Program at a glance
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What will I learn in a geography degree program?
Geography is the examination of the complex relationships between humans and their environments and the spatial dimensions of our world鈥檚 most pressing challenges. Within the undergraduate program, students have the option to pursue one of four specializations or a general bachelor of science or bachelor of arts in geography tailored to their interests.
Learning outcomes
Graduates of the bachelor's degree in geography are trained to:
- Analyze the complex and shifting relationships between people and places
- Hone graphical, observational and analytical skills
- Apply geography knowledge skills to solve complex problems
- Collect, analyze and present data using geographic information systems (GIS) or other tools or techniques
- Develop a holistic view of environmental and social processes
- Pursue interests in urban and/or environmental change
Hands-on learning
Students in the geography program are provided with an extraordinary learning experience that goes beyond the classroom. Coursework provides students with valuable time spent in the field while dedicated faculty use their expertise to tailor students' educations to their interests.
Concentrations in the geography program
Expand your career opportunities with a minor in geography. Improving your ability to examine and understand humans' interactions with their environments can be useful across a wide range of careers.
The geotechnologies concentration emphasizes proficiency in geo-spatial methods. Students obtaining the geotechnologies concentration will learn the tools, methods, and software necessary to manage and analyze spatial data and information. The courses and concentration can be applied toward becoming a certified GIS Professional (GISP) from the GIS Certification Institute. This concentration is recommended for students interested in employment as a GIS or remote sensing analyst, cartographer, planner, or graduate study in geography or related geotechnology field.
The climate, water and ecosystems concentration provides students with an understanding of the climate and climate change, ecological processes, water management, the interactions between water, climate and life, human impacts on these systems, and their influence on society. Students obtaining the climate, water, and ecosystems concentration will understand the climate system, the environment and human activities. This concentration is recommended for students interested in employment in environmental consulting firms, planning agencies, numerous government agencies (e.g. EPA, USGS, NRCS) and non-governmental organizations.
The Environmental Policy and Management concentration emphasizes proficiency in analytical and evaluative skills in relation to environmental management. Decision-making regarding future use of renewable and non-renewable resources requires an interdisciplinary approach that engages with the physical, economic, and political processes that govern human interactions with the natural world. This concentration will strengthen the job prospects of by emphasizing analytical and evaluative skills that are necessary for employment in a variety of environmental management forums.
The globalization, politics and place concentration emphasizes proficiency in social and cultural geography and develops skills in critical thinking, research techniques, and oral and written communication. Students obtaining this concentration will learn and apply geographic information about cultural, political and economic systems and processes to understand how people, places and regions are linked globally. This concentration is recommended for students interested in career fields that involve international relations and diplomacy, development, government, urban policy, non-profit and non-governmental work, teaching and graduate studies in Geography or related disciplines.
The bachelor of science in geography emphasizes proficiency in physical geography, geospatial methods, and human/environment interactions and develops skills in mathematics and statistics. Students are encouraged to develop with their advisors an individualized program of study within the degree, allowing them the flexibility to explore the breadth of the discipline.
The bachelor of arts in geography emphasizes proficiency in human geography and develops skills in a foreign language. Students are encouraged to develop with their advisors an individualized program of study within these degrees, allowing them the flexibility to explore the breadth of the discipline.
What it means to earn a Mackay degree
This degree is awarded by the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering. Find out what Mackay's rich history, strong connection to industry and dedication to student internship and career support can do for you.
Learn more about the Mackay School
Careers with a degree in geography
From the water you drink to the bus you commute on, geographers play a role in our day-to-day lives in ways you might not think of—often work in careers without "geography" in the title! A degree in geography prepares students to employ transdisciplinary knowledge and innovative methods from both the physical and social sciences to address the world’s most pressing issues, from climate change and biodiversity loss to migration, global inequality, and community development. Geographers address these issues through a number of different careers in government, business, and the nonprofit sector.
Career opportunities for geographers include jobs such as:
- Emergency Management Planner
- Spatial analyst
- Environmental Restoration Planner
- Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
- Transportation Planner
- Natural resource manager
- Environmental technician
- Climate change analyst
- Social and Environmental Policy Analyst
- Urban and Regional Planner
- Water Resource Specialist
- And more!
Take the next step
You can afford the 推荐杏吧原创
76% of students receive financial aid
Almost everyone is eligible to receive some kind of aid. We offer need-based and merit-based forms of financial aid to help you afford college.
54% of all students graduate with no debt
That's right. More than half of our students leave the 推荐杏吧原创 with no student debt.
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