Major Code BA1944

Honors Tutorial College  
35 Park Place
Phone: 740.593.2723
Fax: 740.593.9521
honors.college@ohio.edu
www.ohio.edu/honors

Harold Perkins, director of studies/contact person
perkinsh@ohio.edu

Program Overview

Geography is the study of spatial relationships between humans and their changing environment. For example, geographers note the Earth’s human population is now predominantly urban and increasingly demands a higher standard of living. Thus geographers investigate, among other things, how development pressure is greatly straining the Earth’s capacity to sustainably carry its human inhabitants. The HTC program in Geography offers students the opportunity study this process using cutting-edge techniques and methods. Honors tutorial students can major in the Urban Planning and Sustainability track and learn how to design healthy and environmentally friendly cities. Students can major in the Globalization and Development track to learn about international development and how it can be more equitably carried out to raise the standard of living for billions of people coping with poverty. The HTC Geography program also offers a Meteorology track that trains students to be atmospheric scientists capable of analyzing weather and shifting/changing climate patterns. Finally, a General Geography track is an option for majors that allows them much flexibility in tailoring an individualized educational experience based on specific topics/methods of interest. Topics include geographic information systems, hazards, landforms, environmental law, climate science, historical geography, political geography, economic geography, among many others.  

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

Applicants are selected by the program director of studies in consultation with the dean of the Honors Tutorial College. In addition to a superior academic record (minimum 3.5 GPA, a minimum score of 30 on the ACT or 1300 on the SAT, and a class rank in the top 10%), committee members look for students who are highly motivated and exhibit the potential to conduct independent research. An essay and a personal interview with the director of studies are required for entry as a freshman. Letters of recommendation are strongly recommended. Although this is a four-year program, consideration will be given to applications of first-semester Ohio University freshmen.

Change of Program Policy

The program will consider applications from exceptionally promising students already enrolled at Ohio University. These students must meet the same entrance requirements as entering freshmen.

External Transfer Admission

The program will consider transfer applications from exceptionally promising students at another institution. These students must meet the same entrance requirements as entering first-year students.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

The HTC program in Geography prepares talented and highly motivated students for employment in the public or private sector as well as further studies in highly ranked graduate programs. Students majoring in the Urban Planning and Sustainability track may work in planning-oriented agencies and consulting firms. They may also be capable of working in sustainability offices on college campuses and for various nonprofits. Students majoring in Globalization and Development may work for public and private organizations that focus on development at a variety of scales, from local nonprofits to international aid agencies. Meteorology majors may work in forecast meteorology and/or research environments for public and private entities. General Geography majors will have tailored their educational experience to meet their specific interests, and career options will depend on the kinds of courses taken. The HTC Geography program recommends all majors seek out internships that provide additional opportunities for career enhancement. The Geography Department’s record of placing its majors in top-tier graduate programs is also excellent.    

Requirements