The program focuses on integrating traditional geographic knowledge with modern spatial technologies like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing.
Program Description
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are expected to demonstrate the following competencies:
- 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.
Professional Career Outcomes:
The program prepares students for various specialized roles in the public and private sectors, including:
- 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
Program Overview
To request more information about the program
Contact Admission
King Saud University