Graduate Programs: GEOGRAPHY

NOTE: This document was generated from the 1995-1997 UIUC Programs of Study. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, but be advised that requirements may have changed since this book was published. Errors may have also been introduced in the conversion to a WWW document. Thus for items of importance, it might be wise to seek confirmation from either the paper version or a live human being.

Head of the Department: C. E. Thorn

Correspondence and Information: Graduate Adviser, Department of Geography, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 220 Davenport Hall , 607 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801; (217) 244-3486

GRADUATE FACULTY

Professors: B. M. Hannon, G. J. D. Hewings, J. A. Jakle, D. L. Johnson

Associate Professors: T. J. Bassett, T. D. Frank, S. A. Isard, B. L. Rhoads, C. E. Thorn, D. Wilson

Assistant Professors: B. H. Aten, E. Kalipeni, K. B. Newbold

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

The Department of Geography offers work leading to the master of arts, master of science, and doctor of philosophy degrees. The department's specializations are organized into three programs: (1) economic geography/regional science (industrial location, transportation, techniques of urban and regional analysis, urban systems); (2) urban and rural development (social theory, political processes, urban morphology, cultural ecology and development, historic landscape analysis); and (3) physical geography (fluvial, periglacial, soil, Quaternary studies, remote sensing, geographic information systems). Detailed descriptions of these programs may be obtained from the departmental office.

DEPARTMENTAL FACILITIES

The department houses several laboratories: (1) the Spatial Data Analysis Laboratory is a facility for analysis of spatial patterns derived from maps, aerial photographs, and satellite images using computer cartography/image processing workstations; (2) the Cartography Laboratory has darkroom and drafting facilities; (3) the Soil Laboratory includes an X-ray diffractometer and a vacuum spectrometer; (4) the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Laboratory is equipped with several networked SUN 360 machines and a wide array of software.

MAP AND GEOGRAPHY LIBRARY

Within the University's outstanding library is the Map and Geography Library, which has an excellent collection of geography monographs, periodicals, and more than 500,000 maps and aerial photographs.

ADMISSION

Students applying for admission to the master's program are expected to have a strong undergraduate background in geography and/or related disciplines. In addition to other Graduate College admission requirements, a grade-point average of at least 4.0 (A = 5.0) in the undergraduate major is required. Ph.D. candidates are generally expected to have at least a 4.5 average in previous graduate work.

MASTER OF ARTS AND MASTER OF SCIENCE

Successful candidates for the master's degree whose backgrounds are largely in physical geography are recommended for the master of science; others receive the master of arts. The Graduate College requirements for the master's degree apply.

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

Admission presupposes distinction in completing the master's program in geography at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign or its equivalent. In the doctoral program, the student develops depth in the program chosen for specialization and further advances in research competence. Of the 16 units required beyond the master's degree, 4 units of study in allied disciplines and a minimum of 6 additional units in geography are required. A student must complete the course requirements as determined by an individually planned program, initiate and complete research projects, and qualify for candidacy by passing the preliminary examination. Although there is no departmental foreign language requirement, students may offer a foreign language as a research tool.

FINANCIAL AID

Fellowships, teaching and research assistantships, and waivers of tuition and some fees are available in the department. See the discussion on financial aid on Financial Aid for a description of the provisions of these awards.

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