David Shively, Chair

Whether global climate change or local land use change – geography provides an understanding of complex natural, social, and human-environmental processes at different geographic scales. Drawing on and expanding the knowledge base of Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Geographic Information Sciences, we focus on

• Mountain Studies,
• Community and Environmental Planning, and
• Geographic Information Systems.

Our graduates are successful in occupying meaningful and challenging positions in public, private, and non-profit sectors. Their contributions speak to the impacts geographers have in analyzing, understanding, and shaping our natural and human landscapes for the benefit of future generations.

The Department of Geography offers the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, and Master of Science degrees in Geography. For a B.A. in Geography, a concentration in Community and Environmental Planning is available. For a B.S. in Geography a concentration in Physical Geography is available. Also offered are a minor in Geography and a teaching major and minor in Geography. Several interdisciplinary minors that include coursework in Geography are available to students as well:

• a minor in Mountain Studies,
• a minor in Climate Change Studies,
• a minor in International Development Studies, and
• a minor in Global Public Health

See the Graduate School website for more information concerning the M.A. and M.S. programs.

A Certificate in GIS Sciences and Technologies, jointly offered by the Department of Geography (College of Humanities and Sciences) and the Department of Forest Management (College of Forestry and Conservation), is also available. This GIST certificate is a complement to an existing major or to a bachelor’s degree already obtained. For details, please see below or the GIST website.