Technical
The Technical Concentration develops student skills in map making, maintenance of spatial databases, geographic information systems (GIS), and analysis and interpretation of spatial relationships. Mapping and analyses of spatial relationships rely heavily on computer applications. Our program reflects this trend, and we maintain state-of-the-art hardware and software. You can visit our laboratory facilities and software.
The focus of the Technical Concentration is the development of technical skills and computer applications. However, the required courses ensure that students acquire a broad knowledge base encompassing the geographic perspective. A built-in flexibility in the Technical Concentration also allows the students to design their course of study and develop minors in other disciplines or double concentrations within the Department of Geography. Graduates frequently complete both the Technical Concentration and the Planning Concentration. Students develop minors most commonly in Geology, Technical Writing, and Computer Science
Part time employment opportunities may exist for qualified students. For example, since 1997, under contract with the Virginia Division of Minerals, students in Radford's Geography Department have been digitizing the state's geologic maps.
Internships are strongly recommended.
Job opportunities for students graduating with a Technical Concentration are plentiful and varied. Graduates are employed in local and district planning agencies, federal and state agencies, and assorted businesses ranging from engineering to finance.
Contact the Department of Geography:
Sarah Madden, Administrative Support: Phone:540-831-5558 Fax: 540-831-5254
Curriculum1
GEOGRAPHY CORE COURSES: Physical Geography, Human Geography,
Map Interpretation, World Geography (either
REQUIRED TECHNICAL COURSES: Introduction to Cartography, Digital Cartography, Geographic Information Systems, Advanced Cartography, Remote Sensing and Image Processing and one topical course selected with the approval of the advisor.
REQUIRED COURSES OUTSIDE OF GEOGRAPHY: Twelve semester hours (usually four courses) are required from the following: Introduction to Graphic Design, Photography, Principles of Computer Science I, Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science, Principles of Computer Science II, Computer Graphics, Preparation of Professional Papers, Advanced Technical Writing, College Algebra, Precalculus Function Analysis, Calculus and Analytical Geometry, or Statistics for the Social Sciences.
B.S. Requirements: 6 to 8 additional hours of math, computer science, statistics, and science courses. (Math 325 does not meet requirements.)
B.A. Requirements: (6 to 12 hours) Completion of the university-wide B.A. language requirement described in the undergraduate catalog.
1Check the appropriate Radford University Catalog for official requirements.
Beginning with 2004/2005 New Requirements:
GEOGRAPHY CORE COURSES: World Geography (
REQUIRED GEOGRAPHY COURSES: Introduction to Human Geography, Digital Cartography, Advanced GIS, Advanced Geoprocessing, and Digital Image Processing.
REQUIRED COURSES OUTSIDE OF GEOGRAPHY: Twelve semester hours (usually four courses) are required from the following: Photography, Introduction to Graphic Design, Principles of Computer Science I, Discrete Mathematics, Principles of Computer Science II, Computer Graphics, Preparation of Professional Papers, Advanced Technical Writing, College Algebra, Precalculus Function Analysis, Calculus and Analytic Geometry I and II, or Statistics for the Social Sciences.
B.S. Requirements: 6 to 8 additional hours of math, information technology, statistics, or science courses. (Math 325 does not meet requirements.)
B.A. Requirements: (6 to 12 hours) Completion of the university-wide B.A. language requirement described in the undergraduate catalog.