Major code BS4240

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 Geography-Environmental Prelaw major is designed to prepare students for a career in environmental law and related fields. This interdisciplinary program is unique because in addition to requiring social science courses that prepare students for law school, it also requires a foundation in the physical sciences and courses that link humans and their environment.

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 program 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 earn a degree in Geography – Environmental Prelaw are well-prepared to pursue law school, both in-state and around the nation. For those who choose to pursue a career upon graduation, students are prepared for positions in a wide variety of settings. These include, but are not limited to, environmental and sustainability planning, resource management, natural areas preservation, and outdoor and environmental education, as well as in environmental assessment, monitoring, and restoration. In addition, graduates can seek careers in private and public firms and agencies that employ geographic information systems; education (public and private K-12 schools and higher education); local, state, or federal governments; city and regional planning agencies; and non-profit organizations.

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