GeographyBachelor of Arts
Why study Geography at Gustavus?
As a Geography major, you will draw on both natural and social sciences to understand the Earth’s environments and how humans respond to and transform the world around them. Our faculty and students work to address some of the most important challenges of our time including sustainable land use, energy equity, migration, globalization, climate change, urbanization, and environmental justice.You will learn from interdisciplinary and international perspectives with a commitment to local community, service, sustainability, and justice. Your study of humans and their environments will extend beyond the classroom to the “field,” from suburbs and cities to farmland and forests. Geography majors also can choose the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) emphasis, which will give you map-making skills that apply to a wide range of careers, from urban planning to public health to environmental conservation. Geography students are encouraged to experience study away programs, cross-cultural learning opportunities, and travel courses. After graduation, our Geography alums have leveraged their knowledge into careers in geospatial analysis; sustainability of energy, land and water; international and community development; urban planning; environmental law and policy; and teaching and research.
Course Examples
Every year, Gustavus faculty teach more than 1,800 courses - you'll be able to choose what interests you. Maybe one of these courses from Environment, Geography, and Earth Sciences will be on your class schedule.
- GEG-229Energy Geography
- GEG-225Race and Space in the US
- GEG-236Urban Geography
- GEG-325Glaciers in a Warming World
“Within Geography courses, we learn practical skills in jobs Geographers have, such as urban planning and GIS.”
Benji Huff ’24, Geography and Religion Major
What can I do with a degree in Geography?
The Geography major is adaptable - and valuable - leading to many different fields and fulfilling careers. Here are a few popular paths, but a Gustavus degree can take you anywhere.
- Geospatial Analysis
- City and Regional Planning
- International and Community Development
- Sustainability Management; Environmental Law and Policy
- Disaster Management
- Teaching and Research
Get more information about Geography
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