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Geography, B.A., B.S.
Geographers are leaders in exciting new research on all types of land use and the environment, including climate change, urban planning, and local and global environmental changes. The program offers students 21st century skillsets for helping to solve complex environmental, economic, and social problems such as food and water security, sustainable economic growth and transportation, environmental justice, and climate change adaptations.
7%
Michigan Job Growth by 2025
Source: EMSI, 2020
Program Overview
Majoring in geography provides students with the knowledge and technical skills to find long-term, place-based solutions that are socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable.
Both a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees are offered. In addition to the general geography degree, there are four distinctive areas of emphasis:
- Climate change mitigation, adaptation and resiliency planning
- City and regional planning
- Environment and global development
- Geospatial technology using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and satellite imagery
Why Study Geography at Grand Valley?
- Coursework includes research and community engagement opportunities that provide hands-on, real-world experience and networking connections.
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and planning are in the top 10 hot jobs in the country.
- Students acquire skills in research and analysis using the latest technology, leading to exciting, well-paid jobs both foreign and domestic, all while enhancing graduate school admissions.
- Career preparation and skills for academia, business, government and non-profits.
- The 2019 median pay for a geographer with a bachelor's degree was $81,540 per year and $39.20 per hour.
Program Details