Mark M. Miller

Have some fun. No matter how busy you are, make some time to enjoy life & support your community.
- Upcoming muscial events: listed by T-Bones Records & Cafe
- What to do in Hattiesburg, one of the coolest little cities in the South

How to excel in my geography classes

Attend class on a regular basis. Everyone needs to miss a class once in a while, but try to attend nearly every class. Almost all the information you need for the exams and the research assignments will be provided in class. It will be much easier for you to get this information in class, rather than on your own.
Arrive on time, stay until the end of class.
Sit as close to the front as possible.
Print out multiple copies of the study maps, and try writing your notes on the maps. I think this may help you learn the locations of these places more easily. (Please let me know if this seems to work for you.)
Ask questions about anything you don't understand, or would like more information on. I prefer you ask questions in class, but you're welcome to ask me by email or in person if you're shy.
Read everything in the syllabus carefully. Ask me if there's anything you don't understand. Re-read the instructions for the assignment before you hit the "print" button.
Keep up with your readings, at least on a weekly basis. Whenever possible, read your daily assignments before class. This should make our class discussion more interesting and understandable, plus allow you to ask questions about the assigned readings. Regular reading will also make it much easier and much more effective for you to study for the exams, rather than cramming everything at the last minute.
Seek out help. The USM Writing Center is a free tutorial service available to any USM student who wants assistance with a writing project.
In all your classes, be polite to your professors. Never start an email to a professor with "Hey." Address your professors as Dr. ___.
Don't wait until the last night to study: Shellenbarger, Sue. Toughest exam question: what is the best way to study? Wall Street Journal. October 26, 2011.

Research advice for students

Suggestions for reading academic literature

A very short guide to the Chicago Manual of Style

Some useful research resources

Research advice for graduate or advanced undergraduate students

A bibliography of research methods

Advice for graduate students who want to finish their degree while they're still young

What do you want to be doing two years from now (masters students)? Four years from now (doc students)? If you don't have a good answer this question, (a) consider if you really should be in grad. school at this point, and/or (b) talk to your professors and other people whose advice you respect.
What final professional paper, thesis, or dissertation will help you attain your goal in #1, above? Again, talk to your professors early & often on this topic. See also #4, following.
In each class, what research paper or project will help advance your progress toward #2, above?
Read, read, read. What research journals will support your advancement toward #s 1 - 3, above. Read them. Read a few relevant books, too, but mostly focus on current research and professional journals. Here are the journals that I try to keep up with, related to my particular areas of research interest.
Intern. Early on, seek out internships that will help you attain your goal in #1, above.
Network. Keep talking to your professors about your goals. Network with alumni from the department who are working in areas similar to your goal in #1. Join a professional association that would help provide you with networks related to goal #1.

Career information

Bayer, Michael, Nancy Frank, and Jason Valerius. 2010. Becoming an Urban Planner: A Guide to Careers in Planning and Urban Design. Wiley.