Why Geography & Sustainable Development?

 Geography and Sustainable Development majors integrate the social and natural sciences to address 21st century social, economic, and environmental challenges. They synthesize geographic information using qualitative and quantitative techniques, including geospatial mapping technologies and data science. Students apply critical thinking, communication, and technical skills through individualized research and field experiences. They are prepared for purposeful careers in sustainable development and policy; environment and natural resource management; culture, citizenship and social justice; and geospatial techniques and applications.

What Can I Do With a Major in Geography & Sustainable Development?

A complex world demands specialized skills, but also ability to integrate information. Geographers have broad ability to link human and environmental, and technical skills in mapping, Geographic Information Science (GIS), or remote sensing. Graduates find quality employment in public, private, and non-governmental sectors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of geographers will grow 26% by 2018, particularly for those with GIS background. Many of our graduates find good placement in graduate programs.

Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate skills in integrative thinking on patterns and processes and spatial analysis across scales and among places
2. Students will apply geographic tools and planning concepts toward problem solving and analysis
3. Students will demonstrate competence in critical analysis and inquiry through the design and completion of independent research
4. Students will demonstrate writing competency through the preparation of proposals, literature reviews, plans, reports or research papers, and public presentations.

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