Geography & Sustainability Studies Mission and Programs

The Department of Geography and Sustainability Studies offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in geography and in sustainability studies, and administers minor degree programs in these areas. The Department also offers a minor in urban studies.

Mission

The Department of Geography and Sustainability Studies at SUNY Geneseo combines successful preparation of its students for professional careers and graduate study with a mission of effective teaching, the delivery of high-impact learning experiences, and the incorporation of diverse worldviews and lived experiences. Bridging the social and natural sciences, the Department provides coursework in human and physical geography, sustainability studies, and geospatial technology. Our curriculum strives to ensure that students develop intellectual skills important to the pursuit of a rewarding life and a sustainable future.

Program Requirements

Visit the Knightweb course search to view current course offerings.

Learning Outcomes for Geography

1. Juniors and seniors will apply geographic concepts, methods, and/or skills in professional or out-of-classroom experiences. This includes participating in professional meetings, formal workshops, internships, study abroad programs, field courses, directed studies, and/or holding related leadership roles.

2. Graduates will demonstrate the depth and breadth of their learning experience through their post-graduate educational achievements, career paths, and other geographically- related life experiences. Assessment of their undergraduate education will show that geography provided good preparation for work, further study, and life since graduation.

3. Students will demonstrate an ability to conduct research: locate, evaluate, synthesize, and convey geographical information from a variety of sources.

4. Students will demonstrate knowledge and use of methodological approaches to geographic analysis, including cartography, geographic information systems, and quantitative, qualitative, and field methods.

5. Students will be aware of the major developments in the field, have an understanding of the evolution of the discipline, and demonstrate knowledge of the central debates in the discipline of Geography.

Learning Outcomes for Sustainability Studies

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the concept and practice of sustainability at personal, community, national, and global scales.

2. Analyze complex systems in the context of social, economic, and environmental dimensions.

3. Engage in sustainability research and/or outreach that applies and integrates knowledge and methods from multiple disciplines.

4. Demonstrate critical thinking, writing, and oral communication skills to address the challenges and opportunities of sustainability.