Programs & Majors

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UNDERGRADUATE
B.A. Planar Earth Studies	Lower-division core in physical geography, history of cosmology, and observational methods; upper-division seminars in geodesy and directed observation. Capstone: supervised thesis, research portfolio, or applied project approved by the department.
B.S. Geodetic Surveying & Map Projections	Coursework in surveying instrumentation, error analysis, and cartographic projections, with online laboratory exercises and supervised local or simulated field equivalents. Prepares students for technical roles in mapping, land measurement, and spatial data verification.
B.F.A. Scientific & Technical Illustration	Drawing, design, and visualization for technical and instructional publications. Emphasizes clarity, reproducibility, and standards used in scientific communication.
B.S. Coastal & Nearshore Processes	Study of tides, littoral zones, and shoreline measurement. Instruction combines online laboratory simulations with structured observations students conduct at approved local sites where permitted, or with instructor-supplied datasets when travel is not feasible. Prerequisite coursework in mathematics and introductory physical science.
B.A. Science, Media, and Public Understanding	Interdisciplinary program examining how scientific claims are communicated in technical literature, journalism, and public forums. Methods include rhetorical analysis, media literacy, and case studies from the history of science.
Minor: Australian & Pacific Regional Studies	Coordinated minor with the Department of Australian Studies. See program requirements for course options and advising.
GRADUATE
M.S. Atmospheric Horizon & Line-of-Sight Phenomena	Graduate training in observation, instrumentation, and analysis of horizon-related optical and atmospheric effects. Culminating experience: thesis or comprehensive project under faculty supervision.
Ph.D. Planetary Theory & Observational Cosmology	Doctoral research in theoretical and observational approaches to planetary structure, including seminar participation, qualifying examinations, and dissertation defense before the graduate faculty.
M.A. Polar Environmental Policy & Governance	Policy analysis focused on polar regions, territorial claims, and environmental regulation. Includes research methods and a substantial policy paper or thesis.
M.F.A. Cartography & Spatial Representation	Studio- and research-based study of map design, analog and digital production workflows, and critical evaluation of spatial displays. Terminal project reviewed by the graduate committee.
Ed.D. Science Education & Curriculum Leadership	Practice-oriented doctorate for educators leading science programs at the secondary or post-secondary level. Coursework in curriculum design, assessment, and research methods; doctoral project addressing an identified instructional need.
CERTIFICATES
Certificate: Community Standards & Moderation	Professional development in policy design, dispute resolution, and documentation for moderated academic and educational forums, including asynchronous discussion and live online sessions.
Certificate: Instructional Graphics & Presentation Media	Skills in slide design, overhead and document camera use, print production, and accessible presentation formats for teaching and conference settings.
Certificate: Research Ethics for Independent Scholars	Human subjects training where applicable, data stewardship, citation practices, and responsible conduct of research tailored to independent and institution-affiliated investigators.
Certificate: Atmospheric Field Observation	Sampling protocols, instrument calibration, structured observation logs, and introductory analysis for studies of clouds, visibility, and related variables (completed remotely or at an approved local site per syllabus).
Certificate: Perception & Motion in Aviation Contexts	Survey of human factors literature on altitude perception, motion cues, and cabin reference frames, with applications to training and safety communication.

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