Geography
Explore the Major
At BYU, our Geography major has six different emphases you can choose from. Each one is designed to help you see the world in new ways and get ready for a career or graduate school. Everyone starts with some core classes that teach the basics of geography, like how places connect, how people interact with the environment, and how to think spatially.
Geography here focuses on how our world fits together — the land, the people, and what’s happening around us. We want you to get curious about the world, feel inspired to help your community (both nearby and far away), and build skills to solve problems that involve space and place.
Whether you want to jump into a career, continue your studies, or just love exploring how the world works, Geography has something for you. You’ll learn a mix of tech skills like GIS (mapping software), remote sensing, stats, collecting and understanding data, plus how to communicate your ideas clearly — through writing, talking, and making cool maps and charts.
Want to hear from actual students and alumni? Check out our spotlight stories to see how Geography has made a difference in their lives!
Geography Major Emphases
Emphasis: Global Studies
Curious about how global forces shape our world?
Explore issues such as migration, conflict, and development from a geographical perspective.
Careers: Foreign service, humanitarian aid, international policy.
Focus: Cultural geography, geopolitics, global systems.
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Emphasis: Environment & Society
Want to tackle climate change and sustainability challenges?
Learn how humans impact—and adapt to—the environment.
Careers: Environmental consulting, conservation, and sustainability planning.
Focus: Climate, land use, environmental impact.
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Emphasis: Tourism Development
Passionate about travel and culture?
Study tourism’s global patterns and how to plan responsible travel experiences.
Careers: Tourism planning, destination marketing, cultural resource management.
Focus: Travel trends, cultural geography, sustainable tourism.
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Emphasis: Urban & Regional Planning
Interested in shaping cities and communities?
Use spatial data and policy to plan land use, transportation, and housing.
Careers: Urban planner, zoning analyst, transportation consultant.
Focus: GIS, infrastructure, public policy
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Emphasis: Geospatial Science & Technology
Love maps, data, and technology?
Master GIS, remote sensing, and cartography to solve real-world problems.
Careers: GIS analyst, cartographer, data scientist, environmental monitoring.
Focus: Spatial analysis, data visualization, remote sensing.
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Emphasis: Geospatial Intelligence
Want to support national security and crisis response?
Use geospatial tools and cultural insight to inform national security, defense, and crisis response.
Careers: Intelligence analyst, defense contractor, emergency management.
Focus: Cultural geography, imagery analysis, situational awareness.
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Geography Department Contacts
- Academic and Professional Development Manager: Sam Prestwich
- Department Head: Daniel Olsen
- Internship Coordinator: Alison Sondrup
- Geography Department: Geography Department
Competencies and Careers
Competencies Developed in the Program
When you major in Geography, you’ll become great at:
- Communicating your ideas clearly
- Finding and using information effectively
- Understanding and working with different cultures
Want to know more about these professional competencies? Career Readiness.
Jobs You Can Get
Geography grads work in lots of fields. Some of those include: geographer, City or Regional Planner, Cartographer, GIS Analyst, Remote Sensing Analyst, Intelligence, Law, Tourism and Travel, Education/Academia, Sustainability Coordinator, Data Analyst, Conservation Specialist, and Policy Analyst.
Not sure where to start? Explore career fields that match your interests.
Meet with your advisor
Not sure if Geography is right for you? Want to talk about your career options? Or already know what you want but need help making a plan? Come chat with your Academic and Professional Development Manager, Sam Prestwich. You can set up an appointment with the Liberal Arts Advisement Center.
How to Add the Major
Ready to switch or add Geography as your major? It’s super easy—just submit a major change request on your Progress Report and you’re good to go!
FAQs
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Toggle ItemI have more questions about this major. Who can I talk to?
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Toggle ItemWhat if I want to double major in Geography and another program?You can petition to double major. Learn about the process here.