Geography (BA)

Examine the characteristics of human and physical features on Earth and the processes that shape them. Focus on human geography and explore patterns of migration, travel behaviour, health, food systems, urban development and sustainability. Learn methods and technologies relevant to geography, including global positioning systems, spatial analyses, crewless aerial vehicles data collection, geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing.

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Apply Your Learning

Opportunities exist for senior undergraduate students to participate in research in a variety of subdisciplines in Geography. Research opportunities might include working with migration data, analyzing social survey data, or working in parks to examine and understand human impacts on conservation areas.

The Capstone Urban Sustainability Project (CUSP) is the perfect fit for students in the BA in Geography program looking to engage with the community – all while earning a course credit. In CUSP, you'll undertake a yearlong consultation with our community partner, the City of Cambridge. Collaborating with other students in your consulting team, you'll seek to resolve an aspect of urban planning and development with a solution grounded in principles of sustainability and professional practice. Your team will bring together skills in project management, written communication, graphic design, mapping, public speaking, research analysis, and community engagement.

Check out the Geography and Environmental Studies Experience Guide.

 

2022 graduates who secured employment or went on to postgraduate studies

 

Laurier ranks in the top 6 percent of universities worldwide*

 

students who gained hands-on learning experiences at Laurier in 2022

*Center for World University Rankings (CWUR)

Admissions

Format: full time or part time      Duration: four years     Start: September (fall term)     OUAC code: UGB

Program Details

About the Bachelor of Arts in Geography

In our Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Geography program, you’ll focus on the areas of human or physical geography using social and natural science techniques to examine patterns in space and in time. You’ll learn to think critically about complex issues in areas such as urban geography, migration, health and food systems, river systems, coastal systems and the atmosphere as impacted by human activity.

In a BA focussing on Human Geography, you'll discover cultural and social dimensions of how we use the world, issues of population change and mobility, and how human behaviour affects the environment. You’ll explore processes of urbanization, transportation and energy use, trends in human developments and sustainability, and patterns of migration. In a BA focusing on Physical Geography, you will discover how the surface of our planet changes in response to variations in driving forces like climate change. You'll explore how processes in the natural environment function and how human activity can affect or change these.

The program introduces you to all the main aspects of geography in your first and second years, so that in your third and fourth years you'll have the flexibility to specialize in your area of interest and develop advanced skills in research methods and techniques.

Geography is also available as a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, which focuses on the science of geography and understanding how processes in the natural environment function.

Learn Practical Technologies

Our program offers you the opportunity to explore the methods and techniques used to understand geographic patterns through technologies, such as:

  • Global Positioning Systems (GPS);
  • Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS);
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS); and
  • Spatial analyses and remote sensing.

Understanding these technologies equips you with highly desired practical skills relevant to both private- and public-sector employers.

Your Path to Medical School

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Get one step closer to your medical school dreams at Laurier!

Our pathway agreement with American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) means you’re automatically granted an admissions interview to the AUC School of Medicine if you meet all academic requirements. Upon graduation, you’ll have the opportunity to write exams to practice medicine in Canada, the UK or the United States.

Program Options and Courses

Options and Minors

These are a few of the many popular academic opportunities which allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge:

  • Community Engagement Option
  • Geomatics Option
  • Sustainability Option

Check out other options to enhance your degree.

First-Year Courses

  • Introduction to Human Geography
  • Introduction to Physical Geography
  • 4.0 elective credits

Sample First-Year Electives

  • Invitation to Archeology
  • Our Pace in the Cosmos
  • Pirates! A World History

Sample Upper-Year Courses

  • Atmosphere and Hydrosphere
  • Environmental Concepts and Approaches
  • Geographies of Consumption and the Global Economy
  • Powering Earth

Similar Programs

Co-op

Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate with work experience.

You can apply for admission to co-op in your first year and may be eligible for an admission interview early in your second year. As a student in this program, you will be eligible to complete paid work terms lasting 12 to 16 weeks.

Interested? Learn more about co-op.

Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

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"More and more people are moving to larger cities. Infrastructure, transportation, buildings — everything needs to be renewed and the Urban Studies capstone seminar really helps you have that great insight into what might work best for a certain area. It’s this huge project that you work on all term. It prepares you for real life. It prepares you for the job market."

Lucas Pisciuneri, Geography graduate

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • cartographer
  • census geographer/demographer
  • economic development planner
  • GIS specialist
  • land use planner/surveyor
  • public policy analyst
  • surveyor/mapping specialist
  • teacher/educator
  • urban planner

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

Interested in More Info?

Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.