Primary Contact

Chelsea Smith - Evans Liberal Arts Building (ELA) 136
Phone 512-245-1852 / Email

Major Advisor

Dr. Richard Earl ELA 365 / Phone 512.245.3204 / Email

Dr. Richard Dixon ELA 134 / Phone512.245.7436 / Email

Major Faculty

Dr. Phil Suckling, Dr. David Butler, Dr. Richard Dixon, Dr. Richard Earl, Dr. Mark Fonstad, Dr. James Petersen  

Major Description

This major emphasizes the physical science elements of geographical study. Physical geography prepares students for employment in applied climatology and meteorology, oceanography, geomorphology, resource evaluation, environmental analysis, and areas where an understanding of the complex relationship between nature and society is required. Students considering graduate studies in physical geography or any of the earth and atmospheric sciences should select this degree option.

Physical Geography Major Course Checklist

Pre-Major Requirements

Students who meet the university admission requirements enter the Department of Geography’s undergraduate program as pre-majors. To become a major in geography, students must:
1. Complete GEO 1309 and/or GEO 1310, GEO 2410 & GEO 3301 with a minimum grade of C for each course.
2. Complete 45 or more credit hours with an overall minimum GPA of 2.25 for all courses.

Degree/Major Requirements

1. Students majoring in physical geography complete the bachelor of science (B.S.) degree. 
2. The B.S. degree requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of geography with: 
     a) at least a 2.5 GPA for all geography courses attempted at Texas State University and  
     b) at least a 2.25 GPA for all courses taken at Texas State University.
3. The degree requires a minor area of study with a minimum of 18 semester hours. 
4. Texas State requires a minimum of 120 semester hours of coursework to graduate including:
    a) general education core requirements;
    b) major requirements;
    c) minor requirements; and  
    d) additional elective courses selected from disciplines other than major or minor. 
5. At least 36 semester hours must be advanced (3000 – 4000) level courses.   
6. At least 9 semester hours must be writing intensive (WI). 

Minor Requirements

Minor may be any approved Texas State minor. Biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, or physics minors are highly recommended to complement your physical geography major. Other minors may be appropriate depending upon your interests and career goals. Discuss possible options with your advisor.

Optional Certificates

Geographic Information System (GIS) - The GIS Ccrtificate requires completion of 16 hours:  GEO 2426 & (Choose one: GEO 2427 or GEO 3411 or GEO 3416) & GEO 4426 & GEO 4427 with a minimum grade of C for each course and an overall minimum GPA of 2.5 for all four courses. Additional course work beyond minimum degree/major requirements may be required for the certificate. 

Water Resources Policy -The water resources policy certificate requires completion of 13 hours: GEO 3434,  GEO 4313, GEO 4314 and GEO 4341 (spring only) with a minimum grade of C for each course and an overall minimum GPA of 2.5 for all four courses. Additional course work beyond minimum degree/major requirements may be required for the certificate.