Contact Us

Department of Geology & Geophysics

Dept #3006

SH Knight Geology Building

Room #122

1000 E. University Ave

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-3386

Fax: (307) 766-4440

Email: geographydept@uwyo.edu

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Geography

Undergraduate Program

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A GEOGRAPHY DEGREE?

Geography is an interdisciplinary degree that studies human-environment relationships to understand and manage societal and natural resources to protect the planet as a whole. Geographers study natural and social phenomena, which allow us to be leaders in planning, conservation, climate change adaptation, hazards, and resource management. Through the study of the relationships between all of the Earth’s systems, physical, social, cultural, political and appropriate application of technology, our degree prepares you to become a professional geographer.

As geographers, students gain a global perspective and knowledge required for many careers ranging from international business, environmental consulting and restoration, resource management, planning, health and education.

With a Geography degree you have an advantage for Federal and state jobs in USA Jobs where a Geography BS degree is a requirement for many positions including numerous positions in Wyoming.


GEOGRAPHY CAREERS

  • Biological Science Technician
  • Climate Change Analyst
  • Climatologist
  • Community Developer
  • Ecological Risk Assessor
  • Emergency Management Specialist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Foreign Services Officer
  • Forester
  • Geointelligence Specialist
  • Geospatial Analyst
  • GIS Developer
  • Hazards Analyst
  • International Development Specialist
  • Logistics Analyst/Manager
  • Natural Sciences Manager
  • Soil and Plant Scientist
  • Sustainability Manager
  • Urban and Regional Planner
  • Water Resources Specialist
  • Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist

CURRICULUM

The Geography BS Degree starts with a core of foundational courses in the first few semesters that expand to courses available across the University of Wyoming. Students complete a common core and from there are able to choose from interdisciplinary content. The courses listed below are general examples of regularly offered courses. Speak to our undergraduate coordinator, Dr. JJ Shinker (jshinker@uwyo.edu) to see if there are any new or alternative courses that may suit your needs.

Core Requirements (10-11 credits)

GEOG1000 - World Regional Geography  OR GEOG1020 - Introduction to Human Geography 

GEOG1010 - Introduction to Physical Geography OR GEOL1070 - The Earth: Its Physical Environment 

GIST1200 - Geospatial Foundations  OR GIST2310 - Intro to Geographic Information Systems 

 

Content Areas (26 Credits)

At least 2 courses from 2 of the following 4 areas. Remaining credits as electives in consultation with academic advisor (~13-15 credits)

 

Human Geography Content

GEOG3030 - Geography and Development 

GEOG3050 - Economic Geography 

GEOG3400 - Traditional Ecological Knowledge 

GEOG3550 - Natural Hazards and Society 

GEOG4013 - Political Geography 

GEOG4560 - Global Cities 

GEOG4570 - Cultural Geography 

GEOG4590 - Geography of Conflicts 

INST4250 - East Asia Society and Economy 

 

Physical Geography Content

GEOG3010 - Geomorphology of Earth’s Dynamic Landscapes 

GEOG3450 - Weather and Climate 

GEOG3480 – Environmental Change

GEOG3550 - Natural Hazards and Society 

GEOG4450 - Fluvial Geomorphology 

GEOG4460 - Biogeography 

GEOG4470 - Fire Ecology 

GEOG3400 - Traditional Ecological Knowledge 

GEOL3500 - Global Change: A Geological Perspective 

GEOL3600 - Earth and Mineral Resources 

GEOL4880 - Earth Surface Processes 

 

Geographic Information Science (GIS) Content *

*accepting any GIST course in this category

GIST4410 - UAS Sensors and Platforms 

GIST4430 - UAS Regulations and Safety 

GIST4211 - Advanced Remote Sensing 

 

Interdisciplinary Content (examples include, but are not limited to)

ENR4890 - Topics in Environment and Natural Resources 

GEOG3480 – Environmental Change

GEOG4040 - Conservation of Natural Resources 

GEOG4051 - Environmental Politics 

GEOG4052 - Federal Land Politics 

GEOG4080 - Management of Major River Basins 

GEOG4590 - Geography of Conflicts 

GEOL3650 - Energy for Society: Addressing the Energy Grand Challenge 

INST3860 - World Food, Ag, & Development 

INST4445 - Drug War Geopolitics in the Americas 

INST4455 - Energy Security 

INST4475 - Politics of Natural Resources in Latin America 

INST4580 - Gender, Global Change, and Development 

SOIL4120 - Genesis, Morphology and Classification of Soils 

ZOO4440 - Limnology 


MINOR IN GEOGRAPHY

The Minor in Geography provides students with foundational knowledge in geography while allowing them to focus on the areas of physical geography, human geography, and natural resource management.

 

Core Requirements (10-11 credits)

GEOG1000 - World Regional Geography  OR GEOG1020 - Introduction to Human Geography 

GEOG1010 - Introduction to Physical Geography OR GEOL1070 - The Earth: Its Physical Environment 

GIST1200 - Geospatial Foundations  OR GIST2310 - Intro to Geographic Information Systems 

 

One Course from each of the following 2 areas (9 Credits)

 

Human Geography Content

GEOG3030 - Geography and Development 

GEOG3050 - Economic Geography 

GEOG3400 - Traditional Ecological Knowledge 

GEOG3550 - Natural Hazards and Society 

GEOG4013 - Political Geography 

GEOG4560 - Global Cities 

GEOG4570 - Cultural Geography 

GEOG4590 - Geography of Conflicts 

INST4250 - East Asia Society and Economy 

 

Physical Geography Content

GEOG3010 - Geomorphology of Earth’s Dynamic Landscapes 

GEOG3450 - Weather and Climate 

GEOG3480 – Environmental Change

GEOG3550 - Natural Hazards and Society 

GEOG4450 - Fluvial Geomorphology 

GEOG4460 - Biogeography 

GEOG4470 - Fire Ecology 

GEOG3400 - Traditional Ecological Knowledge 

GEOL3500 - Global Change: A Geological Perspective 

GEOL3600 - Earth and Mineral Resources 

GEOL4880 - Earth Surface Processes 

 

3 Credits in Geography electives

GEOG3480 – Environmental Change

GEOG4040 - Conservation of Natural Resources 

GEOG4051 - Environmental Politics 

GEOG4052 - Federal Land Politics 

GEOG4080 - Management of Major River Basins 

GEOG4590 - Geography of Conflicts 

GEOL3650 - Energy for Society: Addressing the Energy Grand Challenge 

Contact Us

Department of Geology & Geophysics

Dept #3006

SH Knight Geology Building

Room #122

1000 E. University Ave

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-3386

Fax: (307) 766-4440

Email: geographydept@uwyo.edu

Find us on Instagram (Link opens a new window)Find us on Facebook (Link opens a new window)Find us on Twitter (Link opens a new window)Find us on LinkedIn (Link opens a new window)Find us on YouTube (Link opens a new window)