Overview

Geography BS: Environmental-Physical

Coastal storms, drought, wildfires: with the tremendous financial, social and environmental impact of climate change, there is no better time to study physical and environmental geography. And with its state-of-the-art labs and global research reach, there is no better place to do it than UC’s College of Arts and Sciences.

At UC, you will study land, water, soils, climate and vegetation and how they change over time. UC is recognized nationally as a top research university by the Carnegie Foundation. Here, your research matters. UC faculty are experts in climate, land use change, hydrology and soil science. They travel the world to understand the forces that shaped our Earth and the ongoing changes we experience today.

Geography allows you to study both social and physical sciences. In this program, you will learn to analyze environmental data crucial in shaping public policy. You will pursue your own research passions, design your own experiments and use UC’s robust laboratories and the latest geographic techniques to analyze your results and get your findings published. UC’s geography graduates apply their skills to make a difference in the world. After graduation, you’ll have a foundation to pursue your choice of careers in government, nonprofit agencies or education.

Geography BS: Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

The first geographers were explorers. UC’s College of Arts and Sciences upholds that tradition today. At UC, you will learn to harness powerful computer technology and your own passion for research to make a difference in the world.

For UC’s BS-GIS, Geographic Information Systems in geography, you will use critical analysis, powerful technology tools and hands-on experience to understand the biggest societal challenges we face today. Geography is hugely important today in making sense of big data through maps, spatial analysis and other geospatial technology.

Since the department’s founding in 1907, UC geographers have traveled the world, influencing global and local policy.

UC is recognized nationally as a top research university by the Carnegie Foundation. Here, your research matters. At UC, you will use geospatial technology such as satellites and drones to investigate the problems facing society. At UC your research will help people make the most informed decisions about urban planning, environmental science or industry.

Career

Geography provides a good educational background for students interested in a variety of careers in business, various government agencies (federal, state, county, city), non-profit agencies or careers as college and university professors. Geography provides strong preparation for professional and graduate schools (law, medicine, business, geography, or other physical or social sciences). Employment for students with strong geographic computer skills (GIS) is particularly strong. Examples of geography related jobs in various areas include:

Agency of Internal Development

Audobon Society

Bureau of Land Management

Bureau of the Census

Cartographer

Geographic software programming

Housing and urban development

Market research

Sierra Club

Teaching

Travel industry