Geography

Geography gives you the tools to understand our complex world and solve its most pressing challenges. In Valparaiso University’s bachelor of arts in geography, you’ll discover how human activity transforms the Earth and how environments influence the lives of people and communities.

Why Geography at Valpo?

Understanding the spatial interrelationships between people, cultures, landscapes, societies, and environments is the heart of Valpo geographers. Mapping and visualizing our complex world is an integral part of your field. A geography degree opens doors to careers in sustainability, urban planning, and many more. Our Valpo faculty engage you in research on diverse subjects from urban analysis and mapping, invasive vegetation mapping, country music, soil analysis, and 3-D modeling of landforms from aerial imagery.

All of Valpo’s geography majors combine dynamic classroom instruction with field and professional experience to introduce students to a wide variety of careers.

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About Our Geography Degree

The program emphasizes practical experience through field trips, field courses, internships, and opportunities to work with faculty on original research. The foundational courses prepare geographers to reach their fullest potential.

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General Information

What Do Geographers Do?

Geographers study the earth and its diverse people and environments seeking to understand how humans perceive and transform places and landscapes around the world. Geographers explore and analyze the spatial organization of natural and social phenomena by utilizing field observations, modeling skills, and computer mapping tools, such as geographic information systems (GIS). With one of the oldest and most respected geography departments in the United States, Valpo has produced a steady stream of successful professional geographers.

Occupational Outlook

Check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational outlook for:

Urban and Regional Planners

Geographers

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Major Requirements and Concentrations

Major Requirements

This B.A. degree (minimum 32 credits) integrates approaches from the social sciences and humanities with the natural sciences and technical skills. Students may choose to focus their studies by pursuing one of three concentrations.

Geography B.A. Core (14-15 credits)
Geography Electives (3-4 credits)
Concentrations:
- Geography Concentration (18 credits)
- Geo-Sustainability Concentration (21 credits)
- Urban Geography and Planning Concentration (21 credits)

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Minor Requirements

A minimum of 16 credit hours in geography, chosen by the student in consultation with the chair of the department, constitutes a geography minor. One 100-level, one 200-level, and two 300-level or higher courses must be included.

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Program Rankings and Highlights

Research Opportunities

Students learn how to frame research questions, design projects, collect and analyze data, and present their research in many formats

Internships

Employers are eager to offer internships to students who bring the skills of a Valpo geography degree to the workplace

Experiential Learning

Geography is a hands-on field, and Valpo’s program emphasizes practical experience

97.5%

of College of Arts and Sciences graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of graduation

Alumni Highlights

The skills and knowledge you develop here will lead to careers in the National Park Service, city and regional planning, computer mapping, emergency management, environmental geoscience, strategic consulting, and policy making.

experiential learning

geography, meteorology, and environmental science

Meet Our Faculty

Professors. Mentors. Friends. At Valparaiso University, you will work on real-life problems alongside faculty leaders with decades of experience and a true desire to do what’s best for you.

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