Drawing on their genuine understanding of the complex interplay of economic, political, social and environmental forces, combined with their training in many analytical tools and skills (e.g., statistical analysis, GIS, survey design), our graduates find careers in fields related to social services, planning, regional and economic development, public health, education, geographic information systems, and global justice initiatives.
The Department of Geography offers four programs that undergraduates can pursue: a B.A. in Geography; a B.A. in Geography Data Science Option; a Minor in Geography; and a B.A. with Honors in Geography. Learn more about each of these opportunities on this page.
B.A. in Geography
Students majoring in geography select one of four tracks to specialize in: Cities, Citizenship and Migration; Environment, Economy and Sustainability; Globalization, Health and Development; and GIS, Mapping and Society. Please visit Declare the Geography Major for information about declaring the geography major.
Students earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Geography regardless of which track they select. More information on the tracks and requirements for a major in geography can be found below.
B.A. in Geography with Data Science Option
The data science option builds on geography coursework in data management, data visualization and the societal implications of data science while offering students additional opportunities to engage in coursework in programming, machine learning, and advanced statistics and probability. Please visit Declare the Geography Major for information about declaring the geography major data science option.
Students earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Geography with Data Science Option. More information on the requirements for the data science option in geography can be found below.
Geography Major with Data Science Option
B.A. with Honors in Geography
Geography majors of junior standing who have a GPA of at least 3.5 in at least three UW Geography courses, as well as an overall GPA of 3.4, will receive an invitation to apply to the honors program. The honors program provides students with an opportunity to undertake a year-long honors project that demonstrates a high level of expertise and deep level of engagement with a chosen area of study, with a significant amount of independent work. Upon completion of the Honors in Geography program, students graduate with a B.A. with Honors in Geography. More information about eligibility and the application process can be found below.
Minor in Geography
Students who are awarded a minor in geography complete 30 credits of geography coursework. A detailed list of requirements can be found below.
Admissions, Advising & Student Resources
Please visit Undergraduate Programs for information about joining the geography department. We also encourage you to meet with our undergraduate adviser if you have other questions about our programs or the department.