Quick Highlights:
- Our #1 ranked school for a bachelor’s in geography is University of Cincinnati, followed by California State University-Long Beach.
- Geography bachelor’s programs are diverse, with options like environmental geography and GIS tracks.
- Courses cover topics like climate, landforms, and GIS, with hands-on lab experiences.
- Some programs emphasize research, offering strong support for student publications and conferences.
Geography isn’t just about coloring in a country’s borders on a map—it’s a degree that will provide you with the strong research and analytical skills you need to succeed in just about any field.
Do you want to learn how to conduct in-depth, quantitative and qualitative research? How about being able to communicate complex ideas to employers? Perhaps you want to have the skills necessary to create and implement solutions to some of society’s most pressing issues.
Whatever the case may be, there’s a good chance that a geography degree will give you the background you need to be successful. You could pursue a number of in-demand job titles, such as environmental consultant, a landscape architect, cartographer, or geographic information systems officer. A bachelor’s in geography is the perfect starting place for eventual graduate or doctoral study, too.
What Is a Geography Degree?
No two geography degrees are truly alike. As a student in one of these programs, you’ll study everything from the physical features of the earth to the many ways in which humans interact with the land. You will take classes both indoors and outside, spending time collecting data and studying the land.
You will learn how to measure, collect, and interpret geographic information so that you can create detailed maps and survey plans. A bachelor’s degree is the first step required for most careers, although some will require an additional master’s degree. You may be able to improve your career prospects by pursuing certifications or licensures, too.
For example, many geographers pursue certification from the GIS Certification Institute while some aspiring urban planners seek certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners while completing their degrees.
While you’re completing your bachelor’s degree, it may also make sense for you to participate in professional organizations on campus. Geography organizations like the American Association of Geographers and the Society of Women Geographers will help to connect you with networking events and allow you to build your understanding of this complex field, too.
What Are the Best Geography Degrees?
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University of Cincinnati
If you’re looking to become part of a large, vibrant, and close-knit campus community, you might want to consider studying at the University of Cincinnati. After all, this school’s motto is “Strength in Unity!” Home to a student body of more than 44,000 students, it’s the second largest university in Ohio—and a great place to study geography.
There are several different options for you to choose from when it comes to the Bachelor of Science in geography here. You might pursue the environmental-physical track or the geographical information systems (GIS) track. Regardless of the option you choose, you’ll find that this program, found in the UC College of Arts and Sciences, will allow you to work in some of the best laboratories in the country and to get your findings published.
You will take classes such as Earth’s Dynamic Surface: Landforms and Soil; Weather, Climate, and the Biosphere; and The Endangered Earth. As a student, you’ll benefit from facilities that only one of the country’s top 25 public research universities could provide. The location of the campus will provide you with extensive opportunities for research and service learning, along with study abroad via the Center for Exploratory Studies. You’ll also benefit from an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio. To apply, you will need to fill out the Common Application and provide official high school transcripts and a letter of recommendation. The University of Cincinnati is test-optional.
California State University-Long Beach
Offering one of the lowest student tuition rates in the country, California State University-Long Beach has lots to offer besides its rock bottom prices. In addition to having more than 150 different majors to choose from, it is also positioned in one of the most gorgeous locations in the entire country. It’s positioned right next to the beautiful coast of the Pacific Ocean!
The Bachelor of Arts in geography leverages this scenic, one-of-a-kind location and pairs it with exemplary faculty instruction for a truly phenomenal degree program. You’ll take at least 39 units of study including core courses such as Geography of Weather and Climate, Environmental Geography, and Introduction to Digital Cartography and Analysis.
You will also be able to choose from major concentrations like Environmental/Physical Geography, Human Geography, Geospatial Techniques, and Global and Regional Studies. You can customize your degree plan to meet your unique career goals and plans. To apply, you can submit an online application form. You will need to have a minimum undergraduate GPA of a C- or better and apply between October 1 and November 30 in the year prior to that in which you are seeking admission.
University of Utah
As Utah’s oldest institution of higher education, the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT is home to a number of research institutes and specialty centers. It is classified among R1: Doctoral Universities-Very High Research Activity and, according to the National Science Foundation, spent more than half a billion doors on research and development in 2018 alone.
Because of this, you’ll find one of the most research-oriented geography degrees here. You can choose from either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree in addition to a geographic information science major. There are also general geography and geography teaching minors as well as certificates you can add on in climate change, hazards and emergency management, and GIS.
In most cases, you must take a minimum of 18 credits in geography at the University of Utah. Some commonly required courses include Climate Change Foundations, Political Geography, Population Geography, and Geomorphology: Mountains, Rivers, and Deserts. As a student here, you’ll be eligible for a wide array of scholarships for incoming and continuing students. Be sure to submit your admissions application on-time or early to be considered for these awards.
The University of Texas at Austin
Ready to become a Texas Longhorn? If so, it’s time to consider enrolling at the University of Texas at Austin. This school, located in Austin, TX, is considered a Public Ivy, renowned for its major academic research and extensive program offerings to undergraduate and graduate students alike.
The Bachelor of Arts in geography at UT Austin requires 30 semester hours of courses in geography, or at least 10 courses. You’ll take classes such as The Natural Environment and This Human World: Intro to Geography. You will also be required to take four courses in a track of your choice. Options include urban geography, geographic information science, landscape ecology and biogeography, sustainability, earth science, cultural geography, and general geography.
As a student here, you’ll be able to explore all kinds of extracurricular opportunities and research experiences. You can work in facilities like the Campus Environmental Center or join clubs like the Climate and Meteorology Society or the Graduate Association of Geography and the Environment.
Texas Tech University
At Texas Tech University, you’ll find more than 150 different majors to choose from. This public research university located in Lubbock, TX is home to a variety of research centers and projects spanning topics such as grid computing, nanophotonics, wind energy, epidemiology, and more. It’s ranked as one of the best universities in the United States—and it’s easy to see why.
The 120-credit hour Bachelor of Arts in geography at Texas Tech will provide you with a strong liberal arts education as well as a solid background in the many ways in which humans interact with the environment. You’ll take core courses such as Texas Politics and Topics; Language, Philosophy, and Culture; and Geographic Information Systems.
You’ll be able to explore research in a variety of geography-focus areas, such as human geography, regional geography, and physical geography. You’ll also have access to facilities that are known for their excellence in research and teaching, such as the Remote Sensing Lab, the Esri University Site License, and the Geographic Information Systems Lab.
University of Idaho
The sole university of the state of Idaho for more than 70 years, the University of Idaho is a public land-grant research university located in Moscow, ID. It has a reputation for its high graduation rates (the highest of any public university in Idaho) and for its exceptional research expenditures.
As a geography major here, you’ll not only benefit from industry-guided curricula but also from a wide array of student services and resources that are designed to help you succeed. The Bachelor of Science includes core classes like Global Climate Change, Global Economic Geography, Political Geography, and more. You can also choose to take up to six additional credits for a climate change minor or GIS certificate.
When you become a student in this program, you’ll be able to explore the many issues affecting our planet and society in a research environment, working closely with accomplished faculty as you build your resume. Many students are published in reputable journals prior to graduation while others engage in internships with top agencies and industries.
Georgia Southern University
With a flagship campus in Statesboro, GA, Georgia Southern University is the largest university in the southern half of the state. It also has campuses in Hinesville and Savannah, giving students plenty of freedom and choice when it comes to choosing where they want to study.
The Bachelor of Science in geography at Georgia Southern consists of 124 credits of study, with core courses including Environmental Geography, Introduction to Human Geography, and Remote Sensing. You may choose to pursue additional opportunities like thesis research, a teaching internship, or even individualized study. There is also an honors program that you may participate in.
The Department of Geology and Geography offers courses both in Statesboro as well as in Armstrong, GA. You will benefit from 18 different research laboratory facilities, including an Earth Science Computer Applications Lab and a qualitative-methods laboratory. As a student, you’ll be able to access all kinds of resources to help you meet your academic and personal goals. From the geography-specific student tutoring center to scholarships specifically for geology and geography students, Georgia Southern truly offers it all.
Ball State University
Founded by the Ball brothers, the founders and industrialists responsible for the Ball Corporation, Ball State University is a public research university located in Muncie, IN. It’s well-regarded for its high level of research activity as well as for its more than 400 student organizations and clubs.
Ball State’s geography major is offered by the College of Science and Humanities. It is available both as a Bachelor of Arts and as a Bachelor of Science. You can pursue multiple concentrations as part of this program, including those in travel and tourism, human geography, meteorological studies, meteorology and climatology, and geographic information science. Many of these are also available as minors and certificates.
Regardless of the specific options you choose, you’ll take core classes in subjects like systematic geography, remote sensing, cartography, and regional geography. You will work in high-tech labs that house state-of-the-art equipment, such as the Geographic Information Science Laboratory and the Meteorology and Climatology Lab. Class sizes are small, most of them averaging just 20 to 25 students, so you’ll be able to interact closely with faculty. Of course, you’ll be able to tap into all kinds of immersive learning opportunities, too, working closely with individuals outside of your major to solve real-world problems and build skills that will serve you well as you begin your professional career.
CUNY Hunter College
One of the many constituent colleges of the City University of New York, Hunter College offers programs of study in more than 100 different undergraduate and postgraduate fields. Although it was originally founded as a women’s college, it has been coeducational since 1946.
The Bachelor of Arts in geography at CUNY Hunter College is designed to prepare professionals who can both analyze and respond to the world’s ever-changing natural and social environments by applying a variety of qualitative, quantitative, and geospatial research methods. You’ll take a total of 15 core geography credits, including courses such as Introduction to Geology; Introduction to Weather, Climate, and Climate Change; and Environmental Studies.
In addition to being able to select from a variety of capstone projects (such as those in physical geography, sustainability studies, and urban and social geography), you can also choose from different “tracks” to help guide your choice of elective courses. Tracks include urban and social geography, physical and environmental geography, geographic information science, sustainability studies, and social studies education.
University of Kansas
The University of Kansas has a main campus in Lawrence, KS, but you don’t have to live anywhere near Lawrence in order to study here. In fact, the school has numerous research and educational centers, satellite campuses, and medical centers all around the state, with branch campuses in Kansas City, Topeka, Hays, and Garden City. You can even take classes online!
The Bachelor of Science in geography at the University of Kansas has multiple specializations in various aspects of geography, including geographic information science and physical geography. Both will prepare you for a career in problem-solving and the use of various spatial analysis techniques. You’ll take classes such as Climate and Climate Change, Principles of Ecology, Methods of Analysing Geographical Data, and GIS Application Programming. A final capstone project is also required.
To apply, you will need to submit high school and college transcripts along with a formal online application.
South Dakota State University
South Dakota State University isn’t just the state’s largest and most comprehensive university. It’s also the oldest continuously operating university and one of the most diverse. Here, you’ll find a number of programs to choose from, including those in agriculture, nursing, engineering, pharmacy, and the liberal arts.
The geography major at South Dakota State is available both as a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts. The degree will prepare you for a variety of careers, including those as a geographic information systems analyst, a teacher, or an urban or tourism planner. Past students in this program have enjoyed internship opportunities at places like the National Park Service; the City of Sioux Falls; and the Game, Fish, and Parks department of Sioux Falls.
You can pursue this degree as a stand-alone major or you can double major in things like geographic information sciences. There are certificates you can take on, too, including those in geographic information sciences and unmanned aircraft systems. Let’s not forget the minors! South Dakota State has plenty of those to choose from, too, including ones in informatics, global studies, political science, and even military science and aerospace studies.
Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University, frequently referred to simply as OSU, is a public land-grant research university that was first founded as Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College. It first opened its doors on Christmas Day in 1890 and has continued making its mark in higher education ever since.
The legacy of the geography program here is no less impressive. The Bachelor of Science in geography has been around for decades and is perfect for the student seeking additional technical training in geographic tools and techniques. You can specialize your degree in one of three different tracks: environmental change and sustainability; people, place, society, or outdoor recreation; and resource management.
Overall, you’ll take 45 credit hours of study, including 18 hours of required geography courses. Some of the classes you might take include Spatial Analysis, Fundamentals of GIS, Remote Sensing, and Computer Cartography. If you’d like, you can even participate in a study abroad program to help broaden your horizons and earn credits toward graduation.
University of North Dakota
Although the University of North Dakota was founded with the goal of providing a strong liberal arts foundation to students from all over the state, today its mission has expanded to include scientific research and education. In fact, this school was the first in the country to offer a degree in unmanned aircraft systems operations and it’s nationally recognized for its many research institutions, including the Energy and Environmental Research Center.
The Bachelor of Science in geography at the University of North Dakota helps prepare aspiring professionals with the skills in geospatial technologies they need for the world’s most in-demand careers. An affordable program, it consists of 120 credit hours and takes most students just four years to complete. All classes are offered on the university’s main campus. You can choose from multiple concentrations, including those in community and urban development, geographic education, and environmental geography. Many students also choose to tack on a minor in geospatial technologies so that they are better equipped to pursue careers in remote sensing, information systems, or global positioning systems.
As a student in this program, you’ll be able to take part in the school’s unique program known as North Dakota Digital Atlas. You can earn academic credit for volunteer and work experience and will be able to engage in laboratory and field experiences as part of your courses. You can even join Gamma Theta Upsilon, the school’s geography honor society. As you can see, there is no shortage of opportunities for you to explore as you earn your degree and build your resume as a student at UND.
Sam Houston State University
Known colloquially as SHSU or simply just “Sam,” Sam Houston State University was founded in 1879 and is the third-oldest public college in the entire state of Texas. Although SHSU was originally created to educate aspiring teachers, today the university offers programs to more than 20,000 students spread out over more than 80 different undergraduate majors.
As a geography major at Sam Houston State, you’ll be able to focus your studies around one of three different concentrations: human geography, geographical information systems, and environmental geography. These concentrations will prepare you for a variety of careers in geography, such as education, geoscience, environmental consulting, GIS analysis, and urban and regional planning.
You’ll take up to 124 credit hours of classes, with courses offered in both the fall and spring semesters. The degree is available as both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts degree, lending you the flexibility necessary to choose among a wide array of elective and core courses. You can even participate in field study courses abroad in a number of locations both foreign and domestic, such as Hawaii, Spain, Brazil, the Mississippi Delta, Cuba, Ecuador, Thailand, and more.
University of West Georgia
The University of West Georgia has a main campus in Carrollton, GA, but also operates satellite campuses in Newnan, Douglasville, and Atlanta. This school is ranked highly by both U.S. News & World Report and Washington Monthly, recognized for the quality of its academic programs and its student support services.
The Bachelor of Science in geography at the University of West Georgia is offered by the Department of Mathematics, Sciences, and Technology. This program addresses some of the world’s most pressing questions related to climate change, sustainability, economic inequality, mapping, and more.
Offered primarily on campus in Carrollton, this degree also features a small selection of classes that are offered in a hybrid or fully online fashion. You’ll take 120 total credit hours of courses such as Introduction to Geographical Analysis, Political Geography, and Urban Geography. You’ll be able to choose from multiple areas of concentration, including human geography, environmental sustainability, physical geography, and geographic information science. To apply, you will need to submit an online application and a $40 application fee. Submit high school transcripts but know that SAT and ACT scores are not required.
Texas State University
Founded in 1899 as the Southwest Texas State Normal School, Texas State University was originally established with the goal of educating inspiring teachers for the profession. Today, however, the school offers degrees in dozens of other fields and is nationally recognized for its high-quality programs and its work in research and innovation.
The Bachelor of Science in geography at Texas State University consists of 120 semester credit hours and will require you to select a minor area of study in addition to your major. Some of the most popular options include biology, geology, chemistry, computer science, anthropology, mathematics, and plant and soil science.
Otherwise, you’ll be able to choose between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree. Select the Bachelor of Science and you can select from a long list of concentration options, with common choices including water resources, urban and regional planning, resource and environmental studies, and geography with optional teacher certification. You can even tack on a minor, such as geography, geology, or nature and heritage tourism.
Western Illinois University
Founded in 1899, Western Illinois University was first established on land that was donated to the state by Macomb’s Freemasons. Today, the school is structured with four major academic colleges: education and human services, fine arts and communication, business and technology, and arts and sciences.
The Bachelor of Science in geographic information science at Western Illinois University is a truly one-of-a-kind program. You’ll be able to choose from options in geo environment and planning and geospatial science as you earn your degree. You can take classes on-campus in Macomb or completely online. Either way, you’ll benefit from small class sizes so you always enjoy one-on-one attention from faculty members and plenty of generous grant funding so that you can conduct hands-on research under the guidance of these instructors.
Not only that, but the GIS Center on campus offers plenty of opportunities for students to work on real-world GIS projects—and to get paid for doing so. Even if you don’t pursue one of these internships, you’ll have access to a state-of-the-art GIS laboratory with the latest GIS and mapping software and even a meteorology laboratory with computer systems and weather stations.
University of Northern Colorado
A public university located in Greeley, CO, the University of Northern Colorado is yet another school on this list that first opened its doors with the goal of educating aspiring teachers. Because of this, you’ll find a geography degree here that is perfect for individuals who wish to go on to work in the classroom. However, there are plenty of other paths you can follow with one of these degrees, too.
The Bachelor of Arts in geography at the University of Northern Colorado will allow you to address everything from climate change to urbanization as you complete your degree. You’ll take classes covering topics like industrial development, migration, sustainability, political cooperation, and landscape transformation, working in state-of-the-art GIS labs as you gain an understanding of these instrumental fields.
There are two minor options: geographic information science and geography. In addition, you’ll be able to choose from three areas of emphasis to customize your coursework. These include geographic information science, secondary teaching, and global and area studies. You’ll be supported by faculty who are attentive and hands-on, allowing you to work closely with them on their research. By the time you graduate, you’ll have skills based on real-world field experience and research so that you can enter the workforce fully prepared for the challenges ahead.
University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi is a public research university with campuses all over the state. Although the largest main campus is located in Hattiesburg, you’ll also find sites in Long Beach and at the John C. Stennis Space Center and the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory.
The Bachelor of Science in geography at the University of Southern Mississippi consists of 124 credit hours of study and is available both on the Gulf Park and Hattiesburg campuses. You’ll be able to work closely with a faculty advisor to select courses that fit your unique career goals. You’ll be able to pursue internships in your field of interest, too, to help build your skills and your professional network.
Not only that, but this degree has tracks in both geographic information technology as well as in sustainable development. You can add a minor or a geographic information technology certificate too if you choose. There are multiple study abroad opportunities and program-specific scholarships you can apply for as well.
Salisbury University
Salisbury University is a public university located in Salisbury, MD. With 42 separate undergraduate degrees to choose from, this school has a motto of “Learn, Live, Lead”—something that rings true in all of its hands-on, community-focused programs.
The geography major at Salisbury University is perfect for students who want to engage in hands-on lab activities and class field trips. You’ll build a solid undergraduate knowledge that will prepare you well for graduate studies or for a career in geography. You can choose to complete your major with one of five different tracks: human geography, geographic information sciences, traditional geography, meteorology and climatology, or physical geography.
You’ll take core classes like World Geography, Weather and Climate, Statistical Problem Solving in Geography, and Research and Writing as you complete 120 total credit hours of study. No matter which option you choose, you’ll learn from faculty with real-world experience who are committed to helping their students be successful. You can build your professional network by joining student organizations like Gamma Theta Upsilon, an international honor society in geography, too.
Northeastern State University
Northeastern State University is one of the oldest universities west of the Mississippi River—yet it has much more to offer than just this distinction. In fact, the school is located in Tahlequah, OK, home to the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma capital. As a result, the school has more than a quarter of its population represented by students who identify as American Indian, lending it a uniquely diverse reputation as well.
The geography and sustainability studies major at Northeastern State University is a flexible and well-rounded liberal arts program that will provide you with fantastic preparation for graduate study in geography. Available both on-campus and online, it can be paired with additional areas of study like a GIS certificate or a global studies minor.
You’ll take 36 credit hours of geography-specific coursework in addition to your prerequisite liberal arts classes. Some of the core classes you take will cover topics like human topical geography, physical geography, regional geography, techniques in geography, and “elective” geography that includes subjects like cartography and geospatial technology. As a student at Northeastern State, you’ll have access to plenty of immersive learning opportunities via field trips, research, guest speakers, hands-on activities, and more. You may also choose to participate in internships with geography-related organizations. In the past, students have worked for organizations like the Cherokee National Historical Society, the City of Fayetteville, AR, and the Bureau of Land Management.
George Mason University
Although George Mason University was first established as a branch of the University of Virginia meant to serve students from northern Virginia, this school, located in Fairfax County, VA, now has a reputation that is truly it’s own. The school is well-known for its hands-on programs in fields of study like law, economics, and of course, geography.
The George Mason University College of Science offers one of the country’s best geography and geoinformation science programs. In addition to a stand-alone bachelor’s degree, you may also choose to pursue an accelerated 4+1 program that will enable you to receive both a bachelor’s and master’s in just five years of study.
Available as both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts, the geography major can be paired with minors and certificates in subjects like urban informatics, geographic information systems, and geomanagement. You will take interdisciplinary classes that will help you build skills in design thinking, scientific leadership, and communication, among other things. You can also choose from multiple concentration options, including those in environmental geography, bioanthropology, and health geography. Upon graduating from this program, you’ll have the unique skills and perspective you need to pursue employment at a variety of local, regional, and global organizations.
Kent State University
Kent State University is a large public research university in Ohio. Although this school has campuses in Burton, Salem, Warren, East Liverpool, Jackson Township, and other regions of Ohio, the Kent campus is the largest and most central of them all. Of course, you can also choose to study out of state, as this school has campuses in New York City and Florence, Italy, too.
The Department of Geography at Kent State University offers a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree in geography as well as degrees in environmental studies and GIS. You can pair your major with minors and certificates in things like GIS, climatology, environmental studies, and urban studies and planning.
You can choose from three different concentrations in environmental geography, social geography, or GIS. Either way, you’ll take major courses such as Nature and Society, Statistical Methods in Geography, Human Geography, and Mapping Our World. One of the biggest benefits of studying at Kent State is that you’ll have easy access to plenty of study abroad opportunities. In the past, students have gone to places like Chile, Spain, Portugal, Thailand, Iceland, Japan, Mexico, and more, with scholarships available to help fund these experiences abroad.
Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale, MI. As comprehensive coeducational university, this school is home to more than 25,000 students representing all Michigan counties and dozens of other states and countries. It is one of the largest universities in the country and even has alumni in all 50 states and more than two dozen countries!
It is due in part to this impressive alumni network that Grand Valley State is one of the best places to earn a degree in geography. The geography major at Grand Valley State, available both as a Bachelor of Science and a bachelor of arts degree, will provide you with plenty of opportunities for hands-on research and community engagement.
The curriculum consists of 120 credit hours of study, all of which will be completed on-campus in Allendale. You’ll acquire skills in research and analysis using the latest geographic information systems technology, all while receiving the career preparation you need for work in academic, government, business, and nonprofits.
Arkansas State University
Founded as the First District Agricultural School, Arkansas State University is a public research institution in Jonesboro, AR that is now famous as the flagship campus of the Arkansas State University System.
The second-largest university in the state, Arkansas State is home to an impressive bachelor’s in geography. The Bachelor of Arts in geography is offered by the Department of Criminology, Sociology, and Geography and will allow you to study the patterns of climates, soils, vegetation, landforms, and water, including how humans interact with those patterns.
You will learn from leading faculty in the classroom but also be able to extend your opportunities to learn off-campus. You’ll have access to plenty of off-campus job internships and co-op learning experiences that will expose you to real-world challenges.
To apply, you will need to have a minimum of a 3.0 high school grade point average. In addition to high school transcripts and test scores, you should also submit a personal statement and two letters of recommendation.
CUNY Lehman College
Another member of the City University of New York system, CUNY Lehman College can be found in the Bronx borough of New York City. Originally founded in 1931 as an offshoot of Hunter College, this school is now a comprehensive liberal arts college with more than 90 different majors for undergraduate and graduate students to choose from.
The 28-credit major in geography here includes core courses such as World Regional Geography, Basic Mapping: Applications and Analysis, and An Introduction to Geography. You’ll also be required to complete a seminar and internship program in geography that will provide you with additional hands-on experience.
In addition to the stand-alone bachelor’s, you can also pursue an accelerated bachelor’s/master’s program in earth, environmental, and geospatial sciences. This will enable you to earn both degrees in just five years or less. You’ll have access to plenty of GIS and geography internships, benefitting from in-depth career resources offered by Lehman. To apply, you will need to submit high school transcripts or GED scores along with an online application for admission.
University of Kentucky
A public land-grant research university located in Lexington, KY, the University of Kentucky is home to 16 different colleges with 93 undergraduate majors for you to choose from. It’s also home to more than a dozen libraries (15 in total!) making it one of the best places for students with inquisitive minds to earn their degrees.
The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Kentucky offers a competitive major in geography. In this program, you can choose from three different tracks: mapping and GIS, cities and societies, and environment. There is also a geography minor as well as minors in mapping and GIS and urban studies.
As a student in this program, you’ll benefit from all kinds of extracurricular activities and support services tailored specifically to geography majors. You can begin exploring and developing your professional interests by joining organizations like the Society of Geographers, Gamma Theta Upsilon, the Association of American Geographers, and more. There are plenty of departmental scholarships you can apply for to lower the overall cost of tuition, too.
Portland State University
Portland State University, located in Portland, OR, was first founded as a school dedicated to serving the educational needs of World War II veterans. It eventually morphed into a four-year college and today is guided by the motto, “Let knowledge serve the city.”
As a student in the geography program here, you’ll have extensive opportunities to explore your areas of interest and to build your knowledge in the interesting discipline of geography. You’ll take courses that emphasize the many regional and systematic approaches to understanding the human-environment and physical environment interactions. You’ll also take classes in important techniques like GIS, spatial analysis, cartography, and remote sensing.
The bachelor’s degree consists of 180 credit hours and can be completed as both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. It is available both on-campus and online as well as in a hybrid fashion. Because of Portland State’s convenient location in downtown Portland, you’ll benefit from easy access to the Cascade Mountains, the Pacific Coast, and the Willamette Valley for both your fieldwork, internships, and classroom experiences. You’ll be able to work closely with students and faculty in community groups like the ASPRS/GIS Club, an organization that will help you forge partnerships with the industry and advance your knowledge in fields like remote sensing and photogrammetry.
Wright State University
A public research university in Dayton, OH, Wright State University was founded in honor of aviation legends Orville and Wilbur Wright. You don’t have to be interested in aviation in order to study here, though. This school has dozens of majors to choose from at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level, and it’s home to one of the very best bachelor’s in geography.
The Bachelor of Science in geography at Wright State will teach you how to apply analytical tools to analyze geospatial data as well as how to communicate your findings both verbally and in writing. You’ll gain real-world experience through internships and field studies.
Core classes include topics such as Environmental Geography, Community and Regional Planning, and World Regional Geography. You will also participate in research requirements and several integrated writing courses. In addition to your core major requirements, you can also choose to add related minors in fields like international studies, legal studies, nonprofit administration, political science, and urban affairs.
University of Houston – Clear Lake
A public university with campuses in both Houston, TX and Pasadena, TX, the University of Houston-Clear Lake provides programs in the sciences and liberal arts to more than 9,000 students.
The Bachelor of Science in geography will allow you to individualize your course of study with an advisor so that you can work in careers ranging from public works to forestry. With both field and technical training opportunities, this specialized program will allow you to continue your education in graduate school as well as to acquire the technology skills that industries need most. You’ll take classes such as World Regional Geography, Urban Geography, and Geography of North America.
Ready to apply? It won’t take you long to do so. Applying to the University of Houston-Clear Lake is easy. All you need to do is submit an online application and pay a nonrefundable application fee of $45. You should submit official transcripts and send official SAT or ACT scores as well. Applicants with a GPA higher than 3.3 on a 4.0 scale are guaranteed assured admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
A geography degree is a strategic step toward a career in urban and regional planning, resource management, or various science fields. Geography is a universal science that teaches you about the natural environment and human activity. The critical thinking skills you learn while getting this degree are useful in fields of government, civil engineering, and public service.
Four years on average for a bachelor’s degree. Students in undergraduate geography programs receive training in geographic techniques, such as mapping and surveying. You also learn to use software programs and GPS location devices. These programs take time to learn and require many classes to do so.
The average annual tuition of colleges offering undergraduate geography degrees is $27,838. In-state tuition for this degree costs an average of $9,891/year. These numbers do not include room, board, fees, and books.
There are many different jobs you can get from majoring in geography. The most common careers include:
• Conservation officer
• Environmental scientist
• Forestry technician
• Geographer
• Geospatial analyst
• GIS specialist
• Landscape architect
• Market researcher
• Surveyor
• Transportation manager
• Urban planner
The ArcGIS Developer is the highest paying geography job. Salaries across the United States range between $145,000 and $155,000 annually. In this role, you design, develop, and maintain mapping applications and programming.
There is limited employment growth for geographers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 1% growth in jobs through 2032. This means there are about 100 job openings for geographers projected each year–on average–for the next decade. Growth results from the need to replace workers that retire.
If the relationship between humans and the natural environment interests you and you’d like to influence forces (both economic and environmental) that shape our world, geography is a good fit. Want to examine human actions and how they lead to climate change? Study geography! It also doesn’t hurt if you love maps.
Some students looking for an easy major argue that geography is challenging. There certainly are rigorous courses, some more difficult than others. The hardest courses include introductory ones, when and where you’re first exposed to mapping techniques and special software programs. But once you get used to the material, you’ll find geography is not as difficult as many STEM majors.
Soft sciences, such as behavioral and social sciences, include geography. Most colleges and universities see geography as a spatial science. This is different than a hard science, which is a natural or formal science like chemistry or physics.
No. There are differences between the two disciplines. Geography explores the spatial relationships between humans and their environment. Geology investigates the Earth’s history, materials, and structure. But both fields face unique challenges and offer insights into the future of our environment.