Geography

• Geospatial Mastery: Proficiency in using modern applications, including GIS, remote sensing, and statistical analysis software to analyze and visualize spatial data.
• Environmental Analysis: Ability to identify and propose solutions for complex geographical and environmental issues affecting the Kingdom and its regions.
• Fieldwork and Research: Mastery of field research methods, including field data collection, the design of surveys/questionnaires, and the measurement of geographic variables.
• Integrated Scientific Knowledge: Deep understanding of the interplay between physical systems (climate, landforms) and human systems (urbanization, population).

Professional and Soft Skills:

– Team Leadership: Ability to work in teams, act as a coordinator, and lead projects.

– Communication: Effective use of information technology and databases to present findings.

– Problem Solving: Ability to detect spatial problems and assist in their resolution through quantitative and qualitative analysis. 

• GIS/Database Technician: Building and maintaining geographic databases.
• Spatial Data Analyst: Processing and analyzing spatial information for decision-making.
• Planning Assistant: Supporting regional, urban, or rural planning efforts.
• Environmental Specialist: Monitoring environmental hazards and protective measures.
• Cartographer and Surveyor Assistant: Producing digital maps and conducting field surveys. 

Common First Year (Humanities): Students must first complete the university’s Common First Year for humanities, which includes courses in English, communication skills, and introductory social sciences.

Admission Score: Acceptance into the major is competitive and based on a composite score involving high school GPA, the General Aptitude Test (GAT), and the Achievement Test (Tahsili).

Credit Hours: Graduates must typically complete 128 credit hours distributed across university, college, and department requirements.

Departmental Criteria: Students may be required to maintain a specific GPA (often 2.0/5.0 or higher) within the major to remain in good standing.

Language: While the primary language of instruction for many humanities courses is Arabic, proficiency in English is often required for technical courses involving geographic software.

First Year – First Semester

Common First Year (Humanities Track)

ENGL101 – English Language Skills – 3 Credit Hours
IT101 – Information Technology Skills – 3 Credit Hours
COMM101 – Communication Skills – 3 Credit Hours
GEO101 – Introduction to Geography – 3 Credit Hours

First Year – Second Semester

Common First Year (Humanities Track)

ENGL102 – English Language Development – 3 Credit Hours
IT102 – Advanced IT Skills – 3 Credit Hours
COMM102 – Advanced Communication Skills – 3 Credit Hours
GEO102 – World Geography Overview – 3 Credit Hours

Second Year – First Semester

University Requirements

ISL201 – Islamic Culture (Compulsory) – 2 Credit Hours
ARB201 – Arabic Language (Core) – 3 Credit Hours

Department Core Courses – Physical Geography Track

GEO201 – Geomorphology – 3 Credit Hours
GEO202 – Climatology – 3 Credit Hours
GEO203 – Biogeography – 3 Credit Hours

Second Year – Second Semester

Department Core Courses – Human Geography Track

GEO204 – Economic Geography – 3 Credit Hours
GEO205 – Population Geography – 3 Credit Hours
GEO206 – Urban Geography – 3 Credit Hours

Third Year – First Semester

Department Core Courses – Geospatial Technology Track

GEO301 – Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – 3 Credit Hours
GEO302 – Remote Sensing – 3 Credit Hours
GEO303 – Cartography – 3 Credit Hours

Elective/Optional Courses

GEO304 – Environmental Studies – 2 Credit Hours
GEO305 – Regional Planning – 2 Credit Hours

Third Year – Second Semester

Department Core Courses – Regional Studies

GEO306 – Geography of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – 3 Credit Hours
GEO307 – Geography of the Arab World – 3 Credit Hours

Elective/Optional Courses

GEO308 – Advanced GIS Spatial Analysis – 3 Credit Hours
GEO309 – Sustainable Development – 3 Credit Hours

Fourth Year – First Semester

Elective Track – Choose Based on Career Goals

Environmental Track: Natural Resources & Sustainability – 3 Credit Hours
Geospatial Track: Advanced GIS Modeling – 3 Credit Hours
Urban/Planning Track: Urban Systems & Regional Planning – 3 Credit Hours

Capstone/Project Course

GEO401 – Senior Geography Project – 4 Credit Hours

Fourth Year – Second Semester

Elective Track – Continuation

Environmental Track: Environmental Management – 3 Credit Hours
Geospatial Track: GIS Applications & Modeling – 3 Credit Hours
Urban/Planning Track: Urban Development & Policy – 3 Credit Hours

Graduation Preparation

GEO402 – Seminar & Thesis Presentation – 2 Credit Hours

Total Program Credit Hours: 128