The word Geography originates from the Greek words “Geo or Gaea” both meaning “Earth”, and “graphein” meaning “to describe” or “to map”. Hence, it can be inferred that Geography is the science of the earth i.e., the study of the surface of the earth, the location and distribution of its physical and cultural features, the aerial outlines of places, and also the interrelation of these features as they influence human population.
VISION
The Department of Geography will be a leader in the integration of teaching and learning, advancement of the knowledge base and leadership in service and research. Geography students are inspired to continue learning throughout their life. Further, the department will be a leader in preparing professionals who provide leadership and exemplary educational and related services to improve the lives of individuals. The students are empowered to be successful by helping them develop the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to enter or progress within the work force and to adapt in the increasingly diverse and ever-changing world.
MISSION
The mission of the Department of Geography is to help prepare outstanding educators, scholars, researchers and to advance the profession of Geography, as broadly defined, through research on the science and art of teaching and learning, the application of geographical processes, the effective uses of technology and the analysis and development of leadership and educational policy. The department is continuously finding new and more effective ways to educate and serve students with integrity and caring, accepting students where they are and moving them forward without sacrificing standards or expectations; bringing joy, honesty and understanding in learning.
- dedication to learning and broader dissemination of leading-edge research that matters;
- commitment to undergraduate students to provide a learning environment that fosters knowledge, skills and experiences that prepare them for life in an ever-changing world and engages, inspires and challenges them to become informed good citizens;
- commitment to provide a research-based, mentorship model of graduate education and to grow interest in post graduate and doctoral research to meet the highest international standards and are skilful communicators and informed and responsible citizens;
- service to the community by disseminating geographic knowledge and by providing geographic insights on important societal issues.
Core Values
- Space and place matter – These are the concepts that bind the teachers and students as Geographers;
- Diversity – We value foundational and applied research and believe that diversity is a source of innovation.
- The power of ideas – We value creativity, critical thinking and excellence.
- Experiential learning – The field is our natural laboratory and we value experiential learning in its many varied forms.
- Informed citizenry – The value informed to create responsible citizenry who demand and perform sound environmental stewardship.
- Collegiality – The department tries to create an environment in which people treat one another with honesty, courtesy and with each other’s best interests in mind for inclusive decision making.
Scope of Geography Courses
- Educational Qualification:The minimum qualification for taking up geography coursesis 10+2 with high marks in social sciences including geography. For some degree courses in selected universities and colleges, there is an entrance test in which the aptitude of aspirants is checked for specialized study of geography. A first –class hons.degree in geography, is generally a prerequisite for admission to a postgraduate course in geography.
- Personal attributes:Aspirants who want to make a career in geography in Indiamust be creative and imaginative. It is also important to be accepting of learning from others as mentorship from established professionals will play an important role in the initial years. Students of geography need to have an analytical bent of mind, have impeccable organizational skills, communicate well, and be comfortable working in a team.
With a degree in Geography, students are trained in data collection, analysis, presentation, problem identification and evaluation, report production and presentation, etc. Due to the vast scope of geography, the subject delves into several different aspects like environment management, geographic information systems, meteorology, urban planning, teaching, and research.
Geography offers several career options with numerous specializations.
- Cartography– Geographers who specialize in this sub-category of geography make maps, charts, globes, and models
- Survey– Geographers can specialize in surveying, either by joining the Survey of India or state survey departments or private organizations. Surveyors map the surface of the earth through mathematical observations and field work. This is one of many geography jobs in India.
- Urban and Regional Planning– The specialization is concerned with planning, housing, and development projects with respect to their location and utilization of available land-space. There are degree courses available in this stream.
- Town Planning– Town planners are employed by public and private organizations engaged in urban planning and design and by NGOS involved in rural development projects. Many universities offer diploma courses in the specialized field of town planning.
- Remote Sensing– Studies of quickly changing phenomena such as floods, draught and forest fires, etc. Remote sensing satellites provide a variety of information about the earth’s surface
- Climate Change Analysis– As a professional in this field, geographers are required to analyse scientific data and conduct research concerning climate and climate change and make prediction regarding the future of Earth’s climate and weather.
- Geospatial Analyst – A geospatial analyst analyses geographical data, designs databases, uses this data in GIS applications for a wide array of sectors including military, real estate, environment, and government.
Depending on their area of specialization, geographers may be employed as forest managers or in agricultural or economic institutes or as demographers in government and research organizations. A geography background is also an asset for careers in travel and tourism, particularly for travel Journalism. You can also be employed as climatologists, geomorphologists, GIS specialists and hydrologists.
