Geographers study the spatial dimensions of human activities and physical landscapes. The discipline of Geography focuses on the interrelationships between humans and their environments, linking the physical and social sciences.
Geographers use a variety of tools, but much of their work revolves around developing and analyzing various forms of spatial data and information, with a special emphasis on satellite imagery, vector graphics, historical, and paper maps.
Possessing the ability to "think spatially," along with a diverse toolkit of quantitative and qualitative methods, geographers have a wide variety of employment options. Our alumni have taken positions in business, government agencies, academia, and non-profit organizations. The job market is especially strong for those with skills in Geographic Information Systems and Science (GIS).
The Department of Geography at UC offers PhD, MA, BS and BA degrees.
All students are encouraged to develop individualized programs meeting their specific needs, in consultation with their academic adviser. For more information on courses and requirements for the BA/BS program, please visit the Undergraduate Program site. For more on the PhD and MA programs, please visit the Graduate Program site.
IMPORTANT DEPARTMENTAL CONTACTS:
An updated list of publications can be found in the Google Scholar profile of the Department of Geography and GIS, which can be found here.
December 2, 2024
UC Professor Nicholas Dunning talks to LiveScience about evidence of aquaculture among ancient Maya in Belize.
September 27, 2024
UC Adjunct Professor Teri Jacobs tells WVXU that farming practices such as no-till planting, cover crops and rotating crops help protect soil and prevent carbon from being released into the atmosphere.
April 26, 2024
Using environmental DNA analysis, researchers identified a collection of plants used in ceremonial rituals in the ancient Maya city of Yaxnohcah. The plants, known for their religious associations and medicinal properties, were discovered beneath a plaza floor upon which a ballcourt was built, suggesting the building might have been blessed or consecrated during construction.
