FEATURES:

• Field trips enhance classroom learning
• Co-op semester(s) provide paid work experience in your field of study
• Program eligible for financial aid

Gain a deeper understanding of our earth by earning a Bachelor of Arts with a major, minor, extended minor, or honours in Geography.

Geography is the study of the earth’s physical features, climate, and various phenomena. As a Bachelor of Arts student in Geography, you get to explore the links between the natural environment and various other disciplines such as politics, history, culture, economics, and science.

Geography major

In your first and second year, you are introduced to various aspects of the earth such as its: climate, evolution, landscapes, or rock formation. You also learn how people interact with their environment and what impact humans are having on the planet.

In your third and fourth year, you choose from a variety of upper-level electives from the geography of food, climate change, soil, and swamps to religion, tourism, and urban planning.

When taking a Geography major in the Bachelor of Arts, you can also choose to specialize in Urban Studies and Planning.

• View the program outline for the Geography major in the UFV Academic Calendar.
• View Geography course descriptions in the UFV Academic Calendar.

Geography minor and extended minor

If you have an interest in how the earth’s physical features and phenomena occur and want to learn how the environment is shaped by people, politics, economics, and culture, consider a minor or extended minor in geography.

An extended minor may be right for you if you are looking to blend geographic education with other academic interests or are considering applying to a teacher education program.

Consider pairing a Geography minor with a major in Global Development Studies, Economics, or Peace and Conflict Studies.

• View the program outline for a Geography minor and extended minor in the UFV Academic Calendar.
• View Geography course descriptions in the UFV Academic Calendar.

Geography Honours

The Geography Honours program is designed for students who have performed at a high level throughout their studies and plan on applying to graduate school or are looking for additional research experiences for employment.

The Honours program requires that you develop a working relationship with a professor who will supervise your thesis and oversee your Honours project. They also assist you with any questions that you may have in completing your project.

• For more information, please visit the Geography Honours program page
• See the entrance requirements for Geography Honours
• See the program outline for Geography Honours

Additional Opportunities

Join the Planning, Environmental, Geoscience & Student Union Society (PEGASUS) and make new connections. PEGASUS provides a social hub for geography students and organizes many events such as hiking and ski trips, skating parties, and pub nights.

Make your voice heard on campus and join the Sustainable UFV team. If you are passionate about the environment, Sustainable UFV welcomes you to share your ideas on what UFV's priorities should be and what strategies could be used to green the UFV campus.

Gain a competitive edge after graduation and apply your classroom learning through co-op job placements. Co-op jobs help you develop the skills to build a résumé, expand your professional network, and earn money. You can work in a four-, eight-, or twelve-month work term, full-time or part-time, and can declare co-op as an option on your transcript. Attend a co-op info session, drop in at the Career Centre, or discuss your plans with an Arts advisor to take the first steps towards securing paid work experience in your field.

Globalization and climate change require that government agencies develop a greater understanding of the places, people, and natural systems that affect the planet. This is why a Bachelor of Arts with a Geography major is excellent preparation for public sector employment, particularly with local and provincial departments responsible for policy innovation and implementation.

Many UFV Geography grads have used their training to work in urban planning, land management, environmental consulting, policy research, and community development, both with governmental and non-governmental organizations.

You can also leverage the strong research, critical thinking, and writing skills you've acquired as part of your Geography degree in other areas of employment such as education, tourism, publishing, market research, transportation, logistics, and more.

The entrance requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree will apply to the Geography program.

View entrance requirements in the UFV Academic Calendar.

This program is open to international students

• How to apply

Students who do not meet the entrance requirements can upgrade in order to meet prerequisites for university classes.

Make an appointment with an Upgrading and University Preparation advisor to discuss your upgrading needs.

Phone: 604-854-4568
Toll free: 1-888-507-7441, ext. 4568
Email: pg.es@ufv.ca