Program Overview
Geography, BS
The Bachelor of Science program in geography is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the world, from global to local, through the twin lenses of space and place. Students in this program learn about natural features of the world, including landforms, plants, water, and weather, as well as the impact humans have on the world.
Program Description
Geographers have a distinct spatial perspective in understanding the world, from global to local, through the twin lenses of space and place. This degree program also emphasizes social science or environmental science dynamics involving economic patterns, human populations, and transportation.
At a Glance
- College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe or Online, ASU Local
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
- First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
- Math intensity: General
Curriculum
The curriculum for the Geography, BS program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of geography. Students can view the 2025-2026 curriculum or view curriculum archives.
Concurrent Program Options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated Program Options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
Admission Requirements
- General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Tuition Information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major Requirements
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Attend Online
ASU Online offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
Program Learning Outcomes
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Will interpret geographic forms in the context of the United States using spatial skills and knowledge of physical geography processes.
- Will analyze interactions between human geography and physical geography processes.
- Will write a scholarly literature review on a contemporary geographical research problem.
Global Opportunities
Students deepen their understanding of cultural traditions in the human experience of place when studying abroad. With more than 300 programs available, students who participate in a Global Education program tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets.
Career Opportunities
Having gained skills in geospatial techniques, geographers with a BS degree in geography go on to careers such as:
- Computer cartographer
- Environmental impact assessment analyst
- Geographic information science specialist or analyst
- Geomorphologist
- Hydrology and water resource specialist
- Location analyst for businesses
- Photogrammetry specialist
- Remote sensing analyst
Career Examples
- Cartographer (Map Maker): 6.4% growth, $78,380 median salary
- Climate Change Analyst: 4.4% growth, $80,060 median salary
- Conservation Officer: -4.7% growth, $43,680 median salary
- Environmental Compliance Inspector: 3.0% growth, $78,420 median salary
- Environmental Restoration Planner: 4.4% growth, $80,060 median salary
- Farm Manager: 3.4% growth, $67,950 median salary
- Geographic Information Systems Analyst (GIS Analyst): -3.1% growth, $97,200 median salary
- Geographic Information Systems Technician (GIS Technician): 8.2% growth, $108,970 median salary
- Hydrogeologist: 3.7% growth, $161,180 median salary
- Survey Technician: 4.5% growth, $51,940 median salary