
Geography - Environmental Geography
Major
Apply nowExplore the geography - environmental geography bachelor's degree program at UW-Eau Claire
Study the bond between humankind and nature with an environmental geography bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Here you’ll find yourself surrounded by highly motivated and enthusiastic people just like you: curious about the earth and how humans connect to it.
Environmental geography is meant to be experienced — and UW-Eau Claire’s geography department helps you do just that. We offer students direct access to state-of-the-art technology typically not available to undergraduate students. You’ll also learn from engaged faculty, who know you by name and are excited to mentor you.
Through field experience, internships and collaborative research, your skillset and resume will grow quickly. And faculty-led immersion experiences, our National Student Exchange program and study abroad opportunities offer life-changing, experiential learning. Previous students have traveled to places like the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Ecuador, Hawaii and Turkey — exploring new environments, cultures and ways of living.
No matter your passion, UW-Eau Claire will provide you with the tools, knowledge and resources needed to choose your direction and make an immediate, positive impact in today's world.

Coming full circle
Zach Hilgendorf transferred to UW-Eau Claire from a larger university as an undergraduate student, and he quickly found his place in UWEC's geography department. Support from faculty and opportunities to conduct research ignited Zach's passion for the world of geography — one that extends far beyond maps.
Now, Dr. Zach Hilgendorf is a visiting assistant professor of geography at UWEC. The best part? He's teaching his former faculty mentor's classes while he is on sabbatical leave.
Why geography - environmental geography at UW-Eau Claire?
Inspirational world travels. Whether it’s two weeks in Scotland researching modern tourism practices or a semester in France studying the impact of World Wars on soil, immersion and study abroad programs give you the opportunity to explore the world and all it has to offer.
Unique and insightful internships. The extensive education you receive at UWEC makes you a great candidate for exciting and career-building internships — some of which lead to full-time jobs. Environmental geography students have worked across the globe, with both nonprofits and large corporations, developing maps and using the latest equipment to explore interesting landmarks.
Rare undergraduate experiences. At UW-Eau Claire, you have the chance to work with the same technology professionals use out in the field today. You will learn how to operate equipment like unmanned aerial systems (UAS), global positioning system (GPS) and ground-penetrating radar (GPR). It’s experiences like these that set you apart from other candidates when applying for jobs.
Unparalleled research opportunities. Our geography department offers you the chance to contribute to the field of geography in meaningful and lasting ways. Alongside faculty, you’ll have opportunities to participate in groundbreaking research, bringing your findings back to labs equipped with top-notch tools and industry-standard software. Many students go on to present their discoveries at both regional and national competitions.
Geography scholarship access. First-year students interested in majoring in geography are eligible to apply for the George Simpson Incoming Student Scholarship. Six scholarships ranging from $1,000 up to $1,500 are awarded each year, and there is potential for recipients to receive an additional second-year scholarship if all academic requirements are met.
Ranked an environmentally-responsible
Green College
by the 2023 Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges
96% employed
or continuing education after graduation
2021-2022 Graduate Report
Quick facts
Geography - environmental geography program details
- Program length: four years
- Offered: in person
- Campus: Eau Claire
- This major does not require a minor.
- Students majoring in this program may choose either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.
Student organizations
- Geography and Anthropology Club
- Gamma Theta Upsilon
What can I do with a geography - environmental geography degree from UWEC?
UW-Eau Claire environmental geography alumni have gone on to work for organizations like the DNR, Conservation Minnesota and American Conservation Experience, holding a variety of positions, including trail managers and runoff specialists. By applying the knowledge, skills and experiences gained through their well-rounded liberal arts education, they are able to find a career that both interests and inspires them.
Where are environmental geography alumni now?
- Environmental enforcement specialist, Wisconsin DNR, Wisconsin
- Environmental health coordinator, Chippewa County, Wisconsin
- Biological science technician, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Minnesota
- Environmental health safety specialist, Pace Analytical, Minnesota
- Water resources graduate scientist, SCH Civil Engineering, Minnesota
- Cartographer, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington
- Senior environmental analyst, Cadmus Group, Massachusetts
- GIS specialist, Bureau of Land Management, Arizona
Environmental geography careers
- GIS specialist
- Hydrologist
- Environmental hazards specialist
- Environmental impact assessment specialist
- Environmental health analyst
- Natural resources manager
- Conservation planner
- Outdoor recreation planner
The geography department’s view that students are future colleagues provides a healthy and strong network of peers, which, combined with their drive to incorporate all of their students into real research, provides for a life-shaping experience.
Geography - environmental geography bachelor's degree program curriculum
Our geography - environmental geography major gives you the ability to understand connections between humankind and nature. Through coursework, field seminars and field trips, you'll explore a variety of topics including history, social issues, culture, race, gender, tourism and technologies.
What classes do geography - environmental geography majors take?
Your classes may cover topics like:
- Climatology
- Conservation of the environment
- Geography of food
- Geospatial field methods
- International environmental problems and policy
- Weather and society
- Watershed analysis
- Tourism geographies
Learn more about the comprehensive geography - environmental geography major in the UWEC course catalog.
Learn more about UWEC
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Department information

Geography and Anthropology
Phillips Science Hall 257101 Roosevelt Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701 Visit the Geography and Anthropology department website