Learn what you can do with a degree from our Geography and Sustainability programs!
Bridging Natural and Social Science
The Department of Geography, GIS, and Sustainability (DoGGS or GGS) includes the Geography and Geographic Information Science (GIS) and Environmental and Sustainability Studies programs.
Students in the Geography program study the environmental, cultural, political and economic processes that produce distinctive local, regional and global patterns across the Earth’s surface. Geography is one of the few academic disciplines that bridge the gap between the natural and social sciences. Geographers analyze how complex interactions among these spatial processes create constantly changing human and natural landscapes across the world.
Students interested in Environmental and Sustainability Studies will learn to understand and address the significant challenges facing a growing human community dependent on finite resources. Environmental and Sustainability Studies uses a dynamic approach that requires the study of multiple disciplines and perspectives to address human problems which require sophisticated understanding of interacting systems: natural, economic, historical, aesthetic, socio-cultural, spatial, and political.
Students can elect to major in in Environmental and Sustainability Studies or Geography with one of three emphasis areas: Geographic Information Sciences (GIS), Global and Area Studies, and Secondary Teaching. Minors are available in Geography, GIS, and Environmental Studies.
Announcements and News
Geography, GIS & Sustainability Student Spotlight
Logan Myers, an Anthropology and Geography major, had the opportunity to go overseas to Spain over the summer and conduct Underwater Archaeological research. The school he was a part of focused on an ancient Roman military port that was embedded in one of Spain's coastal bays.
His team built off of previous seasons' data and expanded the school's knowledge of the bay's underwater environment. Their techniques for data collection involved scuba diving at a depth of about 10-25 meters while surveying the ocean floor for artifacts. When his team found an object of interest, the items data was collected via GPS points, pictures, and video to use for ArcGIS mapping, possible artifact recovery, and protection of the artifact from looters. Overall, this experience allowed him to travel to a foreign location surrounded by dedicated individuals doing what he loves and, in his opinion, the school was second to none as it sparked the beginning of his lifelong career.
Into the Arctic
Professor Jimmy Dunn and a crew of five students headed north for summer research
and discovery in the Canadian Arctic.
"I don't think there's a more profound way to learn than to do something like this."
Careers in Geography, GIS & Sustainability
When you choose to pursue a career in Geography, GIS, or Sustainability, you'll have many options and opportunities for specialization and focus. Career paths include work in business, with community organizations, in GIS, government, natural science, planning, resource management, sustainability, teaching and transportation. Take a look at the type of work you'll be doing, and read about some of our alumni in the field.
GEOGRAPHY & GIS CAREERS Environmental & Sustainability Careers