Geography students during a field experience

Geography

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Explore the geography bachelor's degree program at UW-Eau Claire

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's geography bachelor's degree is designed for those interested in understanding people and places, their cultures and environments, and the relationships within. 

The curriculum within the major will provide you with a solid foundation in human geography, physical geography, regional geography and nature-society relationships. Rich in field-based courses, the program could take you to places like Hawaii, New York City, New Zealand, Turkey or the Great Lakes region. Through these experiences, unique projects and internship opportunities, you'll learn a wide variety of field, laboratory and social/natural science research methods, tools and techniques — giving you real-world experience before you even graduate.

Known for offering unparalleled research opportunities to undergraduate students, UWEC offers plenty of ways for geography majors to take their learning to the next level. Alongside faculty, you’ll have a chance 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.

Graduates of our geography department leave with valuable experience solving real-world problems, gathering and analyzing data, interpreting earth surface processes, functioning as part of interdisciplinary research teams, and producing professional presentations and reports. Upon graduation, you'll have the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary for a successful career in dozens of different industries. 

Faculty spotlight: Dr. Harry Jol

Dr. Harry Jol, a professor of geography and anthropology, is known for conducting groundbreaking research with Bluogld students, as well as federal and state agencies and other academic research institutes. And what he studies next is up to you!

Learn how Dr. Jol shapes the next generation of researchers and what that means for our world today.

Why geography at UW-Eau Claire?

Inspirational world travels. Take what you learn from our expert professors and experience it firsthand. Countless opportunities to explore the world are available to you at UWEC. Study physical geography in Hawaii, regional geography in Oregon, human and environmental geography in Texas Hill Country or biogeography in Honduras. Take it from our grads: These travels will change your perspective of the world and stay with you for the rest of your life.

State-of-the-art tools and technology. At UW-Eau Claire, you have the chance to work with the same technology professionals use out in the field today. 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.  

Innovative facilities. The university library is also a federal map depository, with a collection of over 92,000 maps in its Simpson Map Library, which can be used for research and study. In addition, the geography and anthropology department has two computer labs dedicated to geospatial science (cartography, GIS and remote sensing) and is well-regarded for its interdisciplinary work with departments across campus.

Fascinating, personalized curriculum. A variety of electives within the geography major allows you to pursue multiple passions and study the topics that most interest you. Explore courses in climatology, environmental hazards, the geography of food, cartographic design and the geography of Western Europe. This flexibility gives you the chance to become an expert in multiple areas and opens doors to even more career paths.

Geography scholarship opportunities. 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.

96% employed

or continuing education after graduation

2021-2022 Graduate Report

Quick facts

Geography program details
  • Program length: four years
  • Offered: in person
  • Campus: Eau Claire
  • This major requires a minor or certificate.
  • This program is also available as 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 degree from UWEC?

Geographers are everywhere in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Explore careers in education, environmental engineering and consulting, land-use planning, resource management, emergency management, public utilities, infrastructure management, travel, international business or the retail sector.

As an integrative discipline, geography connects the local with the global, providing the tools and knowledge that allow graduates to be flexible and adapt to a dynamic job market. 

Where are geography alumni now?

Geography career paths

UW-Eau Claire has helped me to identify what I want my mark to be on the world and has given me the tools to make it happen.

Josie Myers Geography
Wyatt Pajtash

Coursework prepares Blugold for variety of projects in the real-world

Wyatt Pajtash’s interest in sustainability is one of the reasons he was drawn to UW-Eau Claire. The knowledge and experience he gained from the economics and geography and anthropology departments prepared him for success in his current position.

“I learned technical GIS skills through classes, and I also learned how to share those skills with others by being a teaching assistant for a GIS geography class. And that’s the main part of my job today as the Ho-Chunk Nation’s GIS coordinator," Wyatt said. "Other experiences, like helping with research in the economics and geography departments, prepared me to be able to jump into whatever project may pop up in my job.”

Learn more about how Wyatt's role combines his passion for geography and sustainability. 

Geography bachelor's degree program curriculum

The curriculum within the geography major is interdisciplinary and all-encompassing. In addition to core classes, students will choose multiple electives in advanced geography approaches. Areas of emphasis include physical geography, human-environmental geography, human geography, geography techniques and regional geography. 

A required capstone seminar integrates theory and methodology, quantitative and cartographic techniques as well as fieldwork. Students can expect to enhance their skills in literature review, research design, data collection and presentation. 

What classes do geography majors take?

Your classes may cover topics like: 

Learn more about the geography major in the UWEC course catalog.

Learn more about the geography minor in the UWEC course catalog.

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Related programs at UW-Eau Claire

Thinking about a bachelor’s degree in geography? Here are other programs you might be interested in exploring.

Department information

Photo of a student on a Yosemite immersion experience

Geography and Anthropology

Phillips Science Hall 257
101 Roosevelt Avenue
 Eau Claire, WI 54701
Visit the Geography and Anthropology department website