Miami, FL
Florida International University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Geography with a focus on Global Studies offers a comprehensive understanding of the spatial relationships between humans, places, and the environment.
The program is fully online, with start dates in fall, spring, and summer, allowing flexibility for students. It emphasizes critical skills in geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and global spatial analysis to address pressing social and environmental challenges.
Curriculum Highlights
The 120-credit curriculum includes foundational courses like World Regional Geography, advanced studies in Cultural Geography and Geography of Global Change, and hands-on GIS applications.
Below are some of the online courses.
GEA 2000 World Regional Geography
A survey of global regions, focusing on physical, cultural, and political characteristics. Topics include climate, resources, economic development, and population patterns.
IDS 3315 Gaining Global Perspectives
Introduces global perspectives and frameworks to analyze cultural, social, and environmental issues affecting interconnected societies.
ANT 3212 World Ethnographies
Explores the art of ethnography, emphasizing cultural analysis through reading, writing, and critiquing ethnographic studies.
GEO 3001 Geography of Global Change
Examines global development and urbanization from colonial times to today, highlighting social, environmental, and economic transformations.
SYP 3456 Societies in the World
Analyzes global societies through themes like social class, gender, culture, globalization, and environmental change.
GEO 3421 Cultural Geography
Studies the spatial dynamics of cultural practices, including language, religion, economy, and governance.
GEO 3471 Political Geography
Explores the spatial dimensions of power, focusing on nation-states, sovereignty, and challenges from social movements.
GEO 3502 Economic Geography
Investigates global economic patterns, including trade, development, and technology, through a spatial lens.
SYA 3300 Research Methods
Covers research design, data collection, hypothesis testing, and analysis. Departmental approval required.
GIS 3048 Applications of Geographic Information Systems
Introduces spatial analysis techniques using diverse geographic data.
Students also engage with interdisciplinary topics such as political ecology, urban planning, and environmental management through electives and required core courses. A second-semester-level foreign language proficiency is also required.
More information about the curriculum here.
Tuition and Costs
Tuition is $235.57 per credit for in-state students and $648.87 per credit for out-of-state students, with total program costs subject to change based on credit load and fees.
Admissions and Flexibility
Admission requirements include standard FIU application processes with SAT/ACT scores for first-year students and transcript evaluations for transfers.
International applicants must provide English language proficiency scores. The program accommodates diverse learning needs with asynchronous courses and support from dedicated success coaches.
Career Outcomes
Graduates are well-prepared for careers in public health, urban planning, environmental consultancy, disaster response, and more. They may also pursue advanced studies or roles in academia and international policy.
Faculty and Specializations
The program is led by experts in cultural geography, marine and coastal governance, political ecology, and urban studies, providing students with a rich learning experience tailored to global challenges.
Official Site:
https://fiuonline.fiu.edu/programs/online-undergraduate-degrees/bachelor-of-arts-in-geography.php