Undergraduate Programs

Why Study Geography? Because in an ever more connected world, place still matters.

How do physical and national boundaries affect power and inequality?

Why is water central to global politics, culture, and economics? How does place influence who we are, how we act, and the choices we make?

Geography isn’t just about knowing your way around a map. It’s about knowing your way around our changing world. In our geography courses, you’ll gain in-demand skills: critical analysis, communication, a global perspective, and an understanding of human-environment dynamics.

Discover the #WhyofWhere.

 


Major in Geography

We offer two major programs of study, Geography and Spatial Data Science and Technology.

  • Geography: The Geography major offers five different concentrations, allowing students to customize their course of study.
  • Spatial Data Science and Technology: Students in this major study the development and use of geospatial data and technologies.

 

Major Requirements

Explore Our Minors

We offer two minors, Geography and Climate Studies. Both minors complement a Geography major as well as many other programs.

  • Geography: A Geography minor adds  depth in geography to your major field of study.
  • Climate Studies: Our Climate Studies minor allows students to examine the processes shaping the earth’s climate and how it’s changing.
Minor Requirements

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Chart Your Course

Within our department, you'll work with real data about real-world situations around the globe. Through this authentic exploration, you'll develop an understanding of the processes that shape the world around us, from the climate to politics to environmental and social injustice.


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Gain Real-World Experience

The best way to learn about geography is to get out into the world and experience new places. Our students are drawn to hands-on opportunities such as internships and study abroad programs.

Hands-on Learning


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What You Can Do With a Geography Degree

A Geography or Spatial Data Science and Technology major can prepare you to work in many fields. Learn about possible careers and hear from alumni.

Explore Careers


Photo of Jenna Travers

Reframing Climate Change Narratives

“Climate change is threatening both glaciers and salmon in Washington State, putting the state’s economy, culture, and ecosystems at risk. However, the overlapping climate change issues are framed and understood in different ways by different stakeholders which affects policy and climate action. Through extensive narrative review and analysis, I found that the spatial location of a stakeholder (in-state vs. out-of-state) has a significant impact on the framing of these climate issues, and that by combining narratives of actionable climate issues (like salmon declines) with more hopeless ones (glacier retreat), we can transform climate narratives to be more effective for inspiring climate action.”

—Jenna Travers, Geography minor


Advising and Support

Schedule an appointment with a faculty or peer advisor, find important department forms and get answers.

Departmental Advising and Support

Scholarships and Awards

Need help funding your education? Explore scholarship opportunities for Geography majors.

Explore Scholarships and Awards

Events

September 1, 2023
GEOGRAPHY, GLOBAL STUDIES, HISTORY - Read the stories of six alumni whose work in international affairs is making a global impact.
August 11, 2023
The UO’s Environment Initiative has awarded seed funding to five new teaching projects to support faculty members who have proposed innovative courses and dynamic classroom experiences. The funding supports both research and curricular projects and focuses the intellectual energy and work of faculty, students and community partners on a just and livable future through transdisciplinary research, teaching and experiential learning.
June 30, 2023
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, GEOGRAPHY - The University of Oregon's Environment Initiative has named six faculty fellows for the 2023-24 academic year, two of whom belong to the College of Arts and Sciences: Lauren Hallett, associate professor of environmental studies and biology, and Peter Walker, professor of geography and environmental studies.