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Programs of Study, 1997-1999
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
GEOGRAPHY
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. Fax: (217) 244-1785. E-mail: bbonnell@staff.uiuc.edu. URL: http://www.uiuc.edu/ph/www/geograph
Prospective students may contact: Bruce L. Rhoads, (217) 333-1322.
E-mail: b-rhoads@uiuc.edu.
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 DEGREE 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 has a wide array of equipment for physical and chemical analysis
of earth materials; (4) the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Laboratory is equipped
with several networked SUN computers 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 3.0 (A = 4.0) in the undergraduate major is required. Ph.D. candidates are generally expected to have at least a 3.5 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, four units of study in allied disciplines and a minimum of six 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 page 198 for a description of the provisions of these awards.
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