Geography
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (B.A., B.S.)
Undergraduate Major
Allendale • Face to face • 120 Credits
Geographers address environmental, economic, and social challenges by understanding how people and places interact.
Overview
The program offers students a 21st-century skillset for solving complex problems such as food and water security, sustainable and equitable economic growth, transportation, environmental justice, and climate change adaptations.
You will take courses that cover essential topics like geospatial technology, urban and regional planning, environmental and sustainable planning, and global and regional development. You will also partake in environmental planning to tackle pressing issues like climate change and use cutting-edge geospatial technology to understand GIS, cartography, and remote sensing.
You will acquire cutting-edge skills in research and analysis using the latest technology, leading to exciting job opportunities and enhancing graduate school applications. This program offers dynamic coursework and community engagement, providing hands-on, real-world experience and valuable networking connections. With skills in research, analysis, and the latest geospatial technologies, you are ready to make significant contributions to solving pressing environmental and social issues.
Department of Geography and Sustainable Planning
gvsu.edu/geography
B-4-105 Mackinac Hall
(616) 331-3065
[email protected]
Admissions and Recruitment Office
Career Opportunities
Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 46,857.74 | 10% |
| $ 58,750.92 | 25% |
| $ 76,377.18 | 50% |
| $ 89,572.34 | 75% |
| $103,053.50 | 90% |
Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 48,136.15 | 10% |
| $ 70,097.49 | 25% |
| $ 98,871.70 | 50% |
| $129,226.74 | 75% |
| $155,047.99 | 90% |
Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Time Management
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 28,184.00 | 10% |
| $ 29,244.80 | 25% |
| $ 37,627.20 | 50% |
| $ 60,424.00 | 75% |
| $ 64,771.20 | 90% |
Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 59,198.33 | 10% |
| $ 64,616.63 | 25% |
| $ 72,402.27 | 50% |
| $ 82,638.14 | 75% |
| $100,523.73 | 90% |
Apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Top skills- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Mathematics
- Speaking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 39,106.01 | 10% |
| $ 49,338.52 | 25% |
| $ 60,592.87 | 50% |
| $ 75,469.48 | 75% |
| $ 84,386.60 | 90% |
117K
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Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
Student Organizations
Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:
Career Advising
Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.
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