Geography and GIS

About this opportunity

The School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning offers degrees in Geographical Science and Graphic Information technology  for students interested in diverse people, places, and environments. 

Degrees include: 

• Geography (BA)
• Geography (BS)
• Geography: Meteorology-Climatology (BS)

• Geographic Information Science (BS)

   

We also offer minors and certificates in Atmospheric Sciences, Graphic Information Science, and Geography. 

Thesis

Given the highly interdisciplinary nature of Geographical Sciences, opportunities for thesis projects are highly varied. Consistent with the Barrett requirements, Honors students mostly work with a two-person committee (Thesis Director and a Second Committee Member). A Committee Member is optional for projects. 

To check out potential advisors in SGSUP, you can check out our faculty here. Or reach out to aaron.b.flores@asu.edu with your interests or to schedule a meeting, and he can help direct you to faculty with relevant expertise.

Many of our students pursue our degree programs or Honors theses with our faculty “to make a difference” by “solving problems in the real world.” Examples of thesis projects have included: 

• Climate and environmental dynamics: understanding and managing environmental problems and community resilience
• Transportation systems: evaluating and designing transit structures for mobility, efficiency, and quality of life
• Urban sustainability: examining and planning livable and equitable cities for environmental and human well-being
• Community and economic development: evaluating and planning vibrant neighborhoods, cities, and economies
• Geo-spatial technologies: mapping and analyzing social and environmental dynamics across multiple scales and diverse places. 

Academic Preparation

It is recommended that students begin exploring thesis topics in their second and third years of study. The majority of students complete a thesis in their final two years of undergraduate study. 

Recommended Timeline

Students will need to ensure that they follow the Barrett Honors College requirements and deadlines. For students pursuing honors theses in Geography, the following is a recommended timeline:

• Freshman and Sophomore years: Focus on your general studies requirements and meeting faculty. Reach out to our advising team to inquire about course offerings and faculty expertise. Also, make an appointment with the FHA to discuss your interests.  

   

• Junior year: Complete a thesis workshop, and meet with the Faculty Honors Advisor. 

  Narrow down your thesis project ideas and identify a Thesis Director and ideally the Second Committee Member. Prepare to submit your Honors Thesis Prospectus.

• Senior year: Work with your Thesis Director submit and Second Committee member on the project on a regulars basis during the fall term. Enroll in 492 (typically in fall) and 493 (spring) as you work on your Honor’s Thesis and Defense. Spring semester submit your final approved thesis document. 

Other Honors Opportunities

Several courses in SGSUP provide Honors contracts or credit, and many of our faculty oversee undergraduate research as well. 

Special activities for our majors and friends include the Geography Club and Honors Society and the Student Planning Association, the Youth Mappers and Sun Devil Weather and Climate groups, along with internships and other opportunities.