Geography

In Weber State University's geography program, you will learn from award-winning faculty, work with cutting-edge mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) technology, gain practical experience, and prepare for a range of in-demand careers in our local communities, the American West, and beyond.

Our program offers a bachelor's degree with four emphases, two minors, and three certificates.

Bachelor of Science in Geography

All geography bachelor's degree students complete coursework in natural, environmental, human, and cultural topics; gain hands-on practice with geospatial technologies; participate in a field experience; and complete a senior capstone project, community service, and an internship with a local business or government agency.

Geography majors earn their degree with 36 credit hours: 18 credit hours of required core courses, and 18 credits from one of the four available degree tracks.

Bachelor’s Degree Tracks

The geography bachelor’s degree has four tracks (emphases) available; all four consist of 18 credits of specified coursework. Geography bachelor’s degree students must choose one of these tracks.

• Track A: Climate Science

  Examine Earth's weather and climate through coursework in meteorology, climatology, and Earth systems science. Explore the major drivers of climate variability including El Niño, ocean circulation, volcanic activity, and long-term orbital cycles, and learn to distinguish human-caused climate change from natural variability.

  The Climate Science track investigates how natural and anthropogenic forces are reshaping our planet, preparing students to engage with the urgent challenges of sustainable energy production and environmental management.

  In this track, you take 18 total credit hours: 9 credit hours of required courses, and 9 credit hours from one of the following four subfields: Climate Policy and Planning, Climate Communications, Technical, or Climate System.

  GRADUATES IN THIS TRACK WILL BE ABLE TO:

  • Understand the fundamental systems that drive Earth’s climate and climate change.
  • Distinguish accurate from inaccurate information about the climate and climate change.
  • Understand the variety of evidence used to study climate change and climate variability.
  • Be positioned to pursue jobs in climate policy and climate communications, or advanced climate science degrees.

• Track B: Environment and Sustainability

  Sustainability encompasses human and ecological health, social justice, secure livelihoods, and a better world for all present and future generations. The Environment and Sustainability track prepares students to understand and address the human-environment challenges of our time—including climate change, pollution, and resource management—and to build careers making a difference in these critical areas.

  In this track, you take 18 total credit hours: 9 credit hours of required courses, and 9 credit hours from one of the following four subfields: Sustainability in the Built Environment; Sustainable Land, Food, and Water; Advocacy, Education and Communication; or Climate Change Impacts and Adaptations.

  GRADUATES IN THIS TRACK WILL BE ABLE TO:

  • Identify and analyze where and why environmental sustainability challenges occur, and apply an understanding of the complex interplay of human and environmental factors to real-world problems.
  • Recognize that thriving and fair human societies depend on healthy, resilient natural systems, and use that knowledge to inform professional decision-making.
  • Apply sustainability principles in their personal lives and communities as well as across a range of careers in government, nonprofits, and the private sector.

• Track C: Sustainable Urban and Regional Planning

  Cities and communities are constantly evolving. The Sustainable Urban and Regional Planning track equips students with the knowledge and practical skills to analyze, plan, and help guide that change toward economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable outcomes, preparing them for careers in land use planning and related fields.

  In this track, you take 6 credit hours of required courses, plus 12 credit hours of select electives.

  GRADUATES IN THIS TRACK WILL BE ABLE TO:

  • Understand the importance of balancing economic, social, and environmental needs to create more sustainable communities.
  • Work with key planning tools and techniques, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
  • Enter the urban and regional planning field as skilled professionals grounded in the theories, methods, and techniques of land use planning.

• Track D: Geospatial Technology

  Geospatial technology is the collection of tools and techniques used to gather, analyze, and visualize data about the Earth's surface and the patterns and processes that shape it. Students in this track develop hands-on skills with these technologies, including GIS, satellite imagery, GPS, drones, and computer mapping, to solve real-world problems across both space and time.

  In this track, you take 11 credit hours of required courses, 3-7 credit hours of technique courses, and 4-8 credit hours of electives.

  GRADUATES IN THIS TRACK WILL BE ABLE TO:

  • Train with geospatial technologies such as GIS, remote sensing and satellite imagery, GPS/GNSS, navigation systems, and drones.
  • Apply skills in spatial analysis, database creation and maintenance, digital cartography, and web mapping.
  • Create mapping products for personal, recreational, commercial, industrial, and governmental use
  • Prepare for internships, graduate study, or careers in geospatial technology

Minors

Add an expertise in geography to your degree with our broadly defined Geography Minor, or choose an Environmental Studies Minor for those interested in environmental problems and their potential solutions.

The Geography Minor is a 21-credit hour program with 12 credit hours of required courses, and 9 credit hours of electives.

Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary, 25-credit hour minor with 19 credit hours of core courses and 6 credit hours of electives.

Degree Requirements

Certificates

Geospatial Certificates help students build or expand their knowledge and skills in geospatial technologies. The Geospatial Technology Certificate provides foundational training in working with and presenting spatial data, while the Geospatial Analyst Certificate offers a deeper, more comprehensive skill set applicable to a wide range of real-world situations.

These certificates are designed for professionals seeking to increase their skill, retrain, or transition into new roles, but they are also open to current students looking to complement their major with geospatial expertise.

What can you do with a Geography Degree?

Geography’s integrative approach and geospatial analysis skills are highly valued in today’s job market.

A geography degree opens doors to careers in urban planning, geospatial analysis, forestry, energy, natural resource management, environmental and sustainability consulting, cartography, hydrology, climatology, and more.

Geography Career and Salary Info