Geography

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Options available

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Arts & Science
  • Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Education
  • Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Education
  • Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws
  • Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Management
  • Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Management

Campus

  • Lethbridge

Intake

Fall & Spring

Program description

Geography deals with the diverse landscapes around us. It is about everything from the original formation of the earth’s surface, to the effects we have on our environment: past, present and future.

The primary focus of the program is to give you the skills necessary to analyze the organization and interaction of all creatures and ecological processes on the planet — and sometimes beyond it — to address real-world issues.

The department is particularly strong in the areas of geographical information science (GIS) and remote sensing, water research and rural & urban studies; areas of spectacular growth in research, teaching and employment for our graduates.

You'll have access to the latest hardware and software available in geography, economics, environment, agriculture, ecology, planning etc, as well as state-of-the-art facilities like the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building. This facility provides the infrastructure to support the research interests of our award-winning faculty, your instructors, as they investigate diverse areas such as: weather and climate, water, glaciers, sediments, plants and insects.

Situated in the Oldman River Valley, the University’s location offers an excellent centre for field research, surrounded by farm and rangelands, and in easy reach of the Rockies and the city of Calgary.

Student clubs & activities | The Geography Club has a very active presence on campus organizing activities such as canoe trips, field trips to US and Canadian locations, local hikes, social events and an informal lecture series, “Slide du Jour.”

Minors | Adding a minor to your degree is a great way to explore academic interests beyond your major. A minor is a set of courses comprising a secondary focus of interest generally not related to your major. A minor may be required or optional.

Honours thesis | If your GPA is high enough in your fourth year, you can opt to complete an undergraduate thesis course. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree.

Experience learning | Our students have a number of experiential learning opportunities available to them including co-operative education, international exchanges, independent and applied studies as well as volunteer opportunities. uLethbridge is the only university in Alberta to offer co-operative education to all majors in the arts & sciences, at both the undergrad and grad level. Transfer students can actually head out on their first work term before ever stepping foot on campus! For example, many transfer students have completed a summer work term before starting classes in September.​​

Skills acquired | In addition to developing exceptional communication skills, you will develop critical and analytical problem solving skills, research and information management skills and improve your attention to detail and patterns. You will leave the program with a strong ability to develop research questions, conduct field work, and summarize findings, as well as an in-depth knowledge of environmental and social issues.

Possible careers

Related fields | Our graduates often secure employment with local, provincial and federal government departments, or with corporations and consultants around the world. Here are just a few of the options open to you once you’ve earned your degree:

  • Academic Research
  • Eco-Tourism
  • Environmental Consulting
  • Environmental Education Specialist
  • Environmental Impact Analyst
  • GIS Specialist/Technician
  • Hydrologist
  • Location Analyst
  • Municipal & Resource Planning
  • Park Management
  • Remote Sensing Analyst
  • Renewable Resource Management
  • Soil Conservation
  • Urban or Regional Planner

Professional disciplines & graduate studies | Your undergraduate degree in geography provides an excellent foundation for environmental law, management, journalism, education and geology. The University of Lethbridge’s School of Graduate Studies offers graduate programs at the master's and doctoral levels spanning over 60 disciplines — so why not consider pursuing grad school right here in Lethbridge! Whether you choose to do your advanced studies at uLethbridge or another institution, know that your undergraduate degree has set you on the path to post-graduate success.

Admission requirements

General-ALL-ALL

​For admission, Canadian high school students in Alberta must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:

This course
  • English Language Arts 30-1
Three of these courses
  • Aboriginal Studies 30
  • Art 30 or Art 31
  • Biology 30
  • Chemistry 30
  • Choral Music 30, General Music 30, or Instrumental Music 30
  • Dance 35
  • Drama 30
  • Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2
  • Mathematics 31
  • Physics 30
  • Science 30
  • Social Studies 30-1
  • Five credits in Advanced-level CTS Computer Science (CSE)
  • One or more distinct languages at the 30 level
One additional
  • That has not already been used
  • May be from the list above
  • Must be at the 30 level
  • Must be worth at least five credits (multiple courses worth a total of five or more credits can be used)
  • Cannot be a Special Project

Program-AS-BA-BSC-BASC-GROUP-3B

This program also requires

One of the courses you include must be:

  • Mathematics 30-1 or 30-2

Students considering working toward the Bachelor of Science/Education (Geography/Science Education) program are required to have Chemistry 30 and Mathematics 30-1.

 

 

First year cost estimator

For Geography

Let us help you understand your tuition and fees for your first year at the University of Lethbridge.

Nicole Byford

Geography at the University of Lethbridge has inspired me to connect with our environment by exploring and understanding the processes that have shaped our Earth. I have studied the theory and practical applications of remote sensing and GIS through a variety of classroom and field courses, and I have actively participated in geographical research as an undergraduate student. My studies have shaped my world outlook through a geographic lens, which has motivated me to continue my studies into practical applications that will have a real impact on our world.
- Nicole (BSc '21) Geography

Sample classes

Course selections for the program will vary, but may include:

  • Introduction to Physical Geography
  • Introduction to Human Geography
  • Geomorphology
  • Geographical Information Systems
  • Hydrology
  • Remote Sensing
  • Field Techniques in Earth Science

Additional information

Two, $10,000 bursaries will go to full-time undergraduate students enrolled in remote sensing, computer science with GIS or geography. The awards will be given to students based on the number of credit hours they’ve completed and financial need. Learn more: ulethbridge.ca/artsci/geography/tecterra-bursaries