Major in Geography (B.A.)

BE A LEADER IN BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENTS

This program is designed for students wishing to concentrate on Geography. It introduces the basic concepts in human, physical and environmental geography and requires everyone to master the important computer, cartographic, writing, GIS, and statistical skills required of a professional geographer. Within this program it is possible to include a balanced mix of Geography courses, or to specialize in techniques, human, physical or environmental topics. Careful selection of electives from complementary programs can enhance specializations within this program.

Students in the Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics can participate in the student led Geography Society. Which organizes special events throughout the year, including trips, parties, and career nights. The Geography Society has its own room in the Hutt Building, which provides a place for members to meet, to study, and to plan events.

Co-op available in F21, students starting in F20 can apply to transfer into the program in their second year.

Program overview

Checklist for BA Honours Geography

Learning outcomes

Program Highlights

Learning takes place in a variety of settings in the program. In addition to classroom settings, students learn through hands-on research in labs and in the field. Labs are part of numerous courses, from first year to fourth year, and allow students to design and conduct experiments, and solve problems using state-of-the-art computing and analytical tools. Field research is also an important component of geographic research. Research, writing, critical thinking and problem solving are emphasized throughout the program.

Student Experience

Meet Jasmine, a Bachelor of Arts Honours Geography major and listen to what she has to say about her experience at UofG:

Career Opportunities

Geography graduates are pursuing exciting careers across Canada and around the world:

• municipal, provincial and federal planning agencies • environmental conservation and management • heritage conservation • computer mapping and remote sensing • international development • environmental consulting • school teaching, outdoor education, nature interpretation • GIS software development and application • tourism and eco-tourism development • location of retail outlets, service offices, and health facilities • economic development, service delivery • environmental officer for major corporations • politics • graduate school•

Contact a B.A. Program Counsellor

For questions regarding the requirements of the B.A. Program, book an appointment with a B.A. Counsellor. This can be done in person or online.

B.A. Counselling Office:
130 MacKinnon Bldg
http://www.uoguelph.ca/baco
baco@uoguelph.ca (email address)
519 824-4120 ext. 52140

Contact Us

For general inquiries about program requirements, undgrcrd@uoguelph.ca

For inquiries about the Major in Geography program, contact an advisor.

What skills will you develop?

Communicate in a way that connects communities and drives decision-making, connect global challenges to local issues, compile evidence-based arguments through integrated analytical skills (e.g., qualitative methods, statistical analysis, spatial analysis, policy analysis), synthesize and manage information from physical sciences and social sciences, manage projects that involve a social and an environmental dimension.

Combine this degree with our minor in geographic information systems to gain more advanced skills in statistical analysis; spatial analysis; map design; and analysis of imagery from satellites, planes, and drones.

Graduate Profile

“My degrees at the University of Guelph were essential to honing my skills in data collection using a variety of tools and techniques, and to developing a comfort with research, data analysis, and project management. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of geography and therefore my university education IN geography, I was provided with a truly comprehensive mosaic of land and resource management both in Canada and abroad.

The usefulness of these degrees lay in their insistence in bridging the divide between physical and social sciences, understanding that these two fields work closely to ensure that the land is being managed both compassionately and responsibly. [Dorian Pomezanski]