UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS IN GEOGRAPHY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Students in the Department of Geography and the Environment’s academic programs explore some of the most pressing issues facing society today.
The Department of Geography and the Environment is home to the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies, and the Bachelor of Arts in Geography, as well as minors in Geography and Sustainability. Undergraduate majors engage in meaningful research under the guidance of research-active faculty mentors, gain expertise in geospatial, field, and laboratory approaches, and develop professional development skills that ensure success in future careers and graduate programs.
WHY STUDY GEOGRAPHY AND THE ENVIRONMENT?
All undergraduate majors complete a one-semester senior project or two-semester senior thesis under the guidance of a faculty mentor or through an external internship. Faculty in the Department of Geography and the Environment oversee research programs that receive significant external funding, providing students with numerous opportunities to get involved with research. Many students get involved in research with Department faculty prior to their senior year. These independent study experiences are invaluable for developing and demonstrating skills such as effective written and oral communication, quantitative and analytical abilities, and the ability to work independently. These are all professional development skills that are key to a successful career.
Gain an in-depth understanding of some of the most pressing issues facing society today in the Department of Geography and the Environment’s undergraduate majors and minors. Students study issues such as climate change, globalization, the biodiversity crisis, and demographic change through coursework and independent study. Beyond simply learning about the issues, students gain the skills and expertise needed to help address the greatest challenges facing society in their future careers.
Students completing an undergraduate degree in the Environmental Studies, Geography, or Environmental Science gain technical expertise through their work in courses, the laboratory, in the field, and through independent study. Students obtain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art scientific and geospatial equipment and learn quantitative skills that are highly sought by employers and graduate programs.
The professional development of students in the Department of Geography and the Environment’s academic programs remains a focus from Freshman Orientation through graduation and beyond. The faculty are committed to assisting students in finding and securing internship, study-abroad, and research opportunities that provide experiences beyond the classroom. Students complete a professional development course in their sophomore year and continue to focus on professional development through work on their Senior Project/Thesis.
The Department of Geography and the Environment is a welcoming and inclusive community. Faculty doors are typically open, and you will see us at the academic and non-academic Department and University events and gatherings. Our goal is to develop students and faculty who engage in and are dedicated to critical thinking, open-ended problem solving, and a lifetime of learning.
