Geography, BS
Develop your understanding of climate, landforms and biogeography. Learn about the world around you --- from the sky to the bottom of the ocean --- and how humans impact landscapes across various geographic regions.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
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
Geographers have a distinct spatial perspective in understanding the world, from global to local, through the twin lenses of space and place.
In the Bachelor of Science program in geography, you learn about natural features of the world, including landforms, plants, water and weather, as well as the impact humans have on the world. This degree program also emphasizes social science or environmental science dynamics involving economic patterns, human populations and transportation.
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.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| 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 |
| GIS 270 Statistics for Geography and Planning |
| 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.
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.
- Will interpret geographic forms in the context of the United States using spatial skills and knowledge of physical geography processes.
- Will analyze interactions between human geography and physical geography processes.
- Will write a scholarly literature review on a contemporary geographical research problem.
Will interpret geographic forms in the context of the United States using spatial skills and knowledge of physical geography processes.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:
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.
Students deepen their understanding of cultural traditions in the human experience of place when studying abroad. With more than 300 programs available, students who participate in a Global Education program tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Studying abroad grants students the ability to explore the world and gain hands-on experience in diverse cultures and traditions. Students enhance their resumes with heightened cultural competency, and enhanced communication and critical thinking skills they acquire 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 | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cartographer (Map Maker) | 7.4% | $81,390 | Learn more |
| Climate Change Analyst | 6.1% | $82,220 | Learn more |
| Conservation Officer | -1.5% | $43,680 | Learn more |
| Environmental Compliance Inspector | 3.8% | $80,730 | Learn more |
| Environmental Restoration Planner | 6.1% | $82,220 | Learn more |
| Farm Manager | 5.3% | $73,010 | Learn more |
| Geographic Information Systems Analyst (GIS Analyst) | -2.1% | $102,040 | Learn more |
| Geographic Information Systems Technician (GIS Technician) | 5.1% | $116,580 | Learn more |
| Hydrogeologist | 8.2% | $167,220 | Learn more |
| Survey Technician | 5.8% | $54,240 | Learn more |
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
Having gained skills in geospatial techniques, geographers with a BS degree in geography go on to careers such as:
- computer cartographer
- environmental impact assessment analyst
- geographic information science specialist or analyst
- geomorphologist
- hydrology and water resource specialist
- location analyst for businesses
- photogrammetry specialist
- remote sensing analyst
Graduates also are presented with a host of other geospatial career options in the burgeoning fields of geographic information science, mapping and navigation systems.
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.
