Geography: Bachelor of Arts Minor
Description
The Bachelor of Arts, Minor in Geography, provides an undergraduate degree option for students wishing to combine the study of geography with another disciplinary focus. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the interconnection of the natural and social environments, with particular attention to the urban setting of human activity.
In the first two years of the program, students take introductory courses in human and physical geography, a course in GIS (Geographic Information Systems), a course in regional geography, and a course in urban geography. There are also requirements, as defined in the BA degree framework, for quantitative courses, and courses in English and other disciplines.
At the end of year two, students who have completed the appropriate courses will qualify for an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science in Geography. The end of year two is when most students officially declare their Minor in Geography at KPU in order to pursue years three and four of KPU’s BA programs.
In year three of the BA Minor in Geography, courses focus on geographic theory, further sub-areas of human geography, and the integration of physical and human geography. Year four is comprised of an advanced, applied GIS course and a course focusing on contemporary geographic issues, with new topics and content developed on an annual basis.
Career Opportunities
Studying geography can lead to a wide range of careers in fields like urban and regional planning, geotechnical engineering, retail market planning, environmental consulting, meteorology, First Nations governance, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and international development. Geography also provides a versatile background for professional programs like teaching, law, engineering and business.
The BA minor in Geography at KPU is most likely to be paired with a minor in areas like History, Sociology, English and Mathematics. Such combinations may lead towards a geography-related career, a teaching degree or an advanced degree program. Other fruitful pairings would be with disciplines that also employ GIS, such as Anthropology, Business and Criminology.
Program Admission Requirements
In addition to KPU's General university admission requirements, including the undergraduate-level English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply:
Year One Admission:
- English 12 with a 'B' (or equivalent)
- Mathematics:
- Minimum grade of 'C' in Pre-Calculus 11, Principles of Mathematics 11, or Applications of Mathematics 12 (or equivalent); or
- Minimum grade of 'C+' in Foundations of Mathematics 11 (or equivalent); or
- Minimum grade of 'C-' in Pre-Calculus 12 or Foundations of Mathematics 12 (or equivalent)
Year Three Admission:
- 60 credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 (including all 1100- and 2000-level major/minor program requirements).
- Grade of 'C' in all required 1000-and 2000-level courses, including the English writing requirement (ENGL 1100 and one of either ENGL 1202 or 1204, or equivalent).
- Two Quantitative courses (total of six or more credits).
- 12 credits of breadth courses
- Mathematics:
- Minimum grade of 'C' in Pre-Calculus 11, Principles of Mathematics 11, or Applications of Mathematics 12 (or equivalent); or
- Minimum grade of 'C+' in Foundations of Mathematics 11 (or equivalent); or
- Minimum grade of 'C-' in Pre-Calculus 12 or Foundations of Mathematics 12 (or equivalent); or
- Minimum grade of 'C+' in the above Two Quantitative courses (three credits of which must be from the Faculty of Science & Horticulture)
- Second language at the Grade 11 level or 6 credits of post-secondary language courses in the same language. Note: Students need only achieve a passing grade to fulfill this requirement. Beginner's or Introductory Language 11 courses are ineligible to meet this requirement. Students who can demonstrate competency in a second language may request an assessment to have this requirement waived.
Qualifying Year
Students who do not qualify upon initial application to KPU may be eligible for entry to the Qualifying Year. Students who possess at least a 'C' in English 12 (or equivalent) and a passing grade in either Pre-Calculus 11, Principles of Math 11, Foundations of Mathematics 11, Applications of Math 12 (or equivalents) will be able to apply for entry to the BA Qualifying Year. Students will be admitted to the BA program in the second year provided they have successfully completed appropriate qualifying courses. Other applicants who do not qualify are encouraged to consult an Educational Advisor for the appropriate qualifying courses that satisfy the application criteria.
Program Continuance Requirements
Current BA students must meet the following requirements to continue into their 3rd year of study. Registration access to third or fourth year courses is first awarded to students who have completed the following:
- 60 credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 (including all 1100- and 2000-level major/minor program requirements).
- Grade of 'C' in all required 1000-and 2000-level courses, including the English writing requirement (ENGL 1100 and one of either ENGL 1202 or 1204, or equivalent).
- Two Quantitative courses (total of six or more credits).
- 12 credits of breadth courses
- Second language at the Grade 11 level or 6 credits of post-secondary language courses in the same language. Note: Students need only achieve a passing grade to fulfill this requirement. Beginner's or Introductory Language 11 courses are ineligible to meet this requirement. Students who can demonstrate competency in a second language may request an assessment to have this requirement waived.
Program Requirements
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree must complete all requirements in the Bachelor of Arts framework in addition to their major or minor program requirements. Completing the BA Minor entails additional courses in other disciplines, quantitative courses and evidence of language proficiency. Of the 120 credits required, 45 credits must be in upper level courses.
Geography Minor
Year One
All of: |
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| GEOG 1101 | Human Geography | 3 credits | |
| GEOG 1110 | Atmospheric Science | 3 credits | |
| GEOG 1120 | Earth Science | 3 credits | |
Year Two
Both of: |
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| GEOG 2250 | The City | 3 credits | |
| GEOG 2400 | Introduction to GIS | 3 credits | |
And one of: |
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| GEOG 2310 | Climatology | 3 credits | |
| GEOG 2320 | Geomorphology | 3 credits | |
And one of: |
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| GEOG 1160 | Geography of British Columbia | 3 credits | |
| GEOG 2140 | Regional Geography of Canada | 3 credits | |
| GEOG 2170 | Regional Geography of Europe | 3 credits | |
| GEOG 2185 | Regional Geography of East Asia | 3 credits | |
| GEOG 2190 | Regional Geography of South Asia | 3 credits | |
Year Three
Required: |
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| GEOG 3260 | Geographic Thought | 3 credits | |
And two of: |
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| GEOG 3120 | Space Economies | 3 credits | |
| GEOG 3130 | Society and Urban Space | 3 credits | |
| GEOG 3220 | Urban Politics and Planning | 3 credits | |
And one of: |
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| GEOG 3310 | Natural Hazards | 3 credits | |
| GEOG 3320 | Environment and Resources | 3 credits | |
Year Four
Required: |
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| GEOG 4380 | Applications in GIS | 3 credits | |
| GEOG 4501 | Current Geographic Issues | 3 credits | |
Credential Awarded
Upon successful completion of the minor as part of a Bachelor of Arts program, transcripts will indicate a Minor in Geography.
