Geography and Urban Studies Major

Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Urban Studies

Explore the complex relationship between environments and societies with the Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Urban Studies in the College of Liberal Arts at 51动漫. Develop the expertise to identify, understand and respond to real-world urban problems and global challenges. Gain comprehension around urban politics, planning and policymaking.听

This 123-credit undergraduate program provides the tools to address environmental, economic, social聽and political issues that are central to the well-being of people in an urbanizing world. Strengthen your writing, communication and research skills and learn technical skills in geographic information systems (GIS). Your courses and research will expand your knowledge of subjects like

geographic theory,
health and the environment,
planning and policymaking,
social and environmental justice,
urban processes and more.

Design your career path by developing a personalized curriculum that focuses on one or more of the following themes.

Geographic methods
Globalization
Social justice
Sustainability

The Geography and Urban Studies BA prepares students for careers in consulting, government and nonprofit sectors. Many of our students聽advance to graduate studies in environmental studies, geography, law or urban planning.听Graduates are equipped to enter a number of growing fields. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a by 2026. The BLS also forecasts a , which is the average growth rate for all occupations.

Students can also earn the Geographic Information Systems Undergraduate Certificate.听

Classes & Curriculum

The Geography and Urban Studies Major is a 123-credit undergraduate聽program that can be completed over four years of full-time study. Geography and Urban Studies electives give students the opportunity to develop an area of emphasis around their particular interests. Examples of required and elective courses students take in the program include the following.

African Americans in Philadelphia
Cities
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

Related Graduate Certificate

Geographic Information Systems Graduate Certificate

4+1 Accelerated Degree Program

罢丑别听Geographic Information Systems PSM聽accelerated degree is open to all students.听It combines advanced training in geographic information systems (GIS) core skills with professional development and business ethics to prepare students to enter the GIS workforce. Students can apply for the accelerated degree between second semester sophomore year and first semester senior year.

罢丑别听Geography and Urban Studies MA聽accelerated degree is open to聽Geography and Urban Studies聽and Environmental Studies majors. It prepares students for further graduate study, as well as for professional positions related to urban and economic development, environmental sustainability and social justice. Students can apply as early as the second semester of their sophomore year for entry in their junior year, or they can apply as late as the second semester of their junior year for entry during their senior year.听

Double Major

If you plan to become a teacher, you may double major through 51动漫鈥檚聽. The double major combines the Geography and Urban Studies Major with a major in social studies education. .

Certificate Programs

The College of Liberal Arts has for you to expand your knowledge and diversify your 51动漫 education. Certificates can complement bachelor's programs, allowing you to specialize in an area and highlight your exposure to disciplines outside of your major.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51动漫鈥檚 commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more.听You can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 2024鈥�2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident:聽$18,864.00聽per year
Out-of-state: $33,912.00聽per year

Our Academic Advisors

Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development

Dedicated advisors at the Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development聽in the College of Liberal Arts are available to guide students through their academic careers and with their career paths beyond 51动漫. They can help you choose a major, navigate your curriculum, identify internship opportunities, explore career opportunities and determine your post-graduation plans. .

Program Contact

University Honors Program

The College of Liberal Arts participates in 51动漫鈥檚 Honors Program. .听

Students who meet certain academic and extracurricular criteria may become members of the following honor societies.听

is a national society that honors academic excellence during a student's first year at college.
is an international society that enables members to realize their potential through the advancement of academics, leadership and service.听
is open to juniors and seniors in the College of Liberal Arts. To qualify for Phi Beta Kappa, a student must maintain a high grade point average in a broad, rigorous program of study in the liberal arts, including mathematics and foreign languages.

Student Clubs & Organizations

Supplement your College of Liberal Arts coursework and enhance your undergraduate experience at 51动漫 with more than 300 student clubs and organizations. You鈥檒l have opportunities to meet and network with other students, get involved with the community, grow your interests, and develop r茅sum茅-boosting skills and experiences.

The following student organizations may be of interest to students in the Geography and Urban Studies Major program.

is an international geographical honor society that recognizes and supports geography鈥檚 next generation of leaders. Students are nominated based on GPA.
The focuses on geographic information systems, urban agriculture, sustainability and social justice through guest speakers and group outings.

Learn more about 51动漫鈥檚 student clubs and organizations.

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Accreditation

LA-GUS-BA

51动漫

51动漫