The mission of the Geography, Planning and Environment Department is to develop an environment for disseminating information, engaging in experimentation and research, and empowering student-based learning. As part of the larger mission of the College of Arts and Sciences, GPE offers courses and degree programs enabling graduates to make meaningful contributions to the research and resolution of environmental and urban problems as citizens, teachers, and professionals. The Department participates in the University wide effort to assess its academic programs. Geography, Planning and Environment is the study of earth environments. Several related fields, including geography, geology, planning, hydrology, and environmental science, are united by a common interest in the spatial nature of earth environments, how they are changed by natural and human forces, and how they can be planned and managed for the future.