Geography is the study of the Earth’s surface as the space where the human population lives. By describing the physical and human aspects of our surroundings, we can begin to understand both nature and ourselves.
The Geography Track in the Bachelor of Science in Geo-Environmental Studies offers students a course of study that focuses on the interactions between humans and their environment(s). From natural phenomena to cultural landscapes, Geography provides a context to gain an understanding of the world.
The core of the Geography Track centers around the three broad areas of the discipline: human geography, physical geography, and geospatial technologies. Beyond the Geo-Environmental Studies core, students can study a range of topics including the geography of regions, the interplay of society and environment, and the other related concepts.
Geographers study spatial relationships and human:environment interactions in specialties and topics including:
- Cultural Geography – study of variations in culture across space and place
- Planning – political and social process to determine land use and design
- Political Geography – impact of spatial structure on political ideologies
- Biogeography – distribution, variation, and impact of species and ecosystems
- Geomorphology – landforms and the processes that shape them
- Climatology & Meteorology – current and long term weather patterns
- Geospatial Technologies – technology used to analyze and represent the world
Employment in Geography
The Department of Labor has pointed to the strong and continued job growth in Geography, especially in the area of geospatial technologies.
Some of the largest employers of geographers are industries related to digital mapping, urban and regional planning, and environmental resources. Many geographers also work for federal and state government agencies. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of Geography, however, students with experience in Geography can find positions in a wide variety of fields.
*US Department of Labor’s Geospatial Technology Competency Model (2010)