Geography
Geography is a scientific discipline that employs a spatial perspective to answer questions and solve problems about the human condition, the natural world, and the interconnections between humans and the environment. Geographers explore and analyze spatial patterns (both physical and cultural patterns) to gain insight into human habitation of earth. Geographers provide geographical knowledge critical to decision makers in business, resource management, law, education, planning, government/public affairs and health sciences.
Well equipped
UW-Eau Claire students use cutting edge geospatial technology. Where most universities reserve this high end equipment for graduate level students, UW-Eau Claire students get their hands on it in 100 level courses! Field research requires students — even as freshman — to use cutting edge technology, including state-of-the-art geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing software, Trimble ProXR navigation grade GPS, and ground penetrating radar.
Knowledge applied
Geography students at UW-Eau Claire gain valuable experience solving real-world problems, gathering and analyzing data, interpreting earth surface processes, functioning as part of interdisciplinary research teams and producing and presenting technical reports. Students use a wide variety of field, laboratory and geographic research methods, tools and techniques. Extended field trips are important components of many classes, providing opportunities for students to develop and apply their geographic knowledge and skills.
Internships and resources
Geography majors may earn credit while gaining on-the-job experience through internships with city, county and regional governments or private businesses. The university library is a Federal Map Depository with a collection of more than 92,000 maps in its Simpson Map Library, which can be used for research and study.
Job outlook
According to the Department of Labor the three fastest growing career areas in the coming two decades are predicted to be nanotech, biotech, and geospatial tech.
Majors
Geography
- liberal arts
- teaching
Comprehensive majors
Requires no minor
- Environmental Geography
- International Geography
Minors
Geography
- liberal arts
- teaching
Suggested freshman curriculum
Foundations of Geography courses:
- Human Geography
- The Physical Environment
- Conservation of the
Environment
- Geography Techniques
- Intro to College Writing
- Math competency for
BS/BA degree
- GE electives (consult with
Geography advisor)
More advising information
Our graduates
Geographers are everywhere, in both the public and private sectors. There are careers for geographers in education; in environmental engineering and consulting; in land-use planning and resource management, at the municipal through the Federal levels; in emergency management and NGO relief organizations, linking people in trouble to the
Special admission notes
Students are encouraged to meet with Geography faculty as early as possible as they explore courses and possible minors in related disciplines. They should also meet with faculty to discuss career opportunities.resources they need; in industry, supervising shipping routes and identifying industrial locations; in public utilities, managing infrastructure; in travel and international business, helping companies understand the people and places where they do commerce; and in the retail sector, siting store locations and analyzing markets and customers.
More career information
Places you’ll find recent graduates:
- Edit Cartographer,
National Geographic,
Silver Spring, MD
- Central Irrigation Specialist,
Spot Water Management,
San Jose, CA
- Soil Conservation
Technician, NRCS,
Chippewa Falls, WI
- Association Market Research
Analyst, Star Tribune,
Minneapolis, MN
- GIS Technician,
Wood County,
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
- 7th Grade Social Studies
Teacher, River Falls School
District, River Falls, WI
Department contact information
Yvonne Plomedahl
plomedym@uwec.edu
715-836-3244
