Bachelor’s Degree

Bachelor's Degree in Geography and Environmental Studies

This four-year Bachelor's Degree in Geography and Environmental Studies teaches about Earth's environments and human interactions, preparing students for careers in environmental management, planning, and research.

4 years
Length
Bachelor
Level
After high school
Entry level
39
Schools
00
Exit level
Bachelor
Length
4 years
Work-study
Uncommon
Selectivity
Open admission
Where to study
39 établissements

About

This Bachelor's Degree in Geography and Environmental Studies is a four-year undergraduate program offered in the United States. It is designed for students interested in understanding the physical environment and how humans impact it. The degree combines natural science, social science, and spatial analysis to provide a broad perspective on environmental issues.

  • The program suits students curious about topics like climate, ecosystems, urban development, and sustainability.
  • It prepares graduates for roles in environmental consulting, urban and regional planning, conservation, and geographic information systems (GIS).
  • Students develop skills in analyzing spatial data and understanding environmental policies.
  • The degree also lays a foundation for those considering graduate studies in geography, environmental science, or related fields.

What you study

The curriculum spans four years, progressively building knowledge and skills. Early courses introduce physical geography, human geography, and environmental science basics. Students learn about Earth's systems, ecosystems, and human impacts.

  • Intermediate years focus on spatial analysis, GIS technology, and environmental management techniques.
  • Students study subjects like climatology, land use planning, and environmental policy.
  • Practical work includes field trips, data collection, and computer labs using mapping software.
  • In later years, students often complete a capstone project or research paper applying their knowledge to real-world issues.
  • Some programs may offer internships or opportunities to work with local agencies on environmental projects.

How to get in

Admission to this Bachelor's program typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants usually apply through the university's standard undergraduate admissions process, which may include submitting transcripts, test scores, and personal statements.

  • Strong interest in science and social studies is helpful for success.
  • Some universities may look for coursework in biology, geography, or environmental science from high school.
  • Admission is generally open to a wide range of students, but competitive universities may have selective criteria.
  • International students must meet English proficiency requirements.

Day to day

A typical academic year involves attending lectures, labs, and fieldwork sessions. Students balance theoretical classes with hands-on activities to understand environmental processes and spatial data.

  • Field trips allow students to observe natural and urban environments directly.
  • Projects often involve collecting and analyzing geographic data using GIS software.
  • Some programs encourage internships during summer breaks to gain practical experience.
  • The workload includes exams, essays, presentations, and group work.
  • Students may participate in environmental clubs or research groups on campus.

Continuing your studies

After completing this Bachelor's degree, students can pursue graduate studies to deepen expertise or specialize. Master's programs in geography, environmental science, urban planning, or related fields are common next steps.

  • Graduate studies can focus on research, policy, or technical skills like advanced GIS.
  • Some may choose professional degrees in environmental management or sustainability.
  • Others might explore interdisciplinary fields combining social sciences and environmental studies.

Where to study this degree (39)

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Dartmouth College
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Dartmouth College
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📍Hanover, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Colorado Boulder
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University of Colorado Boulder
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📍Boulder, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of California-Los Angeles
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University of California-Los Angeles
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📍Los Angeles, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Minnesota, Duluth
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University of Minnesota, Duluth
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📍Duluth, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Washington-Seattle Campus
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University of Washington-Seattle Campus
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📍Seattle, 🇺🇸 United States
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Clark University
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Clark University
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📍Worcester, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Oregon
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University of Oregon
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📍Eugene, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Florida
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University of Florida
University
📍Gainesville, 🇺🇸 United States
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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
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📍University Park, 🇺🇸 United States
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Macalester College
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Macalester College
School
📍Saint Paul, 🇺🇸 United States
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Ohio University Lancaster
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Ohio University Lancaster
University
📍Athens, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Maryland-Baltimore County
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University of Maryland-Baltimore County
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📍Baltimore, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Alabama
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University of Alabama
University
📍Tuscaloosa, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Oklahoma
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University of Oklahoma
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📍Norman, 🇺🇸 United States
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Western Washington University
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Western Washington University
University
📍Bellingham, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Florida-Online
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University of Florida-Online
college
📍Gainesville, 🇺🇸 United States
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South Dakota State University
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South Dakota State University
University
📍Brookings, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Kansas
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University of Kansas
University
📍Lawrence, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Missouri-Kansas City
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University of Missouri-Kansas City
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📍Kansas City, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Toledo
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University of Toledo
University
📍Toledo, 🇺🇸 United States
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Western Michigan University
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Western Michigan University
University
📍Kalamazoo, 🇺🇸 United States
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Dalton State College
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Dalton State College
School
📍Dalton, 🇺🇸 United States
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Indiana State University
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Indiana State University
University
📍Terre Haute, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Delaware
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University of Delaware
University
📍Newark, 🇺🇸 United States
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Bridgewater State University
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Bridgewater State University
University
📍Bridgewater, 🇺🇸 United States
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Buffalo State University
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Buffalo State University
University
📍Buffalo, 🇺🇸 United States
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Texas Tech University
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Texas Tech University
University
📍Lubbock, 🇺🇸 United States
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Northeastern State University
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Northeastern State University
University
📍Tahlequah, 🇺🇸 United States
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Northern Arizona University
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Northern Arizona University
University
📍Flagstaff, 🇺🇸 United States
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Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
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Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
college
📍University Park, 🇺🇸 United States
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Brigham Young University
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Brigham Young University
University
📍Provo, 🇺🇸 United States
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Ohio University-Lancaster Campus
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Ohio University-Lancaster Campus
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📍Lancaster, 🇺🇸 United States
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Utah State University
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Utah State University
University
📍Logan, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
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University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
University
📍Honolulu, 🇺🇸 United States
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Ohio University Zanesville
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Ohio University Zanesville
University
📍Zanesville, 🇺🇸 United States
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Ohio University Southern
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Ohio University Southern
University
📍Ironton, 🇺🇸 United States
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Ohio University Chillicothe
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Ohio University Chillicothe
University
📍Chillicothe, 🇺🇸 United States
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Jacksonville University
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Jacksonville University
University
📍Jacksonville, 🇺🇸 United States
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Ohio University-Eastern Campus
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Ohio University-Eastern Campus
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📍Saint Clairsville, 🇺🇸 United States
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Liste des 39 établissements

Frequently asked questions

What skills will I learn in this program?

You will develop skills in spatial data analysis, environmental assessment, and using GIS software. The program also improves your ability to conduct field research and communicate scientific information.

Is prior knowledge in geography required to apply?

Prior knowledge is not strictly required, but having studied geography or environmental science in high school can be helpful. The program starts with foundational courses to build your understanding.

Can I do internships during the degree?

Many programs encourage or offer opportunities for internships, especially during summer breaks. These provide practical experience in environmental organizations or planning agencies.

What types of jobs can I get after graduation?

Graduates often work as environmental consultants, urban planners, GIS technicians, or conservation officers in public or private sectors.

Is this degree suitable for students interested in environmental policy?

Yes, the program includes courses on environmental policy and management, which are relevant for careers in policy development and advocacy.

Can I continue my studies after this Bachelor's degree?

Yes, many students pursue master's degrees in related fields like geography, environmental science, or urban planning to specialize further.

Is the program very selective?

Admission is generally open and not highly selective, but requirements can vary by university.