Physical geographers study patterns and processes on the Earth’s surface, and how human activities affect natural systems.

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Geography degree provides a broad background on the fundamentals of physical geography (climate, snow and ice, water, soils, ecosystems). It provides you with specialized expertise in geospatial analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, statistics, and field measurement methods that are critical skills for professional geoscientists and environmental consultants.

This program builds your understanding of the interactions between Earth’s atmosphere, lithosphere (crust and upper mantle), hydrosphere (total amount of water) and the biosphere. You’ll discover how the planet's oceans, rivers, lakes, mountains, glaciers, forests, ecosystems, and weather and climate are interconnected.

The Geography (BSc) degree program focuses on geography as an earth science. Foundational courses in your first two years include biology, physics, chemistry, math, and coding.

In the third and fourth years, you’ll take courses on weather and climate, snow and ice, mountains, hydrology, geomorphology, soils and weathering, and geomatics. Electives in anthropology, environmental science, and natural resources management provide breadth and flexibility for students to follow their interests.

Field schools in southern California and British Columbia provide you with hands-on experience and the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in a wide variety of outstanding natural environments.

Geography is an interdisciplinary bridge between the human and physical sciences, studying human­–environment interactions. The Geography program offers both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts. The BSc in physical geography examines the natural environment and the interaction of climate, soils, vegetation and landforms, while the BA in human geography focuses on cultural, social, economic and rural environments. Degrees emphasize the geography of the North and contemporary geographic technologies.

Career Paths
Meteorologist
Government researcher
Environmental consultant
Geoscientist
Hydrologist
GIS analyst
Field technician
Planning
Climatologist