)

  • Fulfills General Education Requirement (FSSA, AISO, IFEB)

GEOG 248 Cartography and Spatial Data Visualization

Technical skills and theoretical foundations necessary for effective cartography, data visualization, and graphic design. Exploration of diverse cartographic traditions, moving beyond the Eurocentric perspective to mapping practices from around the world. Extensive training in industry-leading GIS software (Esri) as well as design tools such as Adobe Illustrator to enhance map aesthetics and communication. Engagement in critical analysis of maps, fostering a deeper understanding of spatial data visualization and the power of maps to shape knowledge and perception.

GEOG 250 Planet Earth: Wind, Water, Fire 

Basic concepts of Earth systems science and physical geography. Topics include an introduction to mapping, GIS, and remote sensing; weather and climate; drought, floods, and environmental hydrology; earthquakes, volcanoes, landforms, and geomorphology; and the interactions of all of the above with humans and the earth's biota. Climate change and the spatial inequalities in environmental pollution and resources are emphasized. (Same as Environmental Studies 250.) (EVPS, SUEV)

  • Fulfills General Education Requirement (FSNB, AINS, IFQD)

GEOG 260 Foundations of Geospatial Analysis

Introduces the data and technology underlying quantitative spatial analysis. Covers foundational concepts of geospatial data (raster, vector, coordinate systems, map projections, scale, symbology, and metadata) and introduces students to geospatial technology (GIS, GPS, remote sensing, web and mobile mapping). Uses spatial data from multiple national and international data platforms (e.g. USGS, Census Bureau, CDC, UN) to create maps and perform basic spatial analysis. Introduction to concepts of map reading and design. (ARCH, EVRM)

  • Fulfills General Education Requirement (IFQD)

GEOG 280 Ecological Economics

This course examines the economy as a subsystem of a complex, finite ecological system. We will explore the foundations and theories of ecological economics, develop systems thinking, and discuss contemporary debates over how to address pressing issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and increasing inequality. The course will introduce critical perspectives, such as the degrowth movement, diverse/alternative economies, and feminist economic geography traditions, as theoretical tools to better account for the biophysical foundations of the economy. Topics include ecosystem limits and planetary boundaries, commons governance, theories of development, models of growth, and the possibilities and limitations of pricing nature.

GEOG 280 Selected Topics in GIS


GEOG 350 Sustainable Energy

Provides students with the analytical tools to assess energy alternatives and conduct comparative analysis. Students explore the opportunities for energy transition as well as current challenges. Students conduct research and make recommendations for social, ecological and economic sustainability in a specific location.

GEOG 401 Geography Capstone

Capstone course is the culmination of the Geography major. The primary objective is to further develop students' ability to conduct geographic research through the practical application of geographic methods and theory. Students will synthesize their knowledge of geography with an individual thesis or group project.

  • Fulfills General Education Requirement (IFWC)