Department Chair: Bart Wolf , Ph.D.
Kallay-Christopher Hall 201 G| 219-464-5136
Bart.Wolf@valpo.edu
Majors
offered:
Geography
Links
to Web sites:
Catalog: Department of
Geography & Meteorology
Department of Geography &
Meteorology
(department
maintained)
VALPO GEOGRAPHY MAJORS study more than topographical maps. They learn the implications of ethnic, economic, and environmental issues on problems such as urban planning. Whether carrying out research at the Indiana Dunes or in downtown Chicago, Valpo Geography majors learn to make an impact .
What Can You Do with a Geography Major?
Degree, Skills or Experience Needed
for Beginning A Job In This Field:
Geography is an attractive major
for students, and the variety of skills geography
students possess make them attractive to many
potential employers. Some of these skills include
map analysis, database management, computer cartography,
site assessment, route planning, statistical analysis,
field survey ability, and writing proficiency.
Ideally, students gain experience in these areas
through internships. Job opportunities abound
for students with a B.A. in geography, although
few such positions are designated with the title
of "geographer." Still more jobs exist for students
with a graduate degree in geography.
Kinds
of Work Available in Geography:
Airline operations manager, atlas editor,
cartographer, census analyst, communication
illustrator, compliance officer, computer mapping
technician, consumer surveyor, defense analyst,
demographer, development specialist, economic
development coordinator, education planner,
energy resource analyst, environmental impact
analyst, environmental legal assistant, GIS
Analyst, housing planner/analyst, import/export
consultant, land use specialist, land classification
analyst, location analyst, map curator, marketing
analyst, military analyst, park service/forest
service ranger, real estate researcher or appraiser,
resource planner, shipping broker, shorelands
management developer, social studies teacher,
software design soils specialist, State Department
country analyst, technology analyst, trade consultant,
transportation planner, travel agent, urban
planner, water quality coordinator
.
What Is Distinctive About Valpo's
Geography Program?
Results:
Valpo has one of the oldest and most respected
Geography departments in the United States and has produced a stream of
professional geographers. More members of the Association of American
Geographers—the leading professional organization in the field in the
U.S.—completed their undergraduate degrees at Valpo than at any other
school of a comparable size. This should continue well into the future.
Technology:
The Department has a
new computer laboratory equipped with the latest GIS software, training
students for new internships and employment opportunities. Students
continue to attend regional conferences, and most participate in field
courses or directed research projects.
What Beyond-the-Classroom Opportunities Does Valpo Offer You in
Geography?
Field Study:
Students can take advantage
of frequent field course offerings, studying environmental and cultural
topics on site in various parts of the country. In the past two years, the
Department has offered the following field courses: The Grand Canyon,
Mississippi Mound Culture, Yellowstone National Park, Plains Indian
Battlesites, and the Biogeography of the Sonorant
Desert.
Internships:
Most Geography students gain valuable experience in
their field by completing internships, many of which are paid. Valpo
students have completed geography internships with the Bureau of Land
Management, the National Park Service, the Northwest Indiana Regional
Planning Commission, the National Geographic Society and a number of city
planning departments across the Midwest.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Study Abroad:
Students can take part in
Valpo’ s study-abroad programs in countries such as Mexico, England,
France, Spain, Germany, Greece, Japan, China, and Namibia as well as
taking part in semester programs in New York, Washington, D.C., and
Chicago. Geography students, for instance, can complete the Chicago Urban
Semester and earn an Urban Studies
minor.
Notable
Alumni
Thomas Baerwald (VU ’72), Deputy Assistant Director—Geosciences, National Science Foundation
Harold Moellering (VU ’65), Professor of Geography, Ohio State University
John Kupfer (VU ’88), Assistant Professor of Geography, University of Arizona
A.J. Monroe (VU ’95), Planning Director, Portage, Indiana
Richard Wells (VU ’71), Director, Community Development, Casselberry, Florida
Chelsea Zillmer (VU ’97), Researcher, Geography Competitions, National Geographic Society
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