Norfolk, VA
https://online.odu.edu/academics/programs/geography-degree
Old Dominion University (ODU) offers a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Geography through its ODUGlobal platform, providing a comprehensive understanding of the spatial relationships between people, places, and environments.
The program emphasizes the development of skills in spatial analysis, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and environmental management, preparing students for diverse careers in public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Accreditations and Acceptance
ODU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ensuring a recognized and respected degree. Acceptance into the program is contingent on meeting ODU’s general admission requirements and transfer credit evaluations for degree-completion students.
Curriculum Highlights
The program emphasizes the study of human-environment interactions and includes specialized courses such as Marine and Coastal Geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Spatial Analysis. Students may choose between the BS or BA degree paths, each tailored to unique career and academic goals.
ODU also houses advanced resources like the Center for Geospatial & Visualization Computing, providing a cutting-edge learning environment.
Examples of Courses
GEOG 100S: Human Geography
Explores the diversity of human societies and their cultural impact on the landscape. Topics include population, migration, language, religion, urbanization, and political geography.
GEOG 101S: Environmental Geography
Examines Earth’s physical landscapes and their interaction with human populations. Topics cover climate change, natural hazards, biogeography, and resource management.
GEOG 102T: Digital Earth
Introduces geospatial technologies like GIS and satellite systems, focusing on their societal and environmental applications through hands-on activities.
GEOG 126S: Honors: Cultural Geography
An advanced, honors-level version of GEOG 100S, available only to Honors College students.
GEOG 250: World Regional Geography
Analyzes the physical and cultural features of global regions, focusing on significant regional issues.
GEOG 295/296: Topics in Geography
Covers selected topics in geography. Topics vary based on instructor and semester.
GEOG 300: Maps and Geographic Information
Explores map-making, spatial databases, remote sensing, and geographic tools for analyzing and presenting data.
GEOG 305: World Resources (3 Credit Hours)
Studies global resource distribution and accessibility, including water, energy, biodiversity, and agricultural land.
GEOG 306T: Hazards: Natural and Technological
Explores human responses to natural and technological threats like hurricanes, earthquakes, and nuclear hazards.
GEOG 308: Research Design
Covers research methods and inquiry design in social sciences.
GEOG 310: Geography of the City
Analyzes urban structures, land use, economic activities, and social issues in cities.
GEOG 320: Political Geography
Explores the relationship between geography and politics, including state interactions and local geopolitics.
GEOG 321: World Economic Geography
Examines global economic patterns and processes, introducing key theories and models.
GEOG 325: Ethnic Minorities
Studies ethnic identity and its geographic, political, and cultural dimensions globally.
GEOG 330: Field Methods
Teaches data collection techniques such as sampling, interviews, and ethical considerations for fieldwork.
GEOG 350: Geography of the United States and Canada
Explores human and physical geography in the U.S. and Canada, emphasizing migration, resources, and regional identities.
GEOG 355: Topics in Regional Geography
Focuses on specific regions or problems within global geography.
GEOG 367: Cooperative Education
Earns credit through work experience relevant to geography, arranged with departmental approval.
GEOG 368: Internship in Geography
Provides practical experience in applied geography.
GEOG 370: Introduction to Emergency Management
Studies disaster evolution, community vulnerability, and emergency management phases using simulations.
GEOG 400W/500: Seminar in Geography
Advanced exploration of specialized geography topics. Writing intensive.
More information about the curriculum here.
Program Outcomes
Graduates are well-prepared for careers in geospatial technologies, urban planning, environmental consultancy, and public policy. Alumni have secured positions with organizations such as NASA, Google Maps, and local planning agencies. Many students also pursue graduate degrees.
Tuition
The cost per credit hour is $408 for in-state students. At 120 credit hours the total tuition is approximately $48,960.
Prerequisites and Transfer Policies
For degree-completion students, prior college credits must meet transfer standards, including grades and alignment with program requirements. The university offers a free unofficial transfer credit assessment to streamline the process.
Other Programs Offered
In addition to the Geography program, ODU offers related degrees and certificates such as Urban Planning, Geographic Information Science, and Hazards and Emergency Management. Students may also pursue linked programs, combining undergraduate and graduate coursework to accelerate earning a Master’s degree.
Online Learning Flexibility
The program is fully online, offering asynchronous learning for most courses, allowing students to balance studies with personal commitments. Courses follow ODU’s standard academic calendar, with occasional scheduled assignments or exams.
This program blends flexibility, affordability, and academic rigor, making it an excellent choice for students seeking a career-oriented and globally relevant geography degree.