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Geography, BA

Explore the phenomena, features and inhabitants of planet Earth. Learn about humanistic and cultural traditions while absorbing the physical aspects of the world, especially climate and landscape dynamics.

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A researcher collects rooftop field data, exploring environments in ASU's Geography, BA program.

Quick facts

Courses

120 credit hours
Math intensity: General program math intensity general
First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
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Additional facts

STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Degree description

Combining the physical environment with human interaction, the Bachelor of Arts program in geography emphasizes humanistic and cultural traditions.

In the program, you concentrate on knowledge-building in understanding various cultural phenomena or in studying regions such as Africa, Asia, Australia and Oceania, Europe, Latin America and North America.

In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you are interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can visit The College's website for more information and requirements.

Get to know the Geography degree at ASU

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Courses

Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.

Sample courses
GCU 121 World Geography
GIS 205 Geographic Information Science I
GPH 111 Introduction to Physical Geography
GPH 112 Introduction to Physical Geography Lab
GCU 102 Introduction to Human Geography
GCU 496 Geographic Research Methods

Course checksheet and curriculum archive

The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.

What If

Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).

Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.

If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.

See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)

What you'll learn

The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.

  • Integrate spatial thinking knowledge and skills with knowledge of culture and cultural processes to be able to connect geographic processes to geographic forms in the context of the United States.
  • Apply geographic perspective when interpreting past international events that changed cultural landscapes.
  • Construct a scholarly literature review on a contemporary geographical research problem.

Admission requirements

Here are the admission and application details

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.


Explore expanded study opportunities

This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Graduate advisor
Fernanda Quiroz
602-543-1645
mfquiroz@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-7444
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Fernanda Quiroz
602-543-1645
mfquiroz@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-7444
Learn more about this program

Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Global experience

Students deepen their understanding of cultural traditions in the human experience of place when studying abroad. Through study abroad programs, students explore the world and gain hands-on experience in diverse cultures and traditions.

With more than 300 Global Education programs available, study abroad enables students to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Students' resumes are enhanced by the heightened cultural competency, and communication and critical thinking skills acquired through study abroad.

Paying for college

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Get an estimate

Build the career and future you want

Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:

Career opportunities showing job titles, projected growth rates, median salaries, and links to detailed information
Career Growth Median Salary More Information
Archivist 3.4% $64,550
Cartographer (Map Maker) 7.4% $81,390
Geodetic Surveyor 5.8% $75,440
Geographic Information Systems Analyst (GIS Analyst) -2.1% $102,040
Geographic Information Systems Technician (GIS Technician) 5.1% $116,580
Historian 3.0% $76,750
Human Behavior Researcher 5.0% $61,990
Land Surveyor 5.8% $75,440
Park Ranger 5.3% $73,010
Survey Technician 5.8% $54,240

Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.

Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


More about careers

Geographers obtain careers in:

  • community development
  • foreign service
  • geodemographic analysis
  • governmental organizations
  • intelligence analysis
  • international trade
  • public sector transportation planning
  • teaching
  • urban and regional planning

Contact information

Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.

School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning | COOR 5681
SGSUP.Advising@asu.edu.
480-965-7533

Frequently asked questions about degree programs

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

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