Geography (BA)

Dive into the dynamic world of geography and discover how human and physical features on Earth interact and evolve. Explore the fascinating patterns of migration, travel behavior, health, food systems, and sustainability. Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge methods and technologies like global positioning systems, spatial analysis, unmanned aerial vehicles, geographic information systems (GIS), and remote sensing. Whether you're tracking the latest trends or mapping out new solutions, this program equips you with the tools and knowledge to understand and shape the world around you. Geography is also available as a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree.

Students at park with professor

Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on:

  • Career-Ready Curriculum: Tackle real-world issues in urban geography, migration, health, food systems, and environmental impacts. Sharpen your critical thinking skills on complex topics. 
  • Flexible Program: Build a broad geography foundation in your first two years, then specialize and advance your research skills in your final years. 
  • Learn Practical Technologies: Master technologies like GPS, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), GIS, and remote sensing. These skills are highly valued by both private- and public-sector employers. 

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more!):

  • Co-op: You can apply for co-op at the end of first year, and complete work terms over the course of your degree.
  • Research Opportunities: Senior students can participate in research in a variety of subdisciplines in Geography. Research opportunities might include working with migration data, analyzing social survey data, or working in parks to examine and understand human impacts on conservation areas.
  • Capstone Project: Participate in the Undergraduate Capstone Urban Sustainability Project (CUPS) for the chance to work with students and collaborate with key community partners.

Courses, Options and Pathways

First-Year Core Courses

  • Introduction to Human Geography
  • Introduction to Physical Geography
  • 4.0 elective credits

Sample First-Year Electives

  • Invitation to Archeology
  • Our Pace in the Cosmos
  • Pirates! A World History

Sample Upper-Year Courses

  • Atmosphere and Hydrosphere
  • Environmental Concepts and Approaches
  • Geographies of Consumption and the Global Economy
  • Powering Earth

Options and Minors

These are a few of the many popular academic opportunities which allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge:

  • Climate Change Management Option
  • Community Engagement Option
  • Geomatics Option
  • Sustainability Option

Check out other options to enhance your degree.

Management Option

The Management Option is for students interested in adding management-specific education to their degree. This is a direct-entry, 4.0-credit option that includes courses covering all the core pillars of business and economics. Apply directly to Geography with Management Option on OUAC.

Medical School Pathways

We prepare you for a clinical career in Canada. Laurier students apply to med school with a competitive edge and gain preferential status with internationally accredited medical schools, including the American University of the Caribbean and St. George’s University

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term)
  • OUAC code: UGB; UGO (Geography BA with Management Option)

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • cartographer
  • census geographer/demographer
  • economic development planner
  • GIS specialist
  • land use planner/surveyor
  • public policy analyst
  • surveyor/mapping specialist
  • teacher/educator
  • urban planner

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Your Co-op Experience

Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate with work experience.

You can apply for admission to co-op in your first year and may be eligible for an admission interview early in your second year. As a student in this program, you will be eligible to complete paid work terms lasting 12 to 16 weeks.

Interested? Learn more about co-op.

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98%employment rate for co‑op students – 2023 / 2024

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Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Global 2000 World University Ranking

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2023

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2023

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

Chat with Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be in this program? U Community is our Discord server where future Golden Hawks like you can connect with current students to get their first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?