Bachelor of Arts in Geography – Earth Science

Explore the natural systems that shape our world. The Earth Science concentration in UNC Greensboro’s Bachelor of Arts in Geography degree helps you understand the processes that influence landscapes, climate, water resources, ecosystems, and environmental change. Through coursework in physical geography, cartography, and natural resource analysis, you’ll examine how Earth’s physical environments affect communities and vice versa.

This concentration is ideal for students interested in environmental issues, sustainability, resource management, and the relationship between people and the natural world. You’ll graduate with a broad understanding of environmental systems and the geographic perspective needed to address complex challenges facing communities and ecosystems.

Bachelor of Arts Earth Science Concentration Highlights

• Investigate the processes that shape our planet. Study climate, landforms, water resources, ecosystems, and environmental change while developing a deeper understanding of Earth’s physical systems.
• Apply environmental science to real-world challenges. Examine issues such as climate variability, natural resource management, environmental assessment, and sustainability through a scientific and evidence-based approach.
• Build technical and analytical expertise. Develop skills in spatial analysis, environmental data interpretation, mapping, and problem-solving while gaining hands-on experience with GPS technology, GIS software, and specialized facilities such as the Carolina Tree-Ring Science Laboratory and Regolith Analysis Laboratory.
• Study at a nationally recognized sustainability leader. UNC Greensboro is ranked among the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges (Princeton Review’s Green College List, 2026), providing an ideal environment for students interested in environmental science and sustainable solutions.

B.A. Earth Science Concentration Student Experience

• Study environmental change from multiple perspectives. Combine coursework in physical geography, natural resources, climate, and sustainability with electives that help you understand the connections between environmental systems and human communities.
• Experience geography in the field. Learn directly from the environments you study through field courses, outdoor observations, and study abroad opportunities. Geography students have explored diverse landscapes through departmental travel experiences, including the Canadian Rockies, the Central Rocky Mountains, the desert Southwest, and the Pacific Northwest.
• Build professional connections. Through the student-led Geography Club, you’ll meet environmental professionals, planners, GIS specialists, and community leaders while exploring potential career paths and networking opportunities.
• Join a community of engaged scholars. Students can participate on UNCG’s award-winning Geography Bowl Team and earn membership in Gamma Theta Upsilon, the international honor society for geography.

After Graduating with a B.A. Earth Science Concentration

UNC Greensboro’s Bachelor of Arts in Geography — Earth Science concentration prepares you to understand the natural systems that shape our world. You’ll study climate, landscapes, natural resources, and environmental change. You’ll learn how people and environments influence one another.

Graduates work in environmental planning, conservation, natural resource management, government, and education. The program also prepares students for graduate study. Many continue into UNCG’s online Master’s in Sustainability and Environment or the Post‑Baccalaureate Certificate in Sustainability. Others pursue advanced degrees in environmental science, planning, public policy, law, and related fields. You’ll graduate ready to address today’s environmental challenges.

Potential Career Paths