Hey, I'm interested in majoring in Geography, and NIU seems to have a program. Does anyone here have first-hand experience with it? What kind of courses do they offer, and how are the professors? Just trying to get a sense of what the department is like, thanks!
Hello! While I don't have first-hand experience with the Geography program at Northern Illinois University (NIU), I can provide you with some insights based on information from their website and some general details about the program.
NIU's Geography program offers both Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees. The B.A. emphasizes human and regional geography, while the B.S. is geared more towards physical geography, cartography, and geographic techniques. In both degrees, you'll have the opportunity to take a wide range of courses that cover topics like geospatial technologies, urban planning, global climate change, natural hazards, and cultural geography, among others.
The department also offers a minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which can be a valuable skill set that complements the geography major and increases job marketability.
In terms of faculty, the geography department at NIU has professors who specialize in several different areas, which should allow you to explore various aspects of geography based on your interests. The faculty members are engaged in research on topics such as environmental change, transportation, and urban dynamics. Be sure to look up their research interests on the department's website to get a better sense of their expertise.
Apart from coursework, it's important to consider extracurricular opportunities for geography students at NIU. They have a Geography Club that organizes various activities like field trips, guest speakers, and workshops. Moreover, many geography students are involved in research projects or internships that help them gain practical experience and network with professionals in the field.
Overall, NIU's Geography program seems to offer a diverse range of courses, dedicated faculty members, and additional opportunities for practical experience and networking. I would recommend reaching out to current students or alumni from the program to get their perspectives and further insights about the department. Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.