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Geography studies the interaction between human and physical environments. If you are interested in connections between people and places and entering one of the fastest growing areas of applied technologies, Geography may be the major for you.
Over the last several decades, the global economy has transformed communities across America. Geopolitics has affected gasoline prices and the food we buy. Satellite and other spatial information became tools for local police and firefighters to keep us safe, for farmers to increase production, and for intelligence agencies to reduce terrorism. The climate changed and produced extreme weather events around the world and in our own neighborhoods. Geographers study these types of events.
Geography covers a broad base from the design and art of mapping to the analysis of spatial data. Computers and new software have expanded the role of geospatial information from traditional fields like planning and exploration to fields like politics, agriculture, law enforcement, and economic development. The nation's defense depends on geospatial information and the military invests heavily in developing new geospatial tools and the analysis of geospatial data.
Students graduating with the B.S. in geography will be able to:
Geographers answer everyday questions, such as what is the best route around a highway detour to questions of survival. For example, How will we feed the world's growing population given changes in earth’s climate? Where are pockets of disease in the world and where have they spread? How does satellite data help us be safe? How does where people live affect their access to healthy food, adequate housing, and sufficient healthcare?
View the geography program profile for sample occupations, average salary, and employment projections.
An internship is required for all geography majors without sufficient professional experience in the field. The internship is waived if you are already working full-time in your career field and on a case-by-case basis.
The internship provides you three basic benefits:
The student works with their geography faculty advisor to identify an internship opportunity. The internship scope of work, projects, and/or tasks performed must be clear and approved by the internship coordinator.
 A passion for counties, maps, highways and exploring has lead Wright State University senior Denis Barry Jr. to a career in geography. |
 Jared Shank, who has degrees in geography and earth and environmental science from Wright State, searches underground for the past as a member of a metal detecting club. |
You should meet with a faculty advisor before enrolling and each semester thereafter. The faculty advisor can help you plan your courses and recommend how you can use your electives to enhance your degree by earning a minor, certificate, or honors.
View Bachelor of Science in Geography program information and degree requirements in the Academic Catalog.
Complete the admission application and list geography as your intended major.
If you are a current student and wish to change majors, go to the Wings Express Major/Minor change request form and change your major. If you are an undecided/exploratory student, talk to your advisor about switching your major to geography.
You will have two advisors available to help you throughout your academic experience:
Once you have been accepted into the undergraduate program as a geography major or minor, you will receive a welcome letter informing you of your advisor and the contact information.
Whether you are a transfer student from another college or university, changing majors at Wright State, or adding a minor, you should meet your geography advisor as soon as possible to learn your degree requirements and to acquaint yourself with the educational opportunities available to geography students.
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