UW-RF

The mission of the Department of Geography and Mapping Sciences is to educate students to identify, describe, and analyze relationships and interactions between people and their physical and cultural environments; to understand the interdependence of regions throughout the world; and to demonstrate and evaluate the interdisciplinary nature of geography. The department serves as the center for Geographic Information Science education on campus which has broad-based multidisciplinary application. The department directly supports key aspects of the University mission in the areas of global and international education, multidisciplinary education, and sustainability through education; research, scholarly, and creative activity; and, service.

WHY IN THE WORLD STUDY GEOGRAPHY &
MAPPING SCIENCES AT UW-RF?

GEOGRAPHY is a field that uses an interdisciplinary approach to understand patterns of human activity and natural processes on the surface of the earth. Geographers are often called upon to analyze and solve problems that deal with interactions between people and the environment. Geography appeals to students who have a wide range of interests that involve human activities and their impacts on the natural environment.

MAPPING SCIENCES are a set of techniques that include Cartography (the art and science of map making), GIS - Geographic Information Systems (the analysis of spatial patterns), and Remote Sensing (the analysis of satellite imagery). These techniques are useful in displaying, understanding, and analyzing spatial relationships. Many other disciplines, such as biology, business, marketing, criminal justice, land use planning, and urban studies utilize mapping techniques.

Studying geography and mapping sciences at UWRF provides the skills to engage in a variety of careers. Through a combination of coursework and internships students gain first hand experience in geographic analysis. The use of computer technologies, through GIS and mapping, are areas where students may develop additional expertise. The department offers a Major and a Minor in Geography, a Minor in Geographic Information Systems and Cartography, and a Major in Broad Field Social Studies (Geography)/Education.

REWARDING CAREERS IN GEOGRAPHY

International Trade Representative	Cartographer
Environmental Assessment & Planning	GIS Analyst
Hazardous Waste & Emergency Planner	Transportation Planner
Urban & Community Planner	Health Service Planner
Demographer (population geography)	Market Analyst
Industrial & Commercial Location Analyst	Teaching

For more information regarding the Department of Geography & Mapping Sciences, please click on a related link to the left or contact the department chair: