Geography - BS

S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources

About This Degree

Geography is the study of the relationships between human society and the physical environment.

Geography involves environmental studies, human impact on the environment, availability and location of the earth's resources, physical processes that occur at the earth's surface, and the spatial interactions among society and the physical environment.

What You Will Learn

The College of Natural Resources conducts extensive research and development in the geographic information sciences. It works extensively with the Environmental Systems Research Institute software company to assure that graduates of the geography program gain proficiency in the latest tools for analyses of geographic information and mapping of the earth's surface.

Emphases:

Students must choose an emphasis in one of the following areas

Human-Environment Geography:

This emphasis provides a broad overview of the relationships between humans and their environments across different cultures, economies, and geographic locations around the globe. It requires an understanding of the dynamics of geology, meteorology, hydrology, biogeography, ecology, and geomorphology, as well as human behavior, decision making, and perception in relation to the environment.

Geographic Information Science:

This emphasis assists students in gaining a solid foundation of geographic information analysis. Areas of application include geography, natural resources, landscape architecture, and city and regional planning.

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ADVISING

At a Glance

College: S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources

Department: Environment and Society Department

USU Locations:

  • Logan campus

Program Requirements

Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

With a degree in geography, graduates can pursue the following careers:

Human-Environment Geography Emphasis

  • Community planning and development
  • Travel and tourism
  • Environmental protection
  • International aid
  • Writer/researcher
  • Local government departments or agencies responsible for transport, tourism, housing, environmental services, recycling, sustainability, regeneration, economic development, etc.

Geographical Information Science Emphasis

  • Community planning and development
  • GIS specialist
  • Transportation management
  • Cartographer
  • Environmental consultant
  • Aerial photographic technician

Job Outlook

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Advising

We will build on your goals and experiences while working together to design an individualized semester-by-semester plan. Your personalized plan will help you see a path from where you are now on to graduation. Even if you are unsure of the major you would like to pursue, we can help with resources and ideas.

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I am not a current USU student

I have not applied or been admitted, even if I've taken a USU Concurrent Enrollment course

I am a current USU student

I have been admitted and plan to attend, or continue attending USU

USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

Admission

Admission Requirements

In addition to Utah State University’s admissions requirements, the geography program has special requirements:

  • First-Year students: First-Year students admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to this major.
  • Transfer Students: Transfer students from other institutions or from other USU majors need a 2.5 total GPA for admission to this major.

International students have additional admissions requirements.

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Cost and Aid

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How to Apply

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