Geography, BS


At a Glance: program details

  • Location: Tempe campus, or online
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No
  • Math Intensity: General program math intensity general
  • Initial Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics

Required Courses (Major Map)

Major Map Online Major Map

Major Map on-campus archive

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Develop your understanding of climate, landforms and biogeography. Learn about the world around you, from the sky to the bottom of the ocean, and how humans impact landscapes across various geographic regions.

Program Description

Geographers have a distinct spatial perspective in understanding the world, from global to local, through the twin lenses of space and place.

Students in the BS program in geography learn about natural features of the world, including landforms, plants, water and weather, as well as the impact humans have on the world. This degree program also emphasizes social science or environmental science dynamics involving economic patterns, human populations and transportation.

In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit The College's website for more information and requirements.




Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Freshman Transfer International Readmission


Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.


Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.


Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

Urban and Environmental Planning

Want to make an impact? Prepare to enter the workforce, become a leader in the planning profession and impact your community. Through small classes and practical projects, this two-year professional degree program equips you to solve complex issues in diverse communities.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Geography

Come discover geographical sciences at ASU. This program offers a unique learning environment that places your focus on location --- the heart of geography, urban planning, climatology and geographic information science. With that foundation, you can tackle some of the most pressing environmental and societal challenges facing our world today.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.

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Career Outlook

Having gained skills in geospatial techniques, geographers with a Bachelor of Science degree go on to careers such as:

  • computer cartographers
  • environmental impact assessment analysts
  • geographic information science specialists and analysts
  • geomorphologists
  • hydrology and water resource specialists
  • location analysts for businesses
  • photogrammetry specialists
  • remote sensing analysts

Graduates also are presented with a host of other geospatial career options in the burgeoning fields of geographic information science, mapping and navigation systems.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists


  • Growth: 5%
  • Median Salary*: 71890
  Bright Outlook

Climate Change Policy Analysts


  • Growth: 6.1%
  • Median Salary*: 76480
  Bright Outlook

Forest and Conservation Workers


  • Growth: -8.7%
  • Median Salary*: 32270

Environmental Compliance Inspectors


  • Growth: 4.6%
  • Median Salary*: 71690
  Bright Outlook

Environmental Restoration Planners


  • Growth: 6.1%
  • Median Salary*: 76480
  Bright Outlook

Fish and Game Wardens


  • Growth: -6.3%
  • Median Salary*: 59500

Geographers


  • Growth: 1.1%
  • Median Salary*: 88900

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians


  • Growth: 9.7%
  • Median Salary*: 98740
  Bright Outlook

Water Resource Specialists


  • Growth: 4.8%
  • Median Salary*: 144440
  Bright Outlook

Surveying and Mapping Technicians


  • Growth: 3.3%
  • Median Salary*: 47180

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).



Global Opportunities

Global Experience

Students deepen their understanding of cultural traditions in the human experience of place when studying abroad. With more than 300 programs available, students who participate in a Global Education program tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Studying abroad grants students the ability to explore the world and gain hands-on experience in diverse cultures and traditions. Students enhance their resumes with the heightened skills in cultural competency, communication and critical thinking they acquire through study abroad.

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.



Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.