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, to name a few!
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, and ground penetrating radar.
Applied knowledge
Geography students at UW-Eau Claire gain valuable experience solving real-world problems, gathering and analyzing data,
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. In addition the department has two computer labs dedicated to geospatial science (cartography, GIS, remote sensing).
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; environmental engineering and consulting; land-use planning and resource management, at the municipal through the Federal levels; emergency management and NGO relief organizations, industry, supervising shipping routes and identifying industrial locations; public utilities, managing infrastructure; travel and
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.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
- Grad School, Penn
State, Arizona State,
Missouri State
- Cartographic Technician,
Garmen, Olathe, KS
Department contact information
Yvonne Plomedahl
plomedym@uwec.edu
715-836-3244
