Are you worried about the human impact on the environment? Do you wonder how, when and why the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains and Ocean Basins were created? Or what determines the locations of cities, lakes, deserts, jungles — just about everything on the planet? What about creating maps that never existed before? ulethbridge.ca/future-student
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 provide you with the theoretical knowledge and technical skills that will enable you to analyze the spatial organization and interaction of all creatures and ecological processes on the planet — and sometimes beyond it — to address real-world issues.
As a geography student, you will have access to the latest hardware and software available in geography, economics, environment, agriculture, ecology, planning and a host of other disciplines You will also have access to state-of-the-art facilities, such as 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.
The Department of Geography & Environment 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.
Geography Degrees. The Department of Geography & Environment offers a major in geography for the 40-course Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) degree programs. You can also opt for a general major in the social sciences or sciences and select geography as one of the three streams. Alternatively, you can declare geography as the BA major for the Combined BA/BEd or BA/BMgt programs or the BSc major for the Combined BSc/BEd or BSc/BMgt programs.
• Bachelor of Arts: Explores the spatial organization of human development from social, economic and political perspectives.
• Bachelor of Science: Investigates geography from earth, environmental and social science perspectives to understand ecological changes and processes better.
Note: In all geography degree programs above, you are also able to declare a concentration in GIS.
Geography Courses. Course selections for the program will vary, but may include:
• Agricultural Geography
• Archaeology
• Biogeography
• Economic Geography
• Field Techniques
• Geographical Information Systems
• Geomorphology & Geology
• Human Geography
• Hydrology
• Remote Sensing
• Snow & Glacier Studies
• Urban & Regional Studies
• Weather & Climate
• Agricultural Soil Management
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. It is generally not related to your major. Learn more at ulethbridge.ca/artsci/minors
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.
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.”
TECTERRA Bursaries. 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
Learn more about geography at ULethbridge, visit ulethbridge.ca/geography
Faculty members involve students in their research projects, using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, often collaborating with other departments, community members and employers. The department also participates in research with all levels of government, the corporate world and a number of national and international research consortiums.
You may also have the opportunity to participate in field studies or gain employment with researchers at the Geological Survey of Canada, the City of Lethbridge and other municipalities, local geomatics companies, the Alberta Terrestrial Imaging Centre and Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, among others — giving you the opportunity to get lots of additional hands-on experience.
Current Research & Areas of Interest:
• Advanced Digital Image Processing
• Airborne Data Acquisition
• Alpine & Arctic Glacier Research
• Archaeology of the Bronze & Iron Ages
• Biogeography & Ecophysiology
• Climate Change
• Geoarchaeology Reconstruction
• Global Environmental Change
• Hyperspectral Remote Sensing
• Magnetostratigraphy
• Microclimatology
• Paleo-Environments
• Plains Archaeology
• Plant Stress Ecology
• Remote Sensing & GIS
• Rural Economic Development
• Social Change in Canada
• Socio-Economic Change (China)
• Terrain & Reflectance Modelling
• Water Resources
• Watershed Hydrology
• Geospatial Technologies & Mapping
• High Arctic Environments
• Permafrost Melt & Env Modelling
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 fieldwork and summarize findings, as well as in-depth knowledge of environmental and social issues.
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
Graduate Studies. The University of Lethbridge’s School of Graduate Studies offers graduate programs at the Master 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.
Professional Disciplines. Your undergraduate degree in geography provides an excellent foundation for environmental law, management, journalism, education and geology.
“Geography at the U of L 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, Geography (Co-op)
Whether you’re looking for a more in-depth learning experience by assisting with research projects or by testing your knowledge in a real-life setting, we can help. Combined with your required coursework, the opportunities outlined below will provide you with a solid foundation for further studies and an excellent framework for a challenging and rewarding career — whatever direction you decide to go.
Earn course credit for career-related paid, volunteer or community service work experience. This program is specially designed to allow you to integrate principles learned in the classroom in a practical work setting.
For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/appliedstudies
ULethbridge is proud to offer you the chance to participate in co-op. Co-op allows you to gain work experience directly related to your studies and make invaluable contacts in the workforce, all while earning a competitive salary. Completion of the program allows you to receive a co-op designation on your degree and, most importantly, a kickstart to your career the minute you graduate.
For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/coop
In addition to your regular courses, you can contribute to departmental research activities. For example, you can complete an independent study course or gain employment as a research assistant. If your GPA is high enough, you can also enrol in undergraduate thesis-based courses where research is a component of your studies.
Contact your department to learn more!
Your decision to explore a university education is the first step toward a great future — now let us help you navigate your degree options at ULethbridge and set you on the road to success. Do you have questions about what field of study best suits you? Would you like help with program and registration planning and just can’t find the answers? If so, you should speak to an academic advisor today — advisors have the answers to these questions and many more.
To learn more about the support services available to you through our academic advisors, visit: ulethbridge.ca/artsci/advising