Geography and the Environment

Overview

Geographers examine the content of space and explain the dynamics of what is taking place in that space.  Geographers study important topics such climate change, political and economic systems, natural hazards, and population and demographics just to name a few.
 

The Department strives to integrate the disciplines of geography and environmental science in seeking to understand the spatial patterns of human and natural environments, the physical and social processes that produce those patterns, and their interaction in specific places and around the world.

The Department provides an interdisciplinary curriculum focused on the interactions between humans and the environment.

Departments/programs/subject areas supported

Undergraduate & graduate programs, major = 125 credits, minor = 16 credits.

 

B.A. in Geography Program, B.A. in Environmental Studies Program, B.S. in Environmental Science Program, M.S. in Environmental Science

The Department of Geography and the Environment provides a high–quality undergraduate educational experience in the areas of Geography, Geographic Information Systems, Environmental Science, and Environmental Studies. The Department links the social and natural sciences, within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and across the University. This educational experience is accomplished through a multi-disciplinary curriculum, innovative classroom instruction, creative laboratory and field experiences, and student research projects with a faculty mentor. The goal is to have our students become capable of critical thinking, open–ended problem solving, and devoted to a lifetime of learning.
 

Geographers also leave Villanova equipped with a diverse and marketable array of technical skills such as computer cartography, Geographic Information Systems, Global Positioning Systems, satellite imagery and remote sensing.

Environmental Science and Environmental Studies programs are complementary and both provide a fundamental scientific understanding of environmental processes.

Minors: Geography Minor, Sustainability Studies Minor
 

M.S. in Environmental Science:

The Master of Science in Environmental Science (MSES) emphasizes integrated thinking and learning at the nexus of science, policy, and human behavior. Graduates will see beyond linear and fragmented approaches to solving environmental problems to understand the complex interactions between people and the environment.
 

Resources Collected

NOTE: Electronic format is preferred for all Library holdings unless otherwise noted.

• Scholarly monographs in electronic and print format

Subjects currently profiled to be considered for acquisition by Library:
Geography (General)-selectively (G), Mathematical Geography (GA), Physical Geography (GB), Oceanography (GC), Environmental Sciences (GE) – specifically data processing, remote sensing, global environmental change and environmental policy, Human Ecology. Anthropogeography (GF) – specifically spatial studies. landscape, settlements. urban geography, rural settlements, Geology (QE) – specifically tectonic, continental drift, volcanoes, Plant Culture (SB) – specifically biography. history and conditions, Photography (TR) – specifically Arial.

 

• Academic Journals in electronic format (Peer reviewed preferred, OA accepted)

Resources and materials collected selectively or by request:

• DVD’s. data sets, material in foreign languages, maps (print, electronic), facsimiles (print, electronic), atlases (print, electronic)

Resources not collected:

• Textbooks

Collaborations within the library

Environmental science, Unique Collections and Digital Library, Learning Commons

External collaborations

Eastern Academic Scholars Trust (EAST), PORTICO archive for preservation, PALCI, RAPIDILL, LYRASIS