Geography
valpo.edu/geography
GEOGRAPHY EXAMINES THE WORLD (AND MAKES IT BETTER)
Geographers study the earth — its diverse people and environments — to understand how humans perceive and transform places and landscapes. This includes analyzing natural and social phenomena through field observations, modeling skills, and computer mapping tools. They can then use this knowledge to find solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges. The geography major at Valparaiso University takes a tactical approach to the subject, encouraging you to explore the geographical sciences in a way that promotes deep and analytical thinking. When you enroll as a geography major, you’ll take courses covering cultural analysis, economic geography, physical environment, environmental geography, and tools for spatial analysis. You’ll also have access to a complete set of laboratory-based physical science classes, as well as technology-rich geospatial analysis and computer mapping classes.
THE VALPO ADVANTAGE IN GEOGRAPHY
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
A Valpo geography degree opens the door to your career in sustainability, urban planning, geospatial science and analysis, and many more. All of Valpo’s geography majors combine dynamic classroom instruction with field and professional experience to introduce students to a wide variety of careers. With a geography major from Valpo, students can graduate with a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree.
Valpo’s geography faculty lead field courses in amazing places like the Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Yellowstone National Park. Students also participate in internships with the National Park Service, archaeological excavations, city and county planning offices, and not-for-profit conservation organizations.
Valpo has one of the oldest and most respected geography departments in the United States. The department is entirely undergraduate, which gives you access to every research opportunity and even teaching/lab assistant roles (at bigger schools, those spots are reserved for graduate students).
Many aspects of geography are best learned and practiced in the field. You can expect to join your fellow students in hands-on field experiences such as wading in rivers, digging in the dirt, flying drones to identify invasive species, and mapping city streets and sidewalks.