Current Students

As a current student, thank you for making a decision to engage in geography coursework that can lead to a rewarding career.  Faculty in the Department of Geography stand ready to guide you along the way through advising, teaching, and student-centered research.

Some of you entered our program after your first or second course in geography when you discovered that what we do is exciting; it expands your knowledge of the world around you; and it can provide you with the requirements of an expanding variety of job opportunities. It is your responsibility to seize the opportunities that our department provides.

As one of our geography majors, I encourage you to take advantage of other opportunities that can enhance your experience at UNA.  Membership in the Geography Club is an excellent way to forge new friendships, participate in leadership roles, develop a network among students, participate in service projects, and learn about our department and UNA through the perspectives of other students. 

By achieving a high GPA, you will become eligible for membership in Gamma Theta Upsilon, the International Geography Fraternity. A high GPA makes you eligible for membership in other honor societies on campus.

Since our basic curriculum requirements are the same for everyone, extending yourself beyond the classroom in an internship or co-op program is an asset. Many employers tell us that this type of experience is why one person got the job over another person with similar academic credentials.  We have an active program for both of these opportunities and I encourage you to sign up for one or both during your academic career at UNA.

Finally, you have the option to work on a research project with a faculty mentor where you can use your geography knowledge and skills to answer a geographic question and to present your work in a public forum.  A few grant opportunities are available to students each year and these grants provide partial funding to attend one of the several professional meetings across the country.  These include the Association of American Geographers, the Southeast Division of the Association of American Geographers, the National Council for Geographic Education, and the Alabama Academy of Sciences.

In conclusion, the Department of Geography at UNA provides you with a quality education in geography, access to nationally known faculty, local, regional, statewide, and international field work opportunities, job search support, and a large network of former UNA students through the UNA Geography Alumni Association.  We are dedicated to working with you to achieve your goals as a geography major at UNA.

 

Dr. Bill Strong

Chair, Department of Geography