Program Overview

The B.S. in Geography at West Chester University prepares students for a variety of career choices in geo-spatial technologies, planning, environmental professions, and land use and development in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Our program places a heavy emphasis on GIS technologies and quantitative analyses as well as communication and problem-solving skills. The Geography major is housed within the College of Business and Public Management, which is focused on academic innovation, globalization, sustainability, and community partnerships. The College encourages students to be empowered, engaged, and entrepreneurial. Our graduates are prepared for careers in the public and private sector, or for the pursuit of graduate study. Get Involved: Geography & Planning Club Gamma Theta Upsilon (international honor society)

 

Tracks

General Geography

This track provides an overall well-rounded mix of geography courses. Students take courses like physical and population geography as well as remote sensing and maps. In the general track, students have the flexibility to take courses from the other tracks as elective courses, providing an overview of the three areas of planning, GIS, and environmental conservation.

Environmental Geography

This track encourages environmental awareness; promotes research and service that fosters regional and global sustainability. Courses include conversation and sustainability, environmental crises, and an introduction to geographic information systems.

Geographic Information Systems

This track focuses on techniques in spatial analysis, cartography, environmental modeling, geodatabases, and internet-based GIS. Students are able to integrate GIS into their course/degree projects work, and thesis, as well as presentations and research.

Elective Social Studies

This track incorporates the courses necessary for certification to teach in Pennsylvania and states with licensure reciprocity. In addition to Geography-focused classes, this track includes student teaching, assessment for learning, and other courses offered by the College of Education and Social Work.
 

Program Highlights

  • Faculty experts

  • Center for GIS and Spatial Analysis

  • Research, presentation, and conference attendance opportunities

  • Study abroad

  • Scholarships

  • Internships for credit

 

What can I do with this degree?

Most of our graduates receive job offers long before they cross the stage at commencement. Here is just a brief selection of current employers:

  • Academy of Natural Sciences (Philadelphia)
  • Aerial Data Reduction Association, Inc.
  • ARRO Engineering
  • Cahill Associates (environmental planning)
  • Cartographic Institute
  • Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
  • Environmental Resources Management, Inc.
  • ESRI
  • Hartford County Planning
  • McLane Environmental, LLC
  • Natural Lands Trust
  • New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
  • Pennsylvania Power and Light, Inc.
  • Planning commissions of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and New Castle counties
  • Soil Conservation Service
  • Temple University
  • U.S. Attorney's Office
  • U.S. Bureau of the Census
  • U.S. Defense Mapping Agency
  • U.S. Forestry Department
  • U.S. State Department
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