Geography (BSc)

Home / Programs / Geography (BSc)

Geographers study the natural environment as a product of the interaction of the atmosphere, the hydrosphere (water in all its forms), the biosphere (all living things), the lithosphere (the solid earth) and human activity. The Geography program at Carleton is offered as a BA or a BSc program. In the BSc (Honours) program, students choose one of two areas of concentration: Physical Geography or Geomatics.

Physical Geography is the science of the natural environment at all scales, from the smallest grain of sand to the entire planet. In this concentration, you can choose from a range of courses that cover important scientific and societal issues such as climate change, water resources and land degradation. Both fieldwork and laboratory techniques are emphasized.

In the Geomatics concentration, you will apply advanced computer techniques to the challenge of understanding natural systems, addressing environmental problems and planning human interventions. You will complement these offerings with appropriate physical geography and other science courses.

Physical Geography and Geography are offered as Combined Honours programs with Biology or Earth Sciences. A minor in Geography is also offered.

A highlight of my time at Carleton was my experience working as a research assistant to two of my professors in Gatineau Park. Getting my hands dirty in the field was an awesome way to apply skills and knowledge I gained in class to practical applications of the study of Geography. In addition, the lab component of many classes provided my classmates and me with a hands-on learning approach to better understand topics discussed in lecture. I am confident that the skills and knowledge I have gained at Carleton have provided me with experience that can be transferred to a variety of fields upon graduation.

Samantha Mahon, fourth-year BSc in Geography student