Program description

Geography is a broad synthesizing discipline that studies humans and the Earth by focusing on the themes of place and space. Geography is therefore not an encyclopedic listing of capital cities, mountains and rivers, but rather an understanding of the causes, effects, implications, and importance of these and other features. As Geography is so broad, it is often studied as a number of separate but closely related sub-disciplines, notably physical geography and human geography, and also regional geography (Area Studies), topical geography and geographic techniques (Geomatics).

Program options

Degree options

B.A. Bachelor of Arts in Geography (General) – 3 years
B.A. (Adv.) Bachelor of Arts in Geography (Advanced) – 4 years
B.A. (Hons.) Bachelor of Arts in Geography (Honours) – 4 years

Interesting courses and unique opportunities

Interesting courses

• Place, Populations and Mobility: Geographic Perspectives
• Social Geography of the Environment
• Animal Geographies
• Food Geographies
• Gender and the Human Environment
• Children's Geographies and the Geographies of Young People

Professional opportunities

As Geography is such a diverse discipline, the array of possible careers is similarly broad. Often careers arise from each of the sub-disciplines augmented by expertise in regions, topics or techniques. Geography is a popular choice for students who seek further training in education, landscape architecture, and city planning. Geographic techniques, especially GIS, are highly marketable skills, and students also develop strong analytical and communications skills. Careers suited to human geographers include market research, real estate, planning, and community development. Geographers also find many suitable careers in government and non-profit agencies.

Admission requirements & prerequisites

Direct entry option

Direct entry is not an option for this program. Please review the advanced entry option section for more information.

Note: Direct Entry option available for students beginning in September 2013

Advanced entry option

24 credit hours in U1 (or an approved bachelors program)

This entry option is open to students who have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours of university level study. Specific program requirements will vary; details of these requirements are available on each program’s application page.

High school prerequisites

High school prerequisites: any Math 40S recommended

Many programs will require or recommend specific high school courses over and above their admission requirements. These high school prerequisites are not always required to enter the program, but they must be completed to enrol in certain university courses within it. If a student does not have a particular prerequisite when they enter the program, they may complete an equivalent upgrading course at university that will satisfy the prerequisite requirement.

More details on admission requirements, application dates and how to apply is available on the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources apply for admission page.

What is unique about this program at the U of M?

Jeff Willows (BA Geography) received the Riddell Faculty Undergraduate Thesis Prize of $1,000 – extremely complex topic of “Explaining War in Darfur” work that included exploring the history of Islam, contemporary Islamic culture and their relationship to non-Islamic African peoples. Currently doing a Masters at Carlton in a program that is widely regarded as the training ground for Canadas future diplomats. 

Important links

Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources
Department of Environment and Geography