ID
Students during an immersion experience in Yosemite

Geography - Environmental Geography

Experience state-of-the-art technology, field experience, research, and internships. 

Available as
Major
Description

Study the World and See It Too

Study the bond between humankind and nature with an environmental geography bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Here you’ll find yourself surrounded by highly motivated and enthusiastic people just like you: curious about the earth and how humans connect to it.

Environmental geography is meant to be experienced — and UW-Eau Claire’s Geography and Anthropology Department helps you do just that. We offer students direct access to state-of-the-art technology typically not available to undergraduate students. You’ll also learn from engaged faculty, who know you by name and are excited to mentor you.

Through field experience, internships and collaborative research, your skillset and resume will grow quickly. And faculty-led immersion experiences, our National Student Exchange program and study abroad opportunities offer life-changing, experiential learning. Previous students have traveled to places like the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Ecuador, Hawaii, and Turkey — exploring new environments, cultures and ways of living.

No matter your passion, UW-Eau Claire will provide you with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to choose your direction and make an immediate, positive impact in today's world.

Degree Types

Program Details

Degree Types
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Degree Level undergraduate
Available asMajor
Program Length 4 years
Campus
Eau Claire
In-person or online
On Campus
Requires a minor No
Authored on
Hallmarks
geography student in remote internship
Unique and Insightful Internships

The extensive education you receive at UWEC makes you a great candidate for exciting and career-building internships — some of which lead to full-time jobs. Environmental geography students have worked across the globe, with both nonprofits and large corporations, developing maps and using the latest equipment to explore interesting landmarks.

Geography students in Yosemite
Rare Undergraduate Experiences

At UW-Eau Claire, you have the chance to work with the same technology professionals use out in the field today. You will learn how to operate equipment like unmanned aerial systems (UAS), global positioning system (GPS), and ground-penetrating radar (GPR). It’s experiences like these that set you apart from other candidates when applying for jobs.  

Geography research award winner Matt Dewitte
Unparalleled Research Opportunities

Our Geography and Anthropology Department offers you the chance to contribute to the field of geography in meaningful and lasting ways. Alongside faculty, you’ll have opportunities to participate in groundbreaking research, bringing your findings back to labs equipped with top-notch tools and industry-standard software. Many students go on to present their discoveries at both regional and national competitions.

Facts List

Just
the
facts

Silver Rating in Sustainability
The STARS global sustainability standard is measured by assessing sustainability practices in academics, engagement, operations, innovation, and leadership.
Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS)
Named the Top Baccalaureate-Level Program in the Nation
We were proud to be awarded the 2024 AAG Award for Bachelor Program Excellence, recognizing our geography programs as some of the best in the country.
American Association of Geographers
3500 ft2 of Greenhouse Space
UWEC features an abundance of greenhouse space — right on campus — for you to explore.
4 Majors, 1 Minor, 7 Certificates
Interested in people and places? We have a program for you.
Our Natural Backyard
Whether you are biking, kayaking, or taking sunset photos on the bridge, our campus is in the heart of natural beauty.
Outcomes Image
students at a table for the Geography and Anthropology Club
What can I do

Where can the geography - environmental geography program lead me after graduation?

UW-Eau Claire environmental geography alumni have gone on to work for organizations like the DNR, Conservation Minnesota and American Conservation Experience, holding a variety of positions, including trail managers and runoff specialists. By applying the knowledge, skills and experiences gained through their well-rounded liberal arts education, they are able to find a career that both interests and inspires them.

Example Careers

  • GIS specialist
  • Hydrologist
  • Environmental hazards specialist
  • Environmental impact assessment specialist
  • Environmental health analyst
  • Natural resources manager
  • Conservation planner
  • Outdoor recreation planner

Recent Graduates

Environmental Enforcement Specialist
Wisconsin DNR
Wisconsin

Environmental Health Coordinator
Chippewa County
Wisconsin

Biological Science Technician
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Minnesota

Environmental Health Safety Specialist
Pace Analytical
Minnesota

Water Resources Graduate Scientist
SCH Civil Engineering
Minnesota

Cartographer
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Washington

Senior Environmental Analyst
Cadmus Group
Massachusetts

GIS Specialist
Bureau of Land Management
Arizona

Courses information
SampleCourses

Our geography - environmental geography major gives you the ability to understand connections between humankind and nature. Through coursework, field seminars and field trips, you'll explore a variety of topics including history, social issues, culture, race, gender, tourism, and technologies. 

Here are a few courses in Geography - Environmental Geography at UW-Eau Claire.

GEOG 361

Environmental Hazards

The course focuses on environmental hazards and disasters (including geomorphic, atmospheric, and human): how the normal processes of the earth concentrate their energies and deal destructive blows to humans and their structures.

GEOG 365

Tourism Geographies

This course examines the tourism industry through a spatial and temporal analysis of its various sectors at local, regional, national, and global scales. Topics include social, economic, and environmental sustainability, the development and promotion of natural and cultural destinations in urban and rural locations, tourist supply and demand, niche tourism activities, and modes of transportation used in the tourism industry.

GEOG 375

Environmental Quality

Society's impact on the quality of the environment. The role of cultural attitudes, population, economic systems, technology, and political institutions in creating environmental problems.

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