Geography and Geospatial Data Science
Explore the essential connections between people, places and the environment. ECU’s Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in geography and geospatial data science combines geospatial tools and hands-on skills to tackle today’s most pressing social and environmental challenges.
Geography and Geospatial Data Science Program Overview
Geography is about making connections - between people and places, technology and environment, local challenges and global change. ECU’s geography and geospatial data science BS integrates cutting-edge geospatial technology with social and environmental inquiry, giving you the skills to analyze climate change, coastal hazards, sustainable resource management and environmental justice. You will gain expertise in geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones and spatial analysis while also exploring social and environmental processes that shape our planet. Graduates pursue careers in fields such as urban and regional planning, environmental consulting, disaster response, conservation and geospatial analysis. If you enjoy making connections between people and places, thinking spatially, and using technology to address pressing issues, ECU's geography and geospatial data science program is right for you.
ECU Advantage
At ECU, geography is a hands-on, applied and student-focused program. You will work closely with faculty who are nationally recognized for their expertise in hazards, coastal environments, climate change and geospatial technology. Our program emphasizes experiential learning — with opportunities to complete internships, contribute to applied research, and gain real-world problem-solving experience using the latest GIS and mapping software. With a bachelor’s in geography from ECU, you will be equipped with both advanced geospatial training and critical insight into social and environmental issues, giving you a competitive edge in a rapidly growing job market.
What You Will Study
Program Coordinator: Jeff Popke (228-A Brewster Building; 252-328-5192; popkee@ecu.edu)
Students pursuing the Geography and Geospatial Data Science, BS complete a structured core curriculum and select one of two concentrations. The geographic and environmental systems concentration provides an integrated spatial perspective on environment-society dynamics and global change. The geospatial data science concentration focuses on advanced training in geographic information science and geospatial technology applications. All students gain practical experience through a required geography internship.
The degree requires a minimum of 120 s.h. as follows:
Core Requirements:
I. General education requirements including the one listed below - 40 s.h.
(For information about courses that carry general education credit view the General Education Program section.)
II. Core - 20 s.h.
- GEOG 1000 - People, Places, and Environments
- GEOG 1250 - Water in the Environment
- GEOG 1251 - Water in the Environment Laboratory
- GEOG 2400 - Spatial Data Analysis
- GEOG 2420 - Cartography
- GEOG 3430 - Geographic Information Systems I
- GEOG 4803 - Geographic Internship
- GEOG 4999 - Geography Professional Seminar
III. Concentrations - 15 s.h.
Choose one of the following concentrations.
A. Geographic and environmental systems
Choose 15 s.h. from the following:
- GEOG 3030 - Island Geographies
- GEOG 3060 - Energy Geographies
- GEOG 3240 - Biogeography
- GEOG 4140 - Research Methods in Human Geography
- GEOG 4280 - Wetlands as Socio-Ecological Systems
- GEOG 4360 - Geographies of Global Climate and Environmental Change
B. Geospatial data science
Choose 15 s.h. from the following:
- GEOG 3420 - Remote Sensing of the Environment I
- GEOG 3460 - GIS Applications Programming
- GEOG 3480 - Drone Technology and Applications
- GEOG 4420 - Remote Sensing II
- GEOG 4430 - Geographic Information Systems II
- GEOG 4470 - GIS for Conservation
IV. Electives - 6 s.h.
Choose an additional 6 s.h. of geograhy courses or approved electives.
V. Minor and/or general electives to complete requirements for graduation
ECU Minor Requirements Policy
The university's policy regarding double counting credits between major and minor can be found in the Academic Advisement, Progression and Support Services section of this catalog. See "Minor Requirements".
If you have questions, please reach out to your program coordinator or director.
- No more than 9 credit hours required for satisfying a major can count towards the credits required for satisfying a minor, excluding specified cognates (required courses but outside of the major discipline).
- Individual programs may have additional restrictions.
- A student may not major and minor in the same discipline as defined by the program's 6-digit CIP code.
For more information about this degree visit the university's academic catalogs.
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