LAKERS TOGETHER: Grand Valley is preparing for successful learning experiences when classes resume on Aug. 31. Learn more about the plan for fall in this handbook.
Geography, B.A., B.S.
The department of Geography and Sustainable Planning offers students the 21st century skillsets helping to solve complex environmental, economic and social problems such as food and water security, sustainable economic growth, environmental justice, and climate change adaptations.
Teaching minor offered.
Program Overview
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) are offered. Courses include research and community engagement opportunities. In addition to the general geography degree, there are four distinctive areas of emphasis:
- Climate change mitigation, adaptation and resiliency planning
- Environment and global development
- Geospatial technology
- Urban and regional planning
Why Study Geography at Grand Valley?
- Geographers are on the forefront of research on climate and land use change, as well as social and economic impacts of regional and global environmental change.
- Majoring in geography gives students the knowledge to find long term, place based solutions that are socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable.
- Planning is one of the top 10 hot jobs in the country.
- Students acquire skills in research and analysis, leading to exciting, well-paid jobs both foreign and domestic, all while enhancing graduate school admissions.
- The 2016 median pay for a geographer with bachelor's degree was $74,260 per year and $35.70 per hour.
Location & Format
Undergraduate students in this major study at the Grand Valley Allendale
Campus.
- Face To Face
Coursework
Topical areas of study include:
- Agroecosystems
- Environmental planning
- Globalization
- Land-use and transportation planning
- Climate change
- Geospatial technology: GIS, cartography, remote sensing
- Sustainability
- Urban and regional planning
Career Options
Our alumni have successful careers, such as:
- Senior GIS analyst
- City planner
- Senior business strategist
- GIS program director
- Transportation planner
Combined Degree Programs
This undergraduate degree can be combined with a master's degree to save you time and money, and get you into the workforce sooner. On average, students save $8,500 in our combined degree programs and take up to four fewer classes than if earning the degrees separately.
You can even build your own combined degree from programs in different disciplines to further personalize your education and meet specific career goals.
Admission Requirements
Visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements.
Helpful Links
For More Information
Department of Geography and Sustainable Planning
gvsu.edu/geography
B-4-105
Mackinac Hall
(616) 331-3065
gpydept@gvsu.edu