Planning, Geography, and Environmental Studies
Planning, Geography, and Environmental Studies
Credential:
Bachelor's degree
Duration:
4 years
Options:
Major, major concentrations, minor, extended minor, honours
Start date:
January, May, September
Location:
Abbotsford campus
Cost:
(Details)
FEATURES:
Gain a deeper understanding of our earth by earning a Bachelor of Arts with a major, minor, extended minor, or honours in Geography.
Geography is the study of the earth’s physical features, climate, and various phenomena. As a Bachelor of Arts student in Geography, you get to explore the links between the natural environment and various other disciplines such as politics, history, culture, economics, and science.
In your first and second year, you are introduced to various aspects of the earth such as its: climate, evolution, landscapes, or rock formation. You also learn how people interact with their environment and what impact humans are having on the planet.
In your third and fourth year, you choose from a variety of upper-level electives from the geography of food, climate change, soil, and swamps to religion, tourism, and urban planning.
When taking a Geography major in the Bachelor of Arts, you can also choose to specialize in Urban Studies and Planning.
If you have an interest in how the earth’s physical features and phenomena occur and want to learn how the environment is shaped by people, politics, economics, and culture, consider a minor or extended minor in geography.
An extended minor may be right for you if you are looking to blend geographic education with other academic interests or are considering applying to a teacher education program.
Consider pairing a Geography minor with a major in Global Development Studies, Economics, or Peace and Conflict Studies.
The Geography Honours program is designed for students who have performed at a high level throughout their studies and plan on applying to graduate school or are looking for additional research experiences for employment.
The Honours program requires that you develop a working relationship with a professor who will supervise your thesis and oversee your Honours project. They also assist you with any questions that you may have in completing your project.
Join the School of Land Use and Environmental Change Student Association (SLUECSA) and make new connections. SLUECSA provides a social hub for geography students and organizes many events such as hiking and ski trips, skating parties, and pub nights.
Make your voice heard on campus and join the Sustainable UFV team. If you are passionate about the environment, Sustainable UFV welcomes you to share your ideas on what UFV's priorities should be and what strategies could be used to green the UFV campus.
Gain a competitive edge after graduation and apply your classroom learning through co-op job placements. Co-op jobs help you develop the skills to build a résumé, expand your professional network, and earn money. You can work in a four-, eight-, or twelve-month work term, full-time or part-time, and can declare co-op as an option on your transcript. Attend a co-op info session, drop in at the Career Centre, or discuss your plans with an Arts advisor to take the first steps towards securing paid work experience in your field.
Globalization and climate change require that government agencies develop a greater understanding of the places, people, and natural systems that affect the planet. This is why a Bachelor of Arts with a Geography major is excellent preparation for public sector employment, particularly with local and provincial departments responsible for policy innovation and implementation.
Many UFV Geography grads have used their training to work in urban planning, land management, environmental consulting, policy research, and community development, both with governmental and non-governmental organizations.
You can also leverage the strong research, critical thinking, and writing skills you've acquired as part of your Geography degree in other areas of employment such as education, tourism, publishing, market research, transportation, logistics, and more.
The entrance requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree will apply to the Geography program.
View entrance requirements in the UFV Academic Calendar.
This program is open to international students
Students who do not meet the entrance requirements can upgrade in order to meet prerequisites for university classes.
Make an appointment with an Upgrading and University Preparation advisor to discuss your upgrading needs.
Phone: 604-854-4568
Toll free: 1-888-507-7441, ext. 4568
Email: pg.es@ufv.ca
Enrolling in a geography elective led me to discover an unexpected yet harmonious path in pursuing my BA in Geography with a concentration in Urban Planning. This academic journey immersed me in diverse subjects—land use management, natural sciences, geomorphology, policy and planning, allowing me to blend my appreciation for beauty and the built environment with a deep exploration of the role of place in society. An unforgettable aspect of my degree was having the opportunity to partake in research on Food Security as it relates to refugees in Kenya, examining its connections to COVID-19 and gender dynamics. This experience enhanced my research and analytical skills during a three-month stay in Nairobi. My advice for students would be to take classes that truly ignite your curiosity, and not to neglect the various opportunities to get involved while on campus, as they often lead to the most enriching experiences.