Geography
Credentials available
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Arts & Science
- Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Education
- Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Education
- Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Management
- Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Management
Campus
- Lethbridge
Intake
Program description
Geography deals with the diverse landscapes around us. 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.
The primary focus of the program is to give you the skills necessary to analyze the organization and interaction of all creatures and ecological processes on the planet — and sometimes beyond it — to address real-world issues.
The department is particularly strong in the areas of geographical information science (GIS) and remote sensing, water research and rural & urban studies; areas of spectacular growth in research, teaching and employment for our graduates.
You'll have access to the latest hardware and software available in geography, economics, environment, agriculture, ecology, planning etc, as well as state-of-the-art facilities like 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.
Situated in the Oldman River Valley, the University’s location offers an excellent centre for field research, surrounded by farm and rangelands, and in easy reach of the Rockies and the city of Calgary.
Student clubs & activities | The Geography Club has a very active presence on campus organizing activities such as canoe trips, field trips to US and Canadian locations, local hikes, social events and an informal lecture series, “Slide du Jour.”
Minors | Adding a minor to your degree is a great way to explore academic interests beyond your major. A minor is a set of courses comprising a secondary focus of interest generally not related to your major. A minor may be required or optional.
Honours thesis | If your GPA is high enough in your fourth year, you can opt to complete an undergraduate thesis course. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree.
Experience learning | Our students have a number of experiential learning opportunities available to them including co-operative education, international exchanges, independent and applied studies as well as volunteer opportunities. uLethbridge is the only university in Alberta to offer co-operative education to all majors in the arts & sciences, at both the undergrad and grad level. Transfer students can actually head out on their first work term before ever stepping foot on campus! For example, many transfer students have completed a summer work term before starting classes in September.
Skills acquired | In addition to developing exceptional communication skills, you will develop critical and analytical problem solving skills, research and information management skills and improve your attention to detail and patterns. You will leave the program with a strong ability to develop research questions, conduct field work, and summarize findings, as well as an in-depth knowledge of environmental and social issues.
Possible careers
Related fields | Our graduates often secure employment with local, provincial and federal government departments, or with corporations and consultants around the world. Here are just a few of the options open to you once you’ve earned your degree:
- Academic Research
- Eco-Tourism
- Environmental Consulting
- Environmental Education Specialist
- Environmental Impact Analyst
- GIS Specialist/Technician
- Hydrologist
- Location Analyst
- Municipal & Resource Planning
- Park Management
- Remote Sensing Analyst
- Renewable Resource Management
- Soil Conservation
- Urban or Regional Planner
Professional disciplines & graduate studies | Your undergraduate degree in geography provides an excellent foundation for environmental law, management, journalism, education and geology. The University of Lethbridge’s School of Graduate Studies offers graduate programs at the master's and doctoral levels spanning over 60 disciplines — so why not consider pursuing grad school right here in Lethbridge! Whether you choose to do your advanced studies at uLethbridge or another institution, know that your undergraduate degree has set you on the path to post-graduate success.
Admission requirements for Geography
For admission, Canadian high school students in Alberta must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
This course is required:
- English Language Arts 30-1
Three of these courses are required:
- Aboriginal Studies 30
- Art 30 or Art 31
- Biology 30
- Chemistry 30
- Choral Music 30, General Music 30, or Instrumental Music 30
- Dance 35
- Drama 30
- Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2
- Mathematics 31
- Physics 30
- Science 30
- Social Studies 30-1 or Social Studies 30-2
- Five credits in Advanced-level CTS Computer Science (CSE)
- One or more distinct languages at the 30 level
One additional requirement from this list:
- That has not already been used
- May be from the list above
- Must be at the 30 level
- Must be worth at least five credits (multiple courses worth a total of five or more credits can be used)
- Cannot be a Special Project
For admission, Canadian high school students in British Columbia must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
One of these courses is required:
- English 12
- English First Peoples 12
Three of these courses are required:
- One or more distinct languages at the 12 or 12A level
- Human Geography 12 or Physical Geography 12
- BC First Peoples 12 or Contemporary Indigenous Studies 12
- Political Studies 12
- Law Studies 12
- Comparative Cultures 12
- Asian Studies 12
- 20th Century World History 12
- Social Justice 12
- One of Pre-Calculus 12 or Foundations of Mathematics 12
- Calculus 12
- Anatomy & Physiology 12
- Chemistry 12
- Physics 12
- Composition 12
- Creative Writing 12
- New Media 12
- Spoken Language 12 or Literary Studies 12
- Geometry 12
- Statistics 12
- Computer Science 12
- Environmental Science 12
- Specialized Science 12
- Economic Theory 12
- Geology 12
- Studio Arts 3D 12,Studio Arts 2D 12, or Art Studio 12
- Dance Foundations 12, Dance Company 12, Dance Conditioning 12, or Dance Technique and Performance 12
- Drama 12
- Choral Music: Chamber Choir 12, Composition and Production 12, or Instrumental Music: Orchestra 12
One additional requirement from this list:
- That has not already been used
- May be from the list above
- Must be at the 12 level
- Must be worth at least four credits
For admission, Canadian high school students in Manitoba must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
One of these courses is required:
- Comprehensive Focus 40S
- Literary Focus 40S
- Transactional Focus 40S
Three of these courses are required:
- Biology 40S
- Chemistry 40S
- Computer Science 40S
- Current Topics in FNMI Studies 40S
- Drama 40S or Drama 45S (maximum one credit)
- Global Issues 40S
- History: Western Civilization 40S
- Interdisciplinary Topics in Science 40S
- Pre-Calculus Mathematics 40S or Applied Mathematics 40S
- Advanced Mathematics 45S and Calculus 45S
- Music 40S or Music 45S (maximum one credit)
- Physics 40S
- Visual Arts 40S or Visual Arts 45S (maximum one credit)
- Geography: World Human 40S
- One or more distinct languages at the 40S or 30S (min. 4yr) level
One additional requirement from this list:
- That has not already been used
- May be from the list above
- Must be at the 40 level
- Must be designated S, G, or U
- Must be worth at least one credit (two half-credit courses may be used)
For admission, Canadian high school students in New Brunswick must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
One of these courses is required:
- English 121
- English 122
Three of these courses are required:
- Biology 121 or Biology 122
- Calculus 120
- Canadian Geography 120
- Canadian History 120 or Canadian History 122
- Chemistry 121 or Chemistry 122
- Intro to Environmental Studies 122
- One of Foundations of Math 120 or Pre-Calculus A120 and Pre-Calculus B120 (counts as one course)
- Music 120 or Music 122
- Physics 121 or Physics 122
- Science 120
- Theatre Arts 120
- Three Dimensional Studies 120
- Visual Arts 120 or Visual Arts Portfolio 122
- World Issues 120
- One or more distinct languages at the 121 or 122 level
One additional requirement from this list:
- That has not already been used
- May be from the list above
- Must be at the 120, 121, or 122 level
- Must be worth at least one credit
For admission, Canadian high school students in Newfoundland & Labrador must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
This course is required:
- English 3201
Three of these courses are required:
- Art and Design 3200
- Biology 3201
- Calculus 3208
- Chemistry 3202
- Earth Systems 3209
- Advanced Mathematics 3200 or Mathematics 3201
- Applied Music 3206 or Ensemble Performance 3105
- Physics 3204
- Theatre Arts 3220 or Musical Theatre 3221
- World Geography 3202 or World Geography 3208
- World History 3201 or Histoire Mondiale 3231
- One or more distinct languages at the 3200 level
One additional requirement from this list:
- That has not already been used
- May be from the list above
- Must be at the 3000 level
- Must be worth at least two credits
For admission, Canadian high school students in Northwest Territories must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
This course is required:
- English Language Arts 30-1
Three of these courses are required:
- Aboriginal Studies 30
- Art 30 or Art 31
- Biology 30
- Chemistry 30
- Choral Music 30, General Music 30, or Instrumental Music 30
- Dance 35
- Drama 30
- Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2
- Mathematics 31
- Physics 30
- Science 30
- Social Studies 30-1 or Social Studies 30-2
- Five credits in Advanced-level CTS Computer Science (CSE)
- One or more distinct languages at the 30 level
One additional requirement from this list:
- That has not already been used
- May be from the list above
- Must be at the 30 level
- Must be worth at least five credits (multiple courses worth a total of five or more credits can be used)
- Cannot be a Special Project
For admission, Canadian high school students in Nova Scotia must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
One of these courses is required:
- English 12 (Academic)
- English 12 (Advanced)
- English 12 African Heritage
Three of these courses are required:
- Biology 12
- Calculus 12
- Chemistry 12
- Drama Theatre Arts 12
- Film and Video Production 12
- Geology 12
- Global Geography 12
- Global History 12
- Global Politics 12
- One of Pre-Calculus 12, Mathematics 12 (Advanced), Mathematics 12 (Academic), or Mathematics Foundations 12
- Music 12
- Physics 12
- Visual Arts 12
- One or more distinct languages at the 12 level
One additional requirement from this list:
- That has not already been used
- May be from the list above
- Must be at the 12 level
- Must be worth at least one credit
For admission, Canadian high school students in Nunavut must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
This course is required:
- English Language Arts 30-1
Three of these courses are required:
- Aboriginal Studies 30
- Art 30 or Art 31
- Biology 30
- Chemistry 30
- Choral Music 30, General Music 30, or Instrumental Music 30
- Dance 35
- Drama 30
- Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2
- Mathematics 31
- Physics 30
- Science 30
- Social Studies 30-1 or Social Studies 30-2
- Five credits in Advanced-level CTS Computer Science (CSE)
- One or more distinct languages at the 30 level
One additional requirement from this list:
- That has not already been used
- May be from the list above
- Must be at the 30 level
- Must be worth at least five credits (multiple courses worth a total of five or more credits can be used)
- Cannot be a Special Project
For admission, Canadian high school students in Ontario must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
One of these courses is required:
- Anglais (EAE4U)
- English (ENG4U)
- Studies in Literature (ETS4U)
Three of these courses are required:
- Biology (SBI4U)
- Chemistry (SCH4U)
- Canada: History, Identity, and Culture (CHI4U) or World History: The West and the World (CHY4U)
- Canadian and International Law (CLN4U)
- Canadian and World Politics (CPW4U)
- Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U)
- Computer Science (ICS4U)
- Dance (ATC4M)
- Drama (ADA4M)
- Earth and Space Science (SES4U)
- Issues of Indigenous Peoples in a Global Context (NDW4M) or Aboriginal Governance (NDG4M)
- Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Foundations for College Math (MAP4C), Math for College Technology (MCT4C), or Mathematics of Data Management (MDM4U)
- Media Arts (ASM4M)
- Music (AMU4M)
- Physics (SPH4U)
- Science (SNC4M)
- Visual Arts (AVI4M)
- World Geography: Human Patterns and Interactions (CGU4U) or Canadian and World Issues (CGW4U)
- One or more distinct languages at the 4U, DU, or NL5 level
- Any other 4U level course
One additional requirement from this list:
- That has not already been used
- May be from the list above
- Must be at the 4U or 4M level
- Must be at least 1.0 credits
For admission, Canadian high school students in Prince Edward Island must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
One of these courses is required:
- English 611A
- English 621A
Three of these courses are required:
- Biology 621A or Biology 611A
- Chemistry 611A or Chemistry 621A
- Dramatic Arts 621A
- Environmental Science 621A
- Geography 621A: Global Issues
- History 621A: Canadian History or History 621B: Prince Edward Island History
- Mathematics 611B (Calculus)
- Mathematics 621B or Mathematics 621A
- Music 621A
- Oceanography 621A
- Physics 621A
- Visual Arts 621A
- One or more distinct languages at the 621 level
One additional requirement from this list:
- That has not already been used
- May be from the list above
- Must be at the 600 level
- Must be worth at least one credit
For admission, Canadian high school students in Quebec must have completed 10 of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
Two courses from the
- English Literature 603 series
Eight of these courses are required:
- Art 520
- Biology 101
- Chemistry 202
- Drama 560
- Geography 320
- History 330
- Mathematics 201
- Music 550
- Physics 203
- Français 601 or French as a Second Language 602
- One or more distinct languages at the 607 to 616 level
A completed CEGEP diploma (DCS or DEC) may qualify the applicant for advance credits.
For admission, Canadian high school students in Saskatchewan must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
One of these courses is required:
- English Language Arts A30, English Language Arts B30, or English Language Arts 30
Three of these courses are required:
- Arts Education 30 or Visual Art 30
- Band 30, Choral 30, or Instrumental Jazz 30
- Biology 30
- Calculus 30
- Chemistry 30
- Computer Science 30
- Dance 30
- Drama 30
- Earth Science 30
- Geography 30
- History 30: Canadian Studies
- One of Pre-Calculus 30 or Foundations of Mathematics 30
- Native Studies 30: Canadian Studies
- Physics 30
- Social Studies 30: Canadian Studies
- One or more distinct languages at the 30 level
One additional requirement from this list:
- That has not already been used
- May be from the list above
- Must be at the 30 level
- Must be worth at least one credit
For admission, Canadian high school students in The Yukon must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
One of these courses is required:
- English 12
- English First Peoples 12
Three of these courses are required:
- One or more distinct languages at the 12 or 12A level
- Human Geography 12 or Physical Geography 12
- BC First Peoples 12 or Contemporary Indigenous Studies 12
- Political Studies 12
- Law Studies 12
- Comparative Cultures 12
- Asian Studies 12
- 20th Century World History 12
- Social Justice 12
- One of Pre-Calculus 12 or Foundations of Mathematics 12
- Calculus 12
- Anatomy & Physiology 12
- Chemistry 12
- Physics 12
- Composition 12
- Creative Writing 12
- New Media 12
- Spoken Language 12 or Literary Studies 12
- Geometry 12
- Statistics 12
- Computer Science 12
- Environmental Science 12
- Specialized Science 12
- Economic Theory 12
- Geology 12
- Studio Arts 3D 12,Studio Arts 2D 12, or Art Studio 12
- Dance Foundations 12, Dance Company 12, Dance Conditioning 12, or Dance Technique and Performance 12
- Drama 12
- Choral Music: Chamber Choir 12, Composition and Production 12, or Instrumental Music: Orchestra 12
One additional requirement from this list:
- That has not already been used
- May be from the list above
- Must be at the 12 level
- Must be worth at least four credits
This program also requires
One of the courses you include must be:
- Mathematics 30-1 or 30-2
Students considering working toward the Bachelor of Science/Education (Geography/Science Education) program are required to have Chemistry 30 and Mathematics 30-1.
This program also requires
One of the courses you include must be:
- Pre-Calculus 12 or Foundations of Mathematics 12
Students considering working toward the Bachelor of Science/Education (Geography/Science Education) program are required to have Chemistry 12 and Pre-Calculus 12.
This program also requires
One of the courses you include must be:
- Pre-Calculus Mathematics 40S or Applied Mathematics 45S
Students considering working toward the Bachelor of Science/Education (Geography/Science Education) program are required to have Chemistry 40S and Pre-Calculus Mathematics 40S.
This program also requires
One of the courses you include must be:
- Pre-Calculus 120A and 120B or Foundations of Mathematics 120
Students considering working toward the Bachelor of Science/Education (Geography/Science Education) program are required to have Chemistry 121 and Pre-Calculus 120A.
This program also requires
One of the courses you include must be:
- Mathematics 3200 or Mathematics 3201
Students considering working toward the Bachelor of Science/Education (Geography/Science Education) program are required to have Chemistry 3202 and Mathematics 3200.
This program also requires
One of the courses you include must be:
- Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2
Students considering working toward the Bachelor of Science/Education (Geography/Science Education) program are required to have Chemistry 30 and Mathematics 30-1.
This program also requires
One of the courses you include must be:
- Pre-Calculus Mathematics 12 or Mathematics 12 (Advanced) or Math 12 (Academic)
Students considering working toward the Bachelor of Science/Education (Geography/Science Education) program are required to have Chemistry 12 and Pre-Calculus Mathematics 12.
This program also requires
One of the courses you include must be:
- Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2
Students considering working toward the Bachelor of Science/Education (Geography/Science Education) program are required to have Chemistry 30 and Mathematics 30-1.
This program also requires
One of the courses you include must be:
- Advanced Functions MHF4U or Mathematics of Data Management MDM4U or Math for College Technology MCT4C or Foundations for College Math MAP4C
Students considering working toward the Bachelor of Science/Education (Geography/Science Education) program are required to have Chemistry (SCH4U) and Advanced Functions MHF4U.
This program also requires
One of the courses you include must be:
- Mathematics 621B or Mathematics 621A
Students considering working toward the Bachelor of Science/Education (Geography/Science Education) program are required to have Chemistry 611A and Mathematics 621B.
This program also requires
One of the courses you include must be:
- Linear Algebra 201-NYC or Calculus I 201-NYA or Calculus II 201-NYB
Students considering working toward the Bachelor of Science/Education (Geography/Science Education) program are required to have Chemistry 202 and Linear Algebra 201-NYC.
This program also requires
One of the courses you include must be:
- Pre-Calculus 30 or Foundations of Mathematics 30
Students considering working toward the Bachelor of Science/Education (Geography/Science Education) program are required to have Chemistry 30 and Pre-Calculus 30.
This program also requires
One of the courses you include must be:
- Pre-Calculus 12 or Foundations of Mathematics 12
Students considering working toward the Bachelor of Science/Education (Geography/Science Education) program are required to have Chemistry 12 and Pre-Calculus 12.
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
First year cost estimator
for Geography
Let us help you understand your tuition and fees for your first year at the University of Lethbridge.
Geography at the University of Lethbridge has inspired me to connect with our environment by exploring and understanding the processes that have shaped our Earth. I have studied the theory and practical applications of remote sensing and GIS through a variety of classroom and field courses, and I have actively participated in geographical research as an undergraduate student. My studies have shaped my world outlook through a geographic lens, which has motivated me to continue my studies into practical applications that will have a real impact on our world.
- Nicole (BSc '21) Geography
Sample classes
Course selections for the program will vary, but may include:
- Introduction to Physical Geography
- Introduction to Human Geography
- Geomorphology
- Geographical Information Systems
- Hydrology
- Remote Sensing
- Field Techniques in Earth Science
Additional information
Two, $10,000 bursaries will go to full-time undergraduate students enrolled in remote sensing, computer science with GIS or geography. The awards will be given to students based on the number of credit hours they’ve completed and financial need. Learn more: ulethbridge.ca/artsci/geography/tecterra-bursaries