Bachelor's in Geography

Geographers explore both the physical properties of the earth and the human societies spread across it. In the Bachelor’s in Geography degree, available as a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), you’ll learn about geographic concepts and how they relate to economic, environmental, and social problems.

Available concentrations in Earth Science, Geographic Information Science (GIS), and Urban Planning allow you to pursue specific interests in science, technology, and civil service. You’ll gain hands-on experience using tools required for career success, including computer cartography, geographic information systems, and remote sensing. Both the B.S. and B.A. degrees are equally excellent stepping stones to graduate studies at the master’s or doctoral levels for those students interested in pursuing greater research experience transferable to any sector of employment.

B.S. OR B.A. — WHICH geography DEGREE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Both the B.S and B.A. in Geography degrees are flexible enough to allow for significant customization.

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Geography emphasizes depth over breadth, and is appropriate for any student seeking greater specialization, depth of knowledge, and technical and applied skills in select geographic subdisciplines. If you have particular applications and career paths in mind, you’ll find the B.S. degree especially rewarding. You’ll select one of three available concentrations to specialize in: Earth Science, Geographic Information Science (GIS), or Urban Planning.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Geography emphasizes breadth over depth, and is appropriate for any student interested in gaining knowledge and technical skills employable in a wide range of geographic careers, who may also wish to explore a greater variety of coursework offered in other departments. Three concentrations are offered within the B.A. — Earth Science, Geographic Information Science (GIS), or Urban Planning — but you can also opt for the greater flexibility of the general geography degree without a concentration.

bachelor’s in geography PROGRAM DISTINCTIONS

• You’ll have access to up-to-date geographic technology, including an oversized cartographic plotter, GPS equipment, and computers with industry-standard software programs like Arc/Info, ArcView, ERDAS Imagine, ArcGIS, Surfer, AtlasGIS, MapInfo, and ER Mapper.
• State-of-the-art laboratories — like the Carolina Tree-Ring Science Laboratory and the Regolith Analysis Laboratory — offer in-depth geographic analysis using the latest precision instruments.  
• UNC Greensboro is ranked as one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges, according to The Princeton Review, and is featured in its 2025 Green Colleges list.

THE geography STUDENT EXPERIENCE

• One of the hallmarks of UNCG’s Geography, Environment, and Sustainability Department is your ability to take summer field courses traveling to fascinating U.S. destinations like the Rocky Mountains, desert Southwest, and Pacific Northwest, as well as locations abroad like Iceland, Italy, and Southeast Asia.
• The student-led Geography Club hosts a series of speakers each year from planning departments, environmental agencies, GIS firms, and economic development companies.
• Academically high-achieving students in the degree may pursue Disciplinary Honors in Geography.
• Students who excel in the classroom can earn membership into UNCG’s Kappa Phi chapter of Gamma Theta Upsilon (ΓΘΥ), the international honor society in geography. 

AFTER GRADUATIng with your geography degree

• Bachelor’s in Geography graduates have found careers in business and industry, urban and regional planning agencies, departments of federal and state governments, and teaching.
• Our Bachelor’s in Geography degree is an excellent foundation for advanced graduate studies — such as our top-ranked online Master’s in Sustainability and Environment, the accelerated BA-to-PhD program, or our graduate Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (PBC) programs — or professional training in planning, business, or law.
• Potential career paths include:
  • GIS Analyst
  • Emergency Management Planner
  • Environmental Planner
  • Remote Sensing Analyst
  • Transportation Manager
  • Urban/City Planner
  • Educator

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