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Geography, which examines the systems, motions, and changes in the features of the Earth, may be perceived by some as a complex subject. Ultimately, Geography promotes a thorough understanding of nature, cultures, and history and knowledge of pressing global issues such as climate change.
With an online Bachelor’s in Geography, students can prepare for a career in environmental science, government, public or private research, and the academe. An estimated 100 job openings for geographers can be expected annually, according to the Labor Statistics Bureau.
It is important to remember that to become a geographer, a bachelor’s degree holder must pursue a master’s degree or a doctorate.
The Lowdown
The Earth’s movement impacts how people move, think, and behave, which online Bachelor’s in Geography seeks to understand! Teaching, interpreting weather patterns, and other professions are possible for bachelor’s degree holders. Working as a professional anthropologist with a doctorate is possible.
Methodology
Choose the right Geography online undergraduate program that fits your academic and professional needs! Here’s our list of the best Bachelor of Geography degrees from the top online colleges. Each program was picked based on these factors:
- Delivered as an online or in a blended college program,
- Features rigorous computer-based mapping, spatial analysis, and geographic information systems courses to underscore ground-breaking methodologies and technologies that explore the human-environmental landscape,
- Prepares students for entry-level work in the Geography field, contributing to research firms, geographic agencies, private companies, and other relevant institutions or organizations,
- Taking an online geography course will help students develop soft skills like analytical thinking, decision-making, critical thinking, collaboration skills, and leadership skills,
- Features a Geography curriculum developed by tenured geographers with high levels of expertise,
- Offers federal aid, scholarships, grants, and student loans to qualified online Geography majors,
- Granted accreditation by recognized academic agencies.
Visit our Methodology page for more details.
Best Online Bachelor’s in Geography
Arizona State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Geography
The Online Bachelor of Science in Geography program offered by Arizona State University examines the geographical patterns of the world and the people who inhabit it.
The program requires 120 credits, comprising Geographic Information Science, physical geography lab, geographic research methodology, and statistics for geography and planning courses.
A Geography major must attend 40 classes for 40 weeks. Graduates can then pursue doctoral studies in Climate Science and Cultural Geography or start their careers as water resource specialists and cartographers.
What Makes this Program Unique:
The ASU Geography undergraduate curriculum also covers management, activism, research, and restoration. They can pursue a variety of employment choices depending on their focus, including the natural scientific, social scientific, or environmental scientific components of geography.
They are also taught Geographic Information Science (GIS) and cultural or physical geography.
Did You Know?
ASU’s School of Geographical Sciences & Urban Planning takes pride in its faculty of instructors comprising nationally and globally recognized innovators and thought innovators in the Geography and GIS scene.
University of Florida
Online Bachelor of Arts in Geography
Students of the online Bachelor of Arts in Geography program from the University of Florida explore significant environmental trends and their social impact. In this degree program, students develop high-demand skills while assessing and helping address the important challenges within the human-environment landscape.
After graduation, Geography majors should look at these career options:
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) officer
- Cartographer
- Community developer
- Geography researcher
- Environmental education specialist
Students learn about Geographic Information Systems, computer-based mapping, spatial analysis, and remote sensing.
What Makes this Program Unique:
The online geography program’s human geography course provides students with a thorough grounding in the subject and prepares them for graduate work in public health, law, business, climatology, or environmental science.
At a fraction of the cost of comparable degree programs, the geography curriculum at the University of Florida offers students the flexibility of online education, access to top local lecturers, and post-graduate prospects.
Did You Know?
The prestigious geography program at UF provides a springboard for growing research and analytical abilities to produce innovative solutions. This cutting-edge online program provides flexible academic options with the same excellent faculty and rigor that distinguish us as a top university and research institution.
According to the institution, 56% of all students begin and complete their studies debt-free, and Florida residents receive discounted tuition rates.
Marshall University
Online Bachelor of Science in Geography
Marshall University students can complete their Geography bachelor’s degree entirely online. A transfer-friendly university, Marshall offers the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Geography program.
The primary areas of study for the Bachelor of Arts are Human Geography and Foreign language. Meanwhile, the Bachelor of Science track features Geographic Information Systems and Physical Geography in its coursework.
For both Bachelor’s in Geography programs, students must complete courses in:
- Meteorology
- Geographic Information Systems
- Global Environmental Challenges
- Human Geography
As a student, you will receive a well-rounded education emphasizing communication skills, physical world knowledge, diversity, and cutting-edge geospatial technology.
What Makes this Program Unique:
Due to the possibility that they may have already completed some general education requirements, its online curriculum is well-liked by community college and transfer students. Marshall’s bachelor’s degree opens the door to fascinating new career opportunities.
They also offer all required courses for completing a geography degree online. This is the most convenient program you can take.
Did You Know?
The most recent technical tools are used to construct courses by the same professors instructing on campus. Since every full-time faculty member in geography has a Ph.D. in the field, you will learn from knowledgeable, highly skilled researchers and instructors.
Oregon State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Geography
The Oregon State University Online Bachelor of Science in Geography program can be completed in 4 years. Geospatial science and geography are the two main focuses of this online degree. Geophysics at Oregon State combines natural science and social science with geospatial science.
Through demanding coursework, you will develop highly transferable skills that will put you in the driver’s seat for significant global initiatives and challenges.
During your online geography and geospatial science degree at Oregon State, you will gain in-demand skills that will prepare you for work in many fields. To obtain a degree in Geography and Geospatial Science, 180 quarter credits are required.
Oregon State’s online Bachelor of Geography curriculum focuses on contemporary topics, including water, climate, and society, as well as hazards, resources, and human-environment interactions from a global perspective.
What Makes this Program Unique:
By obtaining an undergraduate degree in geography, Oregon State students can collaborate on research projects with professors, complete a rigorous thesis experience, and participate in extracurricular activities. Geography and Geospatial Science majors must take nine credits of experiential education.
Did You Know?
One of the best online geospatial and GIScience programs in the country is offered by Oregon State University, which is a member of the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science.
Park University
Online Bachelor of Science in Geography
Park University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Geography. This online degree covers both social and natural sciences. In this online degree, you will learn how to look into and assess the various linkages and interconnections between practically every place and area on Earth.
Knowing state capitals and how to plot places on a map is only a small portion of what geography entails. Geography is a subject of study that looks at the geographical shaping of culture, society, and the environment on Earth.
One hundred twenty credits are required upon completion of this program. Geography’s scientific aspects and its social impacts are highlighted. This will result in interdisciplinary classes for you. There will be a selection of electives and courses for a required minor to augment the basic curriculum.
Additionally, a capstone project is part of the program.
What Makes this Program Unique:
This online degree, taught by the same staff that teaches the on-campus program, qualifies students for the Park University chapter of Gamma Theta Upsilon, an international honor society for geographers who have completed three semesters.
In addition to holding meetings throughout the year, the Society engages in various activities to promote understanding and awareness of Geography.
Did You Know?
With a Geography degree from Park University, students gain more than a solid understanding of geographic and spatial analysis. They become adept at articulating national, cultural, urban, and regional political conflicts.
Courses to Take in an Online Bachelor’s in Geography
Geographic Information Science (GIS)
Geographic Information Science introduces spatial thinking, a multidisciplinary basis for geographical analysis, geospatial technologies, and geographic information science.
Introduction to Human Geography
The course focuses on the systematic examination of how humans inhabit the planet and use its resources. It also tackles the economic, social, political, and perceptual environments.
Statistics for Geography and Planning
Statistics are incredibly important to the work that geographers do. For one, they used it to describe spatial data and summarize it.
Furthermore, they generalize about complex spatial patterns. Geospatial and urban planning data analysis techniques are discussed in this course.
Human-Environment Geography
The connection between individuals and their surroundings, also called the “human environment,” is the bond between a person and the natural and physical world around them. This course studies the relationship between these two aspects.
Possible Jobs for Geography Graduates
Civil Engineers
Research, design, and education are the most common settings in which civil engineers work. A typical specialization would be construction, geotechnical, structural, or transportation engineering.
Technicians in civil engineering provide support to these professionals by ensuring that safe work procedures are followed according to federal, state, and municipal laws.
Surveyors
Construction projects need surveyors to locate structures, roads, and residences accurately. This is the best job if you want to join the construction industry and geography.
A surveying and mapping technician edits photos, creates terrain maps, arranges aerial photos, and enters data into databases, working with surveyors.
Landscape Architects
Among the public spaces designed by landscape architects are parks, playgrounds, gardens, neighborhood streets, and college campuses. They design and structure the entire landscape of the property.
GIS and computer-aided design and drawing tools are among the cutting-edge technology they use.
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Cartographers and photogrammetrists create and maintain accurate, clear maps, charts, and pictures for use in urban and regional planning, environmental studies, and commercial marketing. They collect, measure, and analyze geographic data using satellites, aircraft cameras, remote sensing equipment, and other contemporary technology.
Urban Planners
Urban planners must address many economic, social, and environmental issues from using land and resources for public use. Together with elected officials and local communities, these planners develop short- and long-term community plans for schools, parks, and homeless shelters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can students attend their online Bachelor’s in Geography classes part-time?
Generally, yes. You can take as few or as many courses as you like in most programs. Most online colleges and universities are aware of how balanced their online students’ lives should be.
With work and other obligations, they understand their situations and allow flexible learning formats and schedules.
Since every program differs, you should verify that it offers part-time options before enrolling. However, note that it takes longer to complete your program if you take it part-time.
How practical is an online Geography degree?
Some might concur that a geography degree isn’t particularly beneficial, but the field is far bigger than most people realize! Society will always need experts who can evaluate and analyze the world, particularly as it changes and evolves.
Summary Points
- Geography majors particularly study environmental geography, climate change, and Geographic Information Science.
- Because Geography education is not a precise hard science, Geography online bachelor is typically taught as a Liberal Arts subject at colleges and universities.
- First- and second-year online Geography degree program students are taught General Education courses and foundational Geography topics. Advanced and specialized instruction in the subfields of Geography is taught to third- and fourth-year students.
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