Geography, B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts in Geography focuses on the study of the Earth and its landscapes, places, and environments. The major includes coursework in both social science and physical science as geographers examine the interaction of people with their social, physical, and biological environments across space and time, and at different scales. Some geographers work in communities or analyze industries and regions, while others study environmental change, weather, gender, or geopolitics. With this range of topics and Geography’s spatial analytic approach, the major equips students with foundational knowledge, concepts, and theories that explain the world around them and help them become broadly trained, informed global citizens who are prepared to investigate, assess, and address contemporary problems, and to look for and contribute to solutions for rural, urban, regional, and global challenges. Our curriculum develops core career competencies in communication, critical thinking, leadership, and project management. The degree provides opportunities for students to learn regional and economic geography, environmental and physical geography, and geographical techniques.

Regional and Economic Geography: Regional and economic geographers focus on the place-based networks and global connections that constitute regions. The program emphasizes the connections between politics, economic growth, culture, and the global economy. The program features the study of how borders course through, divide, and unify regions around the world including in the San Diego region.

Physical Geography: The program provides training in Earth’s systems and emphasizes the carbon and hydrologic cycles in the formation and transformation of Earth, its landscapes and resources.

Geographical Techniques: Quantitative and qualitative geographic techniques are essential tools of geographers. Students exit the program with training in both qualitative and quantitative geographic techniques.

Students have the option to complete either a senior seminar or an internship as a culminating experience for their degree. In either case, students will use their experience to demonstrate proficiency in Geography.