Bachelor of Arts: Geography
Are you fascinated by maps? Do you like to travel? Do differences between one place and another intrigue you? Are you concerned about the impact of people on the physical environment?
The Geography and Environmental Studies program at Concordia University Chicago is a package of courses that may be an option for you. The program is for the student whose academic or professional plans require a broad base of science courses.
If you’re interested in pre-professional studies, particularly in the health sciences, you may decide to choose this undergraduate major, as most medical, dental and veterinary schools do not require specific majors in biology and chemistry.
Program Overview
Geography and environmental studies have been a significant part of the academic programs at Concordia-Chicago for more than half a century. Our numerous resources include an invaluable collection of maps, atlases, rock and mineral specimens, aerial photographs, slides, videos, models, globes, field equipment, and digital spatial and database layers.
If you plan to pursue early childhood or elementary education, you can specialize in this program. Students in the secondary education program may choose geography and environmental studies as a designation or a minor.
General Course Information
To complete program requirements, students will take earth science, meteorology, geography and geology courses. Along with departmental offerings, Concordia science students participate in consortium-type seminars and botany courses through the Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area (ACCA), a partnership of 15 liberal arts universities and government laboratories, along with learning at such institutions as the Shedd Aquarium and the Morton Arboretum.
Opportunities
There are many career options with a bachelor of arts in Geography and Environmental Studies. They include urban planner, travel agent, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialist, hydrologist, weather forecaster or cartographer. In addition, geographers are employed at all levels of government.
Because of CUC’s close proximity to Chicago, a whole new world of opportunities is open to you. During typical learning excursions, a geography class participates in tours of Chicago neighborhoods, visiting ethnic museums and social service agencies. Another class took a tour of Chicago City Hall’s rooftop garden to understand its environmental impact. You will also have access to world-renowned museums such as The Field Museum of Natural History, the Chicago Botanical Garden, Adler Planetarium, and more.
In addition, CUC’s weather station (dedicated to Dr. Herbert Gross, a nationally-known geographer and former CUC faculty member) is maintained by the department. You will have access to the equipment to enhance your knowledge with a hands-on approach.