B.A. with Honors in Geography

The Honors in Geography program is designed for geography majors who have satisfied the criteria for eligibility as detailed below and who wish to undertake a major project that requires a significant amount of independent work. The year-long honors project should demonstrate a high level of expertise in, and deep engagement with, a chosen area of study; the ability to conduct independent research, an aptitude for articulate, persuasive writing, and an ability to work productively in a collaborative community.

By completing the Honors in Geography program, students graduate with a B.A. with Honors in Geography. Students who are enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Honors program and also complete the Honors in Geography program receive a B.A. with College Honors. For more information about Department or Interdisciplinary Honors programs, please visit the Honors Program website.

Traditionally, Honors in Geography students have developed and worked on their own research projects independently. But this coming year will look a little different! The 2026-27 Honors in Geography cohort will develop and complete an applied research project in partnership with the Duwamish Tribe. As a part of this project, our collaborative student team will be working to identify and map cultural resources in the Duwamish ancestral lands. 

Application for 2026-2027 is now open. The deadline is Friday, April 10, 2026. Selected applicants will be invited for an interview by end of April 2026.

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Admission Requirements for Honors in Geography

  1. Near the end of winter quarter or toward the beginning of spring quarter, geography majors of junior standing with a GPA of at least 3.5 in at least 3 UW Geography courses, and an overall GPA of 3.4, will receive an invitation to apply to the honors program.
  2. By the deadline stated in the invitation, applicants must submit the completed online application form to the undergraduate advising office. See link above for access to the application form.
  3. By the stated deadline, applicants must submit a 1-page (400-500 words) personal statement as part of the application form as well as uploading an updated unofficial UW transcript.
  4. After the stated deadline, applicants will be contacted to schedule and complete an interview with the Geography Undergraduate Advising Office. The interview will pertain to the applicant’s intellectual interests and experiences in independent research and collaborative work.
  5. Applicants are highly encouraged to have completed GEOG 315, Explanation and Understanding in Geography, or an alternative course in social science methodology, before entrance into the honors program. Applicants who have not taken GEOG 315 should plan to register for it in the autumn quarter of their senior year.
  6. Successful applicants will be notified of their acceptance into the honors program in early May.

Graduation Requirements for Honors in Geography

  1. Fulfillment of regular degree requirements for geography major.
  2. A GPA of at least 3.5 in geography courses, and an overall GPA of 3.40 or above.
  3. Successful completion of three quarters (AUT-WIN-SPR) of the Undergraduate Honors Seminar, GEOG 497. This seminar is a 3-credit course that helps students collaboratively design, execute, write, and present an applied research project as a team alongside a community partner. It’s a chance for seniors to build upon their passions and interests in geography in a larger, more complex project, while forging relations of support and caring within a small group of like-minded geographers. Students will develop skills for working effectively in a team on a collaborative project as well as alongside community organizations. They will learn to help and support others in their work, share and exchange resources and ideas, give and get constructive feedback.
  4. A collaborative team honors project, for example a significant-length research paper or extensive digital project, resulting from substantial research. The exact format of the final honors project will be determined in conversation with our liaison with the Duwamish Tribe.
  5. Final presentations on research results and deliverables at the end of SPR 2027 at:
    1. The Duwamish Longhouse, to Tribal Elders
    2. The Geography Undergraduate Research Symposium

For more information, please contact:

Nell Gross, Director of Academic Services
ngross@uw.edu

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