Field Experience, Research and Knowledge
In the wide-open landscape of rural Colorado, a group of students gather data about food deserts. The topic is part of their class focus on food and place. They are studying not only how humans impact the landscape, but also how the landscape shapes people’s lives. These students can tell you that geography is far more than examining maps and locations.
As a geography major at UNC, you’ll use scientific exploration to study issues like climate change, urbanization, industrial development, population growth and sustainability, migration, landscape transformation and political cooperation. You’ll have access to a state-of-the-art GIS lab and work side-by-side with expert Geography faculty who support and engage you through research and internship opportunities. And when you graduate, you’ll have skills based on field experience, research and knowledge gained from an immersion in the real-world nature of geography.
Get a career guide
Geographic Information Science (GIS), combines cartography, data management and spatial analysis to create maps that communicate complex information. Download our GIS career guide
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Jieun Lee
Assistant Professor
Dr. Jieun Lee specializes in spatial analysis to understand the intersection of urban environments, travel behavior, and community health using GIS (Geographic Information Systems). Her search focuses on disparities in accessibility and health through the lens of social equity for marginalized populations due to their income, race and ethnicity, and gender. Since in 2017 she joined UNC’s faculty, Dr. Lee has been involved and working with several UNC students in various research grant projects that explore such intersectionality in Colorado as well as other American communities such as Detroit and New York City. Specifically, her recent studies explore interconnectedness between housing affordability and public health crises such as mental health and Covid-19 in Colorado. Her work has been published in numerous scholarly journals and books, including in the Handbook for Teaching and Learning in Geography and the Handbook of Global Urban Health.
Dr. Lee was also featured in several news media including local newspapers, the London School of Economics Urban Centre’s Politics and Policy blog, and podcast.
Since she joined UNC’s faculty in 2017, Dr. Lee has been teaching a variety of courses including Introductory and advanced GIS including Urban GIS, Crime Mapping, Cartography as well as World regional geography.
Degree Options
B.A. in Geography
Choose from among these three areas of emphasis, and customize your coursework to pursue your specific career and research interests.
Geographic Information Science (GIS)
One of the world’s fastest growing fields, Geographic Information Science (GIS) combines cartography, spatial analysis and data management to create useful maps and gather complex information. Then, address some of the world’s most demanding challenges, from analyzing a region’s crime patterns to monitoring environmental contamination. Apply geospatial technology principles to create interactive web-based maps using software such as ArcGIS, ENVI, CorelDraw and Adobe Illustrator and train on a large-format plotter and Trimble GPS units. Internships and independent research projects in your interest area will deepen your experience and skills.
Global and Area Studies
For a career in urban planning, environmental geography or biogeography, choose a geography degree with a Global and Area Studies emphasis. You’ll study in small, upper-division classes using the latest computer mapping and analysis equipment and will have opportunities for practical experience through internships and field study in both western Colorado and overseas locations.
Secondary Teaching
UNC helped create Colorado’s new social studies educational standards. With a Secondary Teaching emphasis to a UNC Geography bachelor’s degree, you’ll graduate ready to receive a teaching license in social studies and prepared to teach in a Colorado high school or middle school setting. And you’ll graduate in good company—UNC has a reputation for educating innovative, engaging teachers. In fact, UNC graduate and high school social studies teacher Jose Martinez III was recently named one of three finalists for the 2016 Colorado Teacher of the Year.
Minor Options
Minor in Geography
A Geography minor adds an extra dimension to your college degree and can be an asset to a career in community development, resource management, travel and tourism planning or other similar positions. You’ll complete 18 credit hours to earn a Geography minor.
Minor in Geographic Information Science (GIS)
Many students majoring in other fields add a minor in GIS to enhance their professional qualifications. For example, if you’re interested in working in intelligence for the U.S. state department, adding a GIS minor to a Political Science or Criminology major could equip you with special skills that would be an asset in your future position.
Related Programs
Finding Answers to Complex Challenges
Using the latest GIS computer equipment and software, Geography students explore the impact of climate change in the Rocky Mountain region, track the advancement of invasive species and evaluate pollution in local rivers.
“The GIS professors provide you with one-on-one attention. Classes are challenging, yet the faculty are approachable and helpful. The skills I’m learning are applicable to multiple fields of employment.”
- Jenna Williams, GIS Alumna, Class of 2015
Your Future in Geography
Whether you want to work in GIS, or your career goal is to teach social studies in a middle school or high school, geography is a growing field that offers a wide range of career and research opportunities.
Consider UNC's B.A. in Geography if you:
- Enjoy working with computers
- Have a strong interest in finding practical solutions to society’s most pressing challenges
- Possess a deep curiosity about the world’s rich geographic diversity
You’ll learn:
- Skills and knowledge with sophisticated and specialized software
- Experience using tools like the large format plotter and specialized software
- Field experience with geospatial technology
- Skills that are vital to your specific geographic career or research interest
Sample courses:
- Cartography
- Web Mapping
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Environmental Geography: Earth and Risk
- Human Geography
- Landforms, Water and Hazards
Beyond the Classroom
Study abroad in Ghana, Finland, Fiji, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates and the Czech Republic. Complete internships in city planning agencies and police departments and join research projects that will add depth to your skills. Learn about study abroad.
Picture Yourself Here
Each summer, our Geography students and faculty partner with the Bureau of Land Management to conduct research along the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers, providing valuable information about invasive species.
To learn more about this summer field opportunity and hear about the river program, watch the video on the right.
Where can your degree take you?
You have diverse opportunities for a challenging and fulfilling career when you hold a bachelor’s degree in Geography from UNC. Here are a few of the many positions held by our graduates:
- GIS and cartographic specialist
- Urban and regional planner
- Area studies specialist
- Resource manager
- Market researcher
- Environmental consultant
- Community or international development specialist
- Secondary education teacher
- State department analyst
Current Research in Geography and GIS
Our professors share two equal passions: excellence in research and teaching. One of the true strengths of the Geography program is our professors’ ability to integrate groundbreaking research into the student experience and deliver a level of learning that is rare in higher education. Two of our department’s current research undertakings include:
Ready for what's next? Here's what you need to know.
If there's anything else we can do, be sure to connect with us. We're only a shout away.
Still not completely sold? We understand. Here's more information on cost and aid and how to apply.
