Are you interested in both the physical and social sciences? Do you want to solve the world’s most pressing issues: from climate change and biodiversity loss to immigration and global inequality? Geography is about far more than knowing your way around a map. Geography is the examination of the complex and connected spatial, social, and environmental patterns that shape the lives and landscapes of our world. Through our courses, you’ll gain in-demand skills: critical analysis, communication, a global perspective, spatial thinking, and an understanding of human-environment dynamics. Come check out Geography and find your place in the world.
The Department of Geography at the University of Nevada, Reno offers Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees as well as minors in Geography, Geotechnologies, and Climate Change. We also offer an undergraduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Sciences.
Geography undergraduate degrees, minors and certificate
B.S. in Geography
The Department of Geography has faculty researching and teaching at the cutting edge of important societal issues, such as climate change, water resources, land use, sustainable development, migration, spatial data science, environmental justice and more. As an interdisciplinary field, students can choose to tailor their program to areas of Geography that most appeal to their interests. The Bachelor of Science degree provides a stronger grounding in mathematics and spatial data science. Students can choose courses that allow them to focus on specific areas of geography.
B.A. in Geography
The Bachelor of Arts in Geography degree provides a traditional liberal arts experience through a balanced course of study in the arts, humanities, foreign language, social and natural sciences, while the Bachelor of Science degree places greater emphasis on mathematics and spatial data science. Students can choose courses that allow them to focus on specific areas of geography.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Sciences Certificate
Training in the geotechnologies are in high demand for many careers. Our GIS Certificate program will combine proficiency in the use of geographic information systems with conceptual knowledge of geographic problem-solving and spatial thinking to address complex problems facing society. Students will gain experience with map-making, visual design and data display, research methods, oral and written communications, basic programming skills, and spatial analysis. Students obtaining the GIS Certificate will learn the tools, methods, and software necessary to manage and analyze spatial data and information and conduct appropriate analysis.
Minor in Climate Change
Are you interested in understanding how the climate system works? Or how to solve the problem of climate change? Studying this minor will help you develop expertise in climatology, climate data, and the societal institutions that are relevant to understanding how we will be impacted by and respond to climate variability and change.
Minor in Geography
All the big issues the world is facing today are fundamentally tied to space and place—they are geographic issues. To grapple with these issues requires a population that can assess and use geographic information to make wise decisions—in short, a geoliterate population. A minor in Geography makes the perfect complement to any degree program.
Minor in Geotechnologies
Training in the geotechnologies are in high demand for many careers. The Geotechnologies minor emphasizes proficiency in geospatial methods. Students obtaining the Geotechnologies minor will learn the tools, methods, and software necessary to manage and analyze spatial data and information to be applied within their own disciplines. Students minoring in Geotechnologies are also encouraged to look into the GIS Certificate, because with only one additional course, they can obtain both the certificate and the minor.
