Geography (BA/BSc/BASc)
Explore the spatial organization of human development from social, economic and political perspectives. Investigate geography from earth, environmental and social science perspectives to better understand ecological changes and processes.
Geography deals with some of the most exciting issues on Earth. It studies the interaction between human beings and the global environment and the resulting problems and opportunities. It is about everything from the original formation of the earth’s surface, to the effects we have on our environment: past, present and future.
We, as human beings, are an intrinsic part of the global ecosystem. We are a powerful part of nature and create imbalances that can have global influence. Geography is also concerned with spatial analysis: the distribution characteristics or network structures of a wide variety of physical and human features on the Earth's surface. It is from these concerns that Geographical Information Science (GIS) has emerged.
The primary focus of the program is to provide you with the theoretical knowledge and technical skills that will enable you to analyze the spatial organization and interaction of all creatures and ecological processes on the planet — and sometimes beyond it — in order to address real-world issues.
As a geography student, you will have access to the latest hardware and software available in geography, economics, environment, agriculture, ecology, planning and a host of other disciplines. You will also have access to state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building. This facility provides the infrastructure to support the research interests of our award-winning faculty — your instructors — as they investigate diverse areas such as: weather and climate, water, glaciers, sediments, plants and insects.
We offer one of the most balanced majors in Geography. Students have the opportunity to study in areas such as:
About the Majors in Geography
The Department of Geography & Environment offers a major in geography for the 40-course Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) degree programs. You can also opt for a general major in the social sciences or sciences and select geography as one of the three streams. Alternatively, you can declare geography as the BA major for the Combined BA/BEd or BA/BMgt programs or the BSc major for the Combined BSc/BEd or BSc/BMgt programs.
Bachelor of Arts:
Explores the spatial organization of human development from social, economic and political perspectives.
Bachelor of Science:
Investigates geography from earth, environmental and social science perspectives to better understand ecological changes and processes.
Geographical Information Science:
Geography students are encouraged to build on their knowledge with more advanced research methods in Geographical Information Science (GIS). A notable area of strength at the U of L, GIS has become a growth area in research, teaching and employment for our graduates. These courses also benefit the study of archaeology. The Department hosts a GIS/Remote Sensing lab for teaching and student projects, as well as dedicated research and graduate student areas—all containing high-end computers and the latest hardware and software.
Get Involved!
Faculty members conduct research that has local, national and international implications, and there are many ways for you to get involved. To find out more about these exciting opportunities, contact the Department directly.
Students also have many opportunities to experience what they are learning inside the classroom, outside the classroom. Learn more!
Stay Informed
The Registrar's Office has many great resources to help you plan your program. Our Academic Advisors are also a great resource, so connect with them early and as often as you need. They can help you understand your degree requirements and help you navigate your program planning guide. To access Program Planning Guides for 2019-20:
Major's in Geography are 40- course degree programs. Students pursuing a BA, BSc or BASc in Geography can declare a Concentration in Geographical Information Science (GIS).
Students who have selected a General Major in the Social Sciences or Sciences can select Geography as one of their three streams.
Students can select Geography as the BA major for the Combined BA/BEd, or BA/BMgt. Students can select Geography as the BSc major for the Combined BA/BEd, or BA/BMgt.
- BA/BEd in Geography/Social Studies Education
- BSc/BEd in Geography/Science Education
- BA/BMgt or BSc/BMgt with a Disciplinary Major
Program Planning Guides for all other years, are available here.