Major code BS4242

College of Arts and Sciences
Geography Department
Clippinger Laboratories 122
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.1140
www.ohio.edu/cas/geography

Edna Wangui, Chair
wangui@ohio.edu
Brad Jokisch, contact person
jokisch@ohio.edu

Program Overview

Geographers are interested in the spatial patterns observed on earth. Bridging the natural and social sciences, Geography is the interdisciplinary study of environments and how people interact with the environment. It is important to study geography because many of the world’s problems require understanding the interdependence between human activities and the environment. Geography is therefore a beneficial major for students because its theories and methods provide them with analytical skills relevant to occupations focused on solving social and environmental problems. The Department of Geography offers eight majors that help students tailor their focus of study. 

The Urban Planning and Sustainability major provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to envision and craft urban environments that embrace the three key components of sustainability - environment, economy, and equity. Students completing this comprehensive, forward-looking program will develop sophisticated understandings of cities  and their role in the social, economic, and environmental challenges of the 21st century. The curriculum emphasizes urban, sustainability, and planning theories and processes, in addition to providing a strong foundation in geography and its major analytical techniques. 

Our department is committed to excellence in both teaching and advising. Several of our faculty members have received teaching awards, and we are known across campus for the quality of our advising. As a geography major, you will meet one-on-one with your faculty advisor every semester during advising week, and you are always welcome to talk with your advisor at any time throughout the semester whenever questions may arise. In addition to advising our students about their academic programs, we provide timely information about internships, nationally competitive awards, and other opportunities as they arise. Many of our students complete internships and several of our students over the last few years have received nationally competitive awards.

For more information about our program, please view this  video , visit our  website , or contact our faculty contact person, whose information is listed above. 

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Change of Program Policy

No selective or limited admission requirements.

External Transfer Admission

No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Students who pursue a degree in Geography – Urban Planning and Sustainability are well-suited for a variety of career opportunities, from city planner to corporate sustainability officer. While it is common for urban planners to hold positions within the local, state, and federal governments, additional employment opportunities are available with urban and environmental planning firms; real estate development companies; community-based non-profit organizations; local, state, and national parks; architecture firms; zoning administration; historical preservation agencies; institutions of higher education; etc.  Many urban planning positions require a graduate degree. Consequently, the urban planning and sustainability major also positions its graduates well for graduate level study in Planning, Environment Studies, Public Policy, and Geography  programs.

Browse through dozens of internship opportunities and full-time job postings for Ohio University students and alumni on Handshake , OHIO’s key resource for researching jobs, employers, workshops, and professional development events.

Requirements