Geography (BA/BS)

Program Overview

Whether you’re passionate about protecting natural resources, developing the new wave of sustainable environmental technologies, or like to travel and spend time outdoors, a Bachelor of Arts/Science in Geography will provide a well-rounded education so that you are primed for wherever your career takes you. 

Why Choose This Program?

  • Explore a broad scope of science that seeks to answer questions concerning our place and role within the world
  • Study integral links between the land’s natural features and how we interact with them
  • Be prepared for a wide range of career paths, even beyond STEM industries

Concentrations

Professional Geography

The Professional Geography concentration gives students room to shape their studies around interests like environmental science, planning, public policy, natural resources, culture, history, business, or global issues. With flexible upper-level coursework in Geography, Earth Science, and approved related fields, students can build a path that supports careers in Geographic Information Science, community development, resource management, public service, education, and more.

Sustainability

The Sustainability concentration focuses on the relationship between people, natural systems, and the long-term health of communities and environments. Through coursework in sustainable ecosystems, environmental systems, water resources, energy, food and agriculture, waste, and environmental justice, students build knowledge for careers connected to conservation, sustainability planning, environmental policy, natural resources, and community resilience.

Curriculum & Coursework

UNA’s geography curriculum blends classroom learning with hands-on exploration to help you better understand people, places, and the environments that connect them. Through coursework in areas like geospatial technology, environmental systems, human geography, mapping, and field research, you’ll learn how to interpret patterns, understand spatial relationships, and apply geographic knowledge to real-world issues across communities, industries, and environments.

Sample Courses:

  • ES 146 Sustainable Earth
  • GE 325 Cartography and Visualization
  • GE 224 Field Methods and Technology in Geography

Career Paths & Outcomes

A geography degree from UNA can lead to careers in everything from environmental science and urban planning to business, technology, public service, and travel. By combining analytical thinking, spatial awareness, and real-world problem solving, geography graduates are prepared to work across a wide range of industries—helping communities, organizations, and environments better understand and navigate the world around them.

Common Career Paths:

  • Urban Planner
  • Natural Resource Manager
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Military Analyst
  • Park Ranger
  • Geospatial Analyst
  • Surveyor

Student Experience

There are many ways to get involved on campus as a geography major. You’ll experience hands-on learning in small classes with dedicated faculty, plus find opportunities to connect with others who have shared interests, like the Geography Club. 

Opportunities include:

Meet the Faculty

Dr. Emmanuel Ackom
Assistant Professor and Sustainability Program Coordinator
eackom@una.edu

Dr. Matthew Balentine
Assistant Professor, Experiential Learning Coordinator, and Geography Club Advisor
mdbalentine@una.edu

Dr. Mario A. Mighty, GISP
Associate Professor, Department Chair, and Director of the Freddie Wood Geographic Research Center
mmighty@una.edu

Dr. Michael Pretes
Professor
mjpretes@una.edu

Dr. Sunhui (Sunny) Sim, GISP
Professor and Undergraduate Coordinator
ssim@una.edu

[UNA PLEASE CONFIRM FACULTY]

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