University of Florida Geography Degree Online

Gainesville, FL

https://ufonline.ufl.edu/academics/undergraduate-degrees/geography

The UF Online Bachelor of Arts in Geography program requires the completion of 120 credit hours, typically taking four years for full-time students.

Courses include general education requirements, geography core courses, and specialized electives, designed to prepare students for academic and professional success.

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the University of Florida, a highly respected institution, ensuring the degree’s academic rigor and recognition. Students graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree under the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Curriculum

This interdisciplinary program focuses on human geography, environmental science, and the interactions between natural and human-made systems. Core courses include the following:

GEO 2200 & 2200L Dynamic Planet Earth and Dynamic Planet Earth Laboratory
Explores landforms, climates, water resources, and their interrelationships with human activity. Includes laboratory analysis of physical environments and regional patterns.

GIS 3043 Foundations of Geographic Information Systems
Covers GIS technology for creating, analyzing, and visualizing spatial data. Focuses on geographic databases, software, and hardware fundamentals.

GLY 2010C Physical Geology
Examines Earth’s systems, their interactions, and their impact on humanity. Emphasizes critical analysis and the scientific method.

GLY 2030C Environmental and Engineering Geology
Discusses geologic hazards, environmental concerns, and human interaction with Earth’s surface. Includes case studies of modern issues.

GLY 2100C Historical Geology
Covers Earth’s evolution and major events in its geologic and biological history. Includes practical lab exercises.

GLY 3105C Evolution of Earth and Life
Focuses on Earth’s geologic history, with a particular emphasis on North America.

GLY 3202C Earth Materials
Explores the classification and identification of minerals and rocks through lectures and hands-on lab activities.

GEO 4930 Senior Seminar
Integrates key geographic concepts for graduating seniors and prepares them for professional careers in geography.

GEO 2242 Extreme Weather
Introduces the science of weather and climate, with a focus on extreme weather events and climate change.

GEO 3250 Climatology
Studies the formation and global distribution of climates, including applied climatology and climate change.

GEO 3452 Introduction to Medical Geography
Examines the relationship between environment and public health using geographic approaches.

GEO 4281 River Forms and Processes
Explores fluvial processes, landform development, and environmental changes in rivers and watersheds.

GEO 4911 Undergraduate Research in Geography
Provides supervised research opportunities in geography, focusing on inquiry and application.

GEO 4938 Selected Topics in Geography
Explores specialized topics in geography tailored to students’ interests.

GEO 4905 Individual Work
Allows students to study specific geographic problems under faculty supervision.

GEO 4944 Internship
Offers practical experience with government or regional agencies through supervised internships.

GEO 4970 Honors Thesis
Involves completing an original research project that meets departmental honors requirements.

GIS 3001C Geovisualization and Map Design
Teaches advanced cartographic techniques, including map projections and statistical data representation.

GIS 4021C Aerial Photo Interpretation
Covers the principles of aerial photography and its applications in mapping and feature identification.

GIS 4037 Digital Image Processing
Explores the theory and practical applications of digital imagery in geographical research through lab work.

GIS 4911 Undergraduate Research in Geospatial Trends
Focuses on supervised research in geospatial analysis and trends.

MET 4560 Atmospheric Teleconnections
Examines large-scale atmospheric patterns and their influence on weather and climate variability.

GLY 3163 Geology of American National Parks
Uses national parks to explore geological concepts and their cultural and environmental significance.

GLY 3603C Paleontology
Investigates the history of life on Earth through the study of fossils and related scientific fields.

GLY 3882C Hydrogeology and Human Affairs
Explores hydrogeology and its connections to politics, law, and society.

GLY 4155C Geology of Florida
Studies Florida’s geological history, mineral resources, and physical and historical geology.

GLY 4552C Sedimentary Geology
Covers the classification, formation, and analysis of sedimentary rocks.

GLY 4700 Geomorphology
Examines the physical processes that shape Earth’s surface features and landscapes.

GLY 4822 Groundwater Geology
Introduces concepts of groundwater flow and its geological implications, with practical problem-solving exercises.

Specialized skills like spatial analysis, database handling, and map design are taught to prepare students for careers in diverse fields.

More information about the curriculum here.

Outcomes

Graduates of the program are equipped for careers in urban planning, environmental science, medical geography, and more. Many pursue advanced degrees in law, public health, environmental science, or related fields. The program emphasizes practical, career-ready skills, such as remote sensing and GIS, which are in demand across industries.

Acceptance Rate

As part of the University of Florida’s online programs, the geography degree has a competitive acceptance rate, ensuring a high standard of education and peer collaboration.

Tuition

The estimated cost is $15,501.96 ​without optional fees.

Cost Breakdown

  • Tuition (120 credits): $13,430.52
  • Required Fees (120 credits): $2,071.44
  • Optional Fees (120 credits): $5,545.56

Total Costs:

  • Without Optional Fees: $15,501.96 ​
  • With Optional Fees: $21,047.52

More tuition information: https://ufonline.ufl.edu/tuition/tuition-fees/

Prerequisites

Applicants must complete high school courses in core areas like mathematics and science.

Transfer students need to have completed prerequisite courses, including physical geology or introduction to statistics, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in critical tracking coursework.

Online Learning

This program is entirely online, offering flexibility for students balancing other responsibilities. Classes combine online lectures, interactive learning modules, and remote discussions, allowing students to learn from anywhere.

Other Specializations

Environmental Geosciences

Students can choose to specialize in Environmental Geosciences, a joint program with the Department of Geological Sciences, focusing on topics like resource management, environmental law, and disaster planning. This specialization prepares students for roles in natural resource management, NGO work, and environmental protection.

Social Geography

Social Geography, explores how space and place influence social divisions such as class, race, gender, and disability. This 3-credit course fulfills General Education requirements for Diversity (D) and Social and Behavioral Sciences (S), blending theoretical frameworks with practical applications.

Through discussions, readings, and creative assignments, students examine themes like urbanization, migration, inequality, and social justice while developing skills in geographic language, spatial analysis, and critical thinking.

Summary

UF Online’s Bachelor of Arts in Geography program is an accredited, flexible, and interdisciplinary degree designed to prepare students for impactful careers in geography and related fields.

With competitive tuition, practical skill-building, and opportunities for specialization, the program caters to diverse career and academic goals. Whether pursuing environmental science, GIS, or urban planning, students gain valuable tools to make a difference in today’s interconnected world.