History and Geography-Anthropology (GIS) Polymath Pathway

Bachelor of Art (BA)

Polymath Pathway

Modes of study:

Blended
·
In person

Bridging History and Geospatial Analysis for data-driven, human-centered careers

The History and Geography-Anthropology (GIS) Polymath Pathway at the University of Southern Maine (USM) combines the applied geographic information systems (GIS) and geospatial analysis specialization with deep historical insights. This interdisciplinary path merges geography’s technical tools like drones, GIS, and spatial analysis, with history’s focus on public engagement and interpretation. You’ll learn to read the past, analyze the present, and navigate the future – building technical and humanistic skills that translate across careers.

You’ll analyze landscapes across time, interpret historical changes through spatial data, and feel confident communicating complex ideas to diverse audiences. This pairing prepares you to stand out to employers with both technical geospatial expertise and the analytical, interpretive skills valued in today’s data-driven, human-focused professions.

Academic catalog

USM’s engaging curriculum ensures you’ll receive both an integrative and cumulative polymath education incorporating history and geography-anthropology (GIS).

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Program duration

Typically completed in 4 years. Work with your USM academic advisor to create a tailored, streamlined academic plan.

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Admissions

SAT and ACT scores are optional. Students that are interested in a Polymath Pathway are encouraged to begin this program in their first year.

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Everything has a history, a backstory that makes it make sense in context. The critical study of History illuminates both the context of the big picture and humanity in the details, revealing the patterns of the past that guide our decisions in the present and point to the future we want to build – for ourselves, our careers, and our world.

Dr. Lillian Sparks, Chair of the History Department

What advantages will you have from combining History and Geography-Anthropology (GIS)?

Combining History and Geography-Anthropology (GIS) through USM’s Polymath Program gives you a unique interdisciplinary perspective. You’ll develop both technical geospatial skills and historical insight, preparing you to analyze real-world problems and communicate findings that matter. Understanding the past, present, and future will ensure you’re a well-rounded student and graduate who is well-prepared for the working world.

As a student studying history, you’ll learn to connect people, places, and events across time to better understand how communities and landscapes change.

Why study History?

As a History student at USM, you’ll apply historical knowledge to current, contemporary social issues. You’ll analyze historical documents to create meaningful explanations and narratives to support a well-rounded understanding of past activities and how they impact yesterday, today, and the future.

You’ll benefit from partnerships with leading cultural institutions such as the Maine Humanities Council, the Maine State Museum, and the Maine Historical Society, gaining applied learning experiences that deepen your engagement with public history and community-based scholarship. USM also offers field-based courses to major historical sites, from Civil Rights Movement landmarks to Civil War battlefields across the American South, giving you the opportunity to study history directly in the landscapes where it unfolded.

Why study Geography-Anthropology (GIS track)?

As a Geography-Anthropology student at USM, you’ll explore the intersection of human cultures and the landscapes they inhabit, applying technical and analytical skills to real-world problems.

Field experiences, lab research, and collaborative projects provide hands-on opportunities to analyze landscapes, interpret spatial data, and understand human-environment interactions, while developing geospatial expertise in tools like GIS and remote sensing.

You will have access to our GIS Labs in Portland and Gorham and develop applied GIS skills.

Participating in Geography-Anthropology (GIS) will give you the skillset you need to succeed in careers like energy, land use planning, and engineering.

Learn more about the benefits of the History and Geography-Anthropology (GIS) Polymath Pathway

Graduate with two distinct majors: By graduating from the History and Geography-Anthropology (GIS) Polymath Pathway, you’ll have two distinct majors; one in History and the other in Geography-Anthropology (GIS). You’ll also be getting an excellent deal by getting two majors in one degree program!
Designed with a streamlined core curriculum: This Polymath Pathway program at USM consists of a streamlined core curriculum, ensuring you can graduate with 120 credits while still completing two majors.
Internships, assistantships, and fellowships at your fingertips: Gain hands-on professional experience and earn academic credit through internships at museums, archives, local historical societies, and related organizations. Or, pursue competitive assistantships and fellowships funded by organizations such as NASA and the Maine Space Grant Consortium, providing additional opportunities for applied research, technical skill development, and professional advancement.
Access state-of-the-art facilities: As a member of this Polymath Pathway Program, you’ll be able to study in state-of-the-art facilities such as our archaeological labs and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) labs.
Learn from distinguished faculty: USM Faculty teaching in the History and Geography-Anthropology departments are widely published. They include Fullbright recipients and respected professional historians.
Unparalleled opportunities for hands-on exploration and research within the collections of the Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education: The one-of-a-kind Osher Map Library is conveniently located on USM’s Portland campus. Inside, you’ll find five centuries of cartographic materials to explore.
Set yourself apart with future employers: Having a skillset that includes both History and Geography-Anthropology (GIS) will expand on your knowledge of maps, data sets, and technology – no matter your path, you’ll be able to apply this to an extensive amount of fields and grad school options.
Build your network with the Geography-Anthropology Student Association (GASA): Discover your community with fellow-minded peers while growing professionally by attending annual meetings and conferences.

Geospatial skills bring data about places and people together for understanding and action.

Dr. Vinton Valentine, Director of USM GIS

Where can your History and Geography-Anthropology (GIS) Polymath Pathway take your career aspirations?

Achieve the career of your dreams after graduating from USM thanks to skills in critical thinking, public policy, and problem solving.

Why is this Polymath Pathway good for your career?

Studies have shown* that dual majors can mean more stability in finding a job after graduation.

The History and Geography-Anthropology (GIS) Polymath Pathway, prepares you for roles that require critical thinking, policy, and problem solving – and is a good fit for careers in pre-law, political policy, cultural heritage, research, public service.

*National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), 2024

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Scholarship opportunities are available

Scholarships are an excellent form of financial aid because you do not need to pay them back. Students in this Polymath Pathway are automatically considered for Merit Scholarships if you apply for admission before the deadline.

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History and Geography-Anthropology (GIS) Polymath Pathway