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Geography

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

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Study the relationship between humans and the Earth as a geography major

Geography directly translates to “Earth writing.” Here at the University of Wyoming, we take that meaning to heart. As a geography major, you’ll study everything that touches the Earth.

You’ll learn about the climate system, how landscapes form and why life is distributed across the planet. Perhaps most importantly, you’ll learn how people interact with their environments, and how cultural and political differences affect relationships between people and their environments.

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Program Details

Tuition and Fees

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Geography Major Requirements

Curriculum & Courses

Department

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Department of Geology and Geophysics

About the Geography Major

The geography degree program gives students foundational geography knowledge and the opportunity to focus their coursework in at least two specialties: physical geography, human geography and natural resource management.

Throughout their time at UW, students are invited to take unique geography courses as well as interdisciplinary courses in other departments. We find that this approach gives students the most well-rounded education with plenty of opportunities for hands-on experience.

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Students and professor looking at maps

UW’s geography faculty members are accomplished professionals that love seeing their students succeed. Students are encouraged to work with a faculty member to create an individual development plan. These plans help students focus on their passions and interests during their time at UW.

Some of their areas of expertise include:

  • Environmental Politics
  • Urban Movements
  • Conservation
  • Drought
  • Geo-Visualization

 

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What can you do with geography bachelor's degree?

Our geography graduates pursue fulfilling careers in the private, public and nonprofit sectors of the geography field. 

Geography Careers

Here are some of the job titles our graduates hold:

  • Geographer
  • Geoscientist
  • Geography Information Systems Specialist
  • Hydrologist
  • Planner
  • Resource Manager
  • Conservationist
  • Environmental Consultant

 

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Notable Geography Alumni Employers

  • National Park Service
  • City Governments across Wyoming
  • U.S. Geological Survey
  • Wyoming State Engineers Office
  • University of Nevada-Reno
  • U.S. Census Bureau
  • Wyoming Geographic Information Science Center
  • U.S. State Department
  • Airbus Defence and Space
  • Columbus State University
  • Boise State University
  • Mt. San Antonio College
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Geography Major Highlights

How do humans and the environment interact over space and time?

As a geography major, you’ll learn the answers to this question! Throughout your time at UW, you’ll have hands-on learning opportunities and get to work with accomplished faculty. Here are some of the highlights you’ll experience as part of our program.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

There are many opportunities for hands-on learning in the geography program. Many students complete internships and research with public, private and nonprofit organizations. Students are additionally encouraged to participate in study abroad programs. These experiences enhance students’ geographical knowledge and appreciation for the social and geographical relationships that make up our world. 

Scholarships

Geography students are regularly awarded scholarships for independent research and projects. Students also receive excellence awards that cover the cost of their travel to industry conferences, where they network with professionals and learn more about the field of geography.

I arrived in Laramie as a freshman with an interest in the patterns and processes that shaped our world and left four years later with the knowledge, skills and motivation to start contributing to work that focused on addressing our world's most pressing issues.

- Scott Kelley
B.S., Geography '06

Related Programs

Interested in UW’s geography degree? These programs may also be of interest to you:

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Department of Geology and Geophysics

1000 E. University Avenue

Laramie, WY 82071-2000

Phone: (307) 766-3386

Email: geol-geophys@uwyo.edu