Geography

Research the impact of human activities on the environment. Travel to the Czech Republic and discover the country's architecture and history. Learn practical skills in field and laboratory techniques, and remote sensing technology. Get practical experience with Geographic Information Systems. These are just a few opportunities available to you when you choose to major in Geography at the University of Saskatchewan.

What is Geography?

Geography is the study of the processes that shape human and physical landscapes. It explains the organization of space and differences between areas through detailed studies of spatial patterns and processes.

The study of Geography requires students to address research questions from a distinctly geographic perspective while drawing from a broad base of knowledge from related subject areas in the social and natural sciences.

Geography students develop insights and inquiry skills that can be applied to problems confronting society. From the effects of air and water pollution to population growth, Geography students deal with a wide range of issues.

"My education in Geography taught me to appreciate the interaction between humans and their physical environment. Through my studies in many diverse and interesting subject areas, I was fortunate to interact with many respected and knowledgeable professors who provided me with valuable guidance and mentorship. I was also given the invaluable opportunity to develop research skills in an environment which fosters the ability to share and solve problems. The skills and confidence that I acquired throughout my education have been practical and important tools in my career and personal accomplishments."

Kristi Fedec, Project Manager, Digital Environmental, Saskatoon, SK

A Stepping Stone...

A degree in Geography prepares students for studies in other areas such as commerce, earth and environmental sciences, education, international studies, and urban and rural development.

Students also go on to pursue graduate studies in geography or in other areas such as Aboriginal studies, earth sciences, environmental science and management, and planning.

Career Opportunities

Geography graduates pursue careers in many exciting areas:

Human & Regional Studies – census research and vital statistics; economic analysis, environmental risk assessment, natural hazards research, land use planning and real estate development, population or demography, regional and urban planning, tourism studies and recreational planning, and transportation research.

Physical & Environmental Studies – natural resource assessment and management, environmental simulation and modeling, erosion protection and flood control, groundwater remediation, hydrology, natural hazards analysis, renewable resource surveys, vegetation surveys and watershed management.

Geographic Technologies – remote sensing and image interpretation, computer-aided cartography, natural resource data acquisition and mapping, pollution monitoring, topographic site surveys and 3-D terrain modelling.

The U of S Advantage

As a Geography student you can choose to participate in a Work Experience Internship Program or the Co-operative Education Program, where you work in public and private companies related to fields such as environmental studies, planning, and regional and urban development. These programs allow you to gain practical skills and experience in a workplace setting while receiving academic credit for completing projects relevant to your field of study, A flexible program, the internship is also offered to students of various academic backgrounds and can be set up with partnership organizations according to the particular interests

Choose Your Program!

Students admitted into the College of Arts & Science can choose Geography as their major. Programs in Geography combine the study of subjects in the natural sciences, social sciences and geographical techniques.

The Geography program is divided into Human and Physical Geography. Students completing the Human Geography program will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree, while those completing the Physical Geography program will receive a Bachelor of Science degree. Both Human and Physical Geography include a range of disciplines:

Demography and Spatial Modeling
Environmental Science and Management
Geographic Information Science and Cartography
Hydrological Processes and Modelling
Regional, Urban and Community Development

"I chose to study geography at the University of Saskatchewan because of my interest in the environment. The courses offered by the department have provided me with a solid grounding in the principles and processes relating to human-environment interactions. I like the program because it gave me an opportunity to supplement course work with interesting field and laboratory experiences."

Tara Dupuis, fourth-year, hometown: Saskatoon SK

A Major in Geography

Students majoring in Geography can choose from one of the following degrees:

B.A. Three-year
B.A. Four-year
B.A. Honours
B.Sc. Three-year
B.Sc. Four-year
B.Sc. Honours

The Three-year degrees provide students with a general background in Geography, while the Four-year and Honours degrees provide in-depth study and career options. Students pursuing an Honours degree will specialize in one area and conduct a research project to prepare them for graduate studies.

Students pursuing a major other than Geography may choose one of the following areas in Geography as a minor:

Human Geography
Geographic Information Systems
Physical Geography
Urban Planning

"Geography integrates knowledge across a breadth of disciplines that span the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences with the purpose of describing and explaining the spatial patterns of naturally occurring phenomena and human activities. At the U of S, social scientists and natural scientists work together to offer a program that combines elements of human and physical geography with a direct relevance to everybody's day-to-day life experiences."

Alec Aitken, professor and recipient of the University of Saskatchewan Master Teacher Award

Outstanding Faculty

The University of Saskatchewan initiated and published the Atlas of Saskatchewan, a comprehensive, provincial-scale, digital, geographic database. It is an essential source of information on the physical, social and economic landscapes of our province. The Atlas is a valuable tool not only for students and academics, but also for administrators, the business community, professional planners, researchers, teachers and the general public both within and beyond Saskatchewan. The Atlas of Saskatchewan received Saskatchewan Book awards for both Publishing and Publishing in Education.
Professors in the Department of Geography have established international reputations for their research as reflected in the publication of widely acclaimed books related to Canadian regional geography, community sustainability, ecology of world vegetation, environmental studies, poverty and development in Africa, remote sensing and forest management, retail marketing, and urban Aboriginal peoples.
Dr. John Pomeroy, Canada Research Chair in Water Resources and Climate Change, is actively engaged in research related to snowmelt and drought processes in alpine, prairie and tundra environments.
Dr. Evelyn Peters, Canada Research Chair in Identity and Diversity: The Aboriginal Experience, is pursuing research in urban social geography including aboriginal homelessness, urbanization and self-determination.

Getting Involved!

Join the Environmental Studies Students’ Association (ESSA)—one of the largest student associations at the U of S. Members share a concern for the environment including academic, professional and recreational interests.This organization provides opportunities to meet students from your program as well as those from across campus.

Research Facilities

Students have access to a number of specialized facilities on campus including the biogeography, computer cartographic, geographic information systems, geomorphology, hydrology, northern development and remote sensing labs.

Related Interests

If you are interested in Geography, you might also be interested in:

Relevant Links

For more information available online for Geography: