Program Overview

Introduction to the Geography and Urban Studies Major

The Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Urban Studies is an undergraduate program offered by the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University. This 123-credit program explores the complex relationship between environments and societies, providing students with the expertise to identify, understand, and respond to real-world urban problems and global challenges.

Program Overview

The Geography and Urban Studies Major prepares students for careers in consulting, government, and nonprofit sectors. The program focuses on developing students' writing, communication, and research skills, as well as technical skills in geographic information systems (GIS). Students can design their career path by developing a personalized curriculum that focuses on one or more of the following themes:

• Geographic methods
• Globalization
• Social justice
• Sustainability

Classes and Curriculum

The Geography and Urban Studies Major is a 123-credit undergraduate program that can be completed over four years of full-time study. The program includes a range of required and elective courses, such as:

• African Americans in Philadelphia
• Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems
• Research Design in Geography and Urban Studies
• Space and Place
• Spatial Statistics
• Sustainable Cities
• Urban Systems in a Global Economy Students are required to complete an individualized research project in the Senior Research Seminar course.

Related Graduate Degrees

The university offers several related graduate degrees, including:

• Geography and Urban Studies MA
• Geography and Urban Studies PhD
• Geographic Information Systems PSM

Related Graduate Certificate

The Geographic Information Systems Graduate Certificate is also available.

4+1 Accelerated Degree Program

The Geographic Information Systems PSM accelerated degree is open to all students, combining advanced training in GIS core skills with professional development and business ethics. The Geography and Urban Studies MA accelerated degree is open to Geography and Urban Studies and Environmental Studies majors, preparing students for further graduate study or professional positions related to urban and economic development, environmental sustainability, and social justice.

Double Major

Students can double major through Temple's College of Education, combining the Geography and Urban Studies Major with a major in social studies education.

Certificate Programs

The College of Liberal Arts offers 22 undergraduate certificate programs, allowing students to expand their knowledge and diversify their Temple education.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level, course load, and residency. The current tuition costs for the 2025-2026 academic year are:

• Pennsylvania resident: $19,608.00 per year
• Out-of-state: $35,232.00 per year

Academic Advising

Advising support is provided by the College of Liberal Arts Center for Academic Advising. Dedicated advisors at the Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development are available to guide students through their academic careers and career paths beyond Temple.

University Honors Program

The College of Liberal Arts participates in Temple's Honors Program, which recognizes academic excellence and provides opportunities for students to realize their potential.

Student Clubs and Organizations

Students can supplement their coursework and enhance their undergraduate experience by joining over 300 student clubs and organizations, including:

• Gamma Theta Epsilon, an international geographical honor society
• The Geography & Urban Studies / Environmental Studies Student Association, which focuses on geographic information systems, urban agriculture, sustainability, and social justice

Study Away

College of Liberal Arts undergraduate students are encouraged to study away for an academic year, semester, or summer, immersing themselves in new cultures, histories, and perspectives in countries such as China, Germany, Ghana, and Italy, as well as at Temple's Rome and Tokyo campuses.

Accreditation

Temple University's departments and programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.