Alabama Geography Degree Programs

Here’s a guide to top geography and environmental science programs across Alabama, offering students diverse pathways in geospatial technology, environmental planning, and geographic studies. Explore the highlights of each university’s unique offerings, including specialized tracks, hands-on learning opportunities, and career preparation support.

Online Programs in Alabama

Troy University

https://www.troy.edu/online/index.html

General Geography Program Options at Troy University

Troy University offers a Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Sciences (GIS) with two distinct pathways: a General GIS degree and a Geography concentration. Both options are fully online and structured into nine-week terms, allowing flexibility for students.

B.S. in Geographic Information Sciences (General GIS Degree)

The General GIS degree focuses on spatial data analysis, mapping, and geospatial technologies. Students gain expertise in remote sensing, spatial modeling, database management, and web-based GIS applications. The curriculum includes courses such as:

• Cartography and Geo-Visualization
• Introduction to Remote Sensing
• Geospatial Modeling and Programming
• Advanced Geospatial Technologies
• Spatial Database Design and Management

Students must complete an internship or a senior project for real-world experience. The program prepares graduates for roles in environmental science, urban planning, disaster response, and data visualization.

B.S. in Geographic Information Sciences (Geography Concentration)

The Geography concentration combines GIS coursework with a deeper focus on physical, cultural, and regional geography. Students complete core GIS courses while selecting additional geography electives in areas such as:

• Weather and Climate
• Political Geography
• Urbanism
• Conservation
• Population and Society

Students also choose from regional geography courses, covering Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and the Russian Realm. This concentration is ideal for students interested in global studies, environmental policy, and demographic research.

Career Preparation and Certification

The program integrates cutting-edge geospatial technologies such as LiDAR, GNSS, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Graduates are prepared for the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) exam, which enhances career opportunities and earning potential.

Both options provide hands-on training, industry-relevant coursework, and career-ready skills, making graduates competitive in fields such as geospatial analysis, environmental planning, and logistics.

On Campus Programs in Alabama

Jump Links:

• Auburn University
• Jacksonville State
• University of Alabama
• University of North Alabama
• Samford University

Auburn University

Auburn University Program Page

Auburn, AL

Auburn University’s Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Environmental Studies (GEST) program offers a multidisciplinary exploration of Earth’s physical features and the interactions between human societies and natural environments. This program combines both theoretical and practical approaches to give students a well-rounded understanding of spatial relationships and environmental processes.

Core Curriculum and Foundational Courses

The curriculum includes fundamental courses such as GEOG 1010 Global Geography, GEOG 2010 Human Geography, and GEOG 1020 Global Systems Weather/Climate, which lay a solid foundation for advanced geographic studies. These initial courses provide essential knowledge about global systems, weather, climate, and human-environment interactions.

Skills Development in GIS and Remote Sensing

To prepare students for practical applications in geography, the program integrates hands-on training with courses like GEOG 3810 Cartography and Graphics and GEOG 5830 Geographic Information Systems (GIS). These courses equip students with technical skills in cartography, GIS, and remote sensing, which are valuable for careers in fields such as public service, environmental consulting, and governmental agencies.

Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Program

For students looking to advance their studies, Auburn offers an Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s (ABM) program. This option allows students to earn both degrees in a shortened timeframe by taking graduate-level courses during their senior year, making it an attractive option for those interested in deepening their expertise and expanding their career opportunities.

Jacksonville State

Jacksonville State Program Page

Jacksonville, AL

The B.S. in Geography program at Jacksonville State University (JSU) provides an in-depth study of Earth’s physical features and the complex interactions between human societies and the environment. Students gain valuable knowledge in landforms, rivers, ecosystems, and human population dynamics, preparing them to address environmental and societal challenges.

Core Curriculum and Hands-On Experience

Core courses cover essential topics such as Digital Mapping, Human Geography, Physical Geography, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Hands-on labs and practical coursework allow students to apply their skills using advanced spatial technology, including GIS, GPS, Remote Sensing, UAVs, and Spatial Analytics.

Structured Pathway and Specialized Training

The program’s 120-credit structure includes foundational courses in geography along with electives in complementary fields like anthropology and geology. During their freshman and sophomore years, students complete general education and introductory geography courses, while junior and senior years focus on advanced geographic and spatial analytical skills.

Career Readiness and Employment Opportunities

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in environmental management, urban planning, and GIS. Equipped with both theoretical knowledge and technical skills, they are positioned to excel in various fields that value expertise in geographic and spatial analysis.

University of Alabama

University of Alabama Program Page

Tuscaloosa, AL

The University of Alabama’s Bachelor of Arts in Geography program equips students with the skills to address environmental challenges, manage land use, and employ geospatial technologies. This comprehensive program offers three concentrations—Earth System Science, Regional, Urban, and Environmental Planning, and Geographic Information Techniques—allowing students to specialize in diverse fields and tailor their studies to specific career goals.

Core Curriculum and Specialized Concentrations

Core courses, such as Atmospheric Processes and Patterns, World Regional Geography, and Maps and Spatial Reasoning, provide foundational knowledge that prepares students for advanced study. Each concentration offers specialized electives, enabling students to deepen their expertise in areas like resource management, urban planning, or geospatial technology applications.

Practical Experience and Professional Preparation

The program requires a minor, and students are encouraged to take advantage of internship opportunities with local organizations, such as the Geological Survey of Alabama. These internships, along with hands-on learning in GIS and remote sensing labs, provide practical skills that enhance employability and readiness for careers in environmental planning and resource management.

Career and Further Education Opportunities

Graduates of the BA in Geography program are prepared for roles in government, private industry, and academia, with potential positions in environmental planning, land-use management, and geospatial analysis. For those interested in further studies, the department also offers pathways to advanced degrees in geography, allowing students to deepen their expertise in Earth systems, environmental resources, and geographical information science.

University of North Alabama

University of North Alabama Program Page

Florence, AL

The Department of Geoscience at the University of North Alabama offers a wide array of courses and degree options designed to align students’ academic pursuits with their career goals and industry opportunities. With a curriculum that includes specialized topics such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Climate Change, Unmanned Aerial Systems, Water Resources, Environmental Hazards, and Sustainable Food Systems, students gain exposure to diverse and impactful areas within geoscience.

Hands-On Learning and Specialized Tools

Students in the Geoscience Department acquire hands-on experience with essential tools such as GPS, GIS, systems modeling, and digital image processing. These tools support practical applications across physical geography, human geography, nature and society interactions, geology, and sustainability. Seven full-time faculty members and two professors emeriti are dedicated to guiding students through their academic and career pathways, offering individualized advising, research opportunities, and internships.

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Geography

The B.A./B.S. in Geography program at UNA explores the relationship between Earth’s natural features and human interaction, providing a broad scientific framework for understanding our world. This program is ideal for students interested in fields like resource conservation, sustainable technologies, or environmental science and offers flexibility in career paths that extend into both natural and social sciences.

Unique Departmental Support and Alumni Network

UNA’s Department of Geoscience is distinguished by its UNA Geography Alumni Association (UNAGAA), an active network that has supported current and past students’ professional development since 2005. This connection provides valuable mentoring and networking opportunities for students as they prepare for impactful careers.

Samford University

Samford University Program Page

Birmingham, AL

Samford University’s Geography and Sociology Department provides students with an interdisciplinary approach to understanding global patterns, landscapes, and social structures. The Geography program explores the significance of places, land use, and environmental impacts, preparing students for careers in areas influenced by globalization, geographic technology, and problem-solving on a large scale. The program incorporates advanced technology training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a valuable skill set for students pursuing professional applications of spatial data.

Sociology and Interdisciplinary Learning

The Sociology program equips students with skills for diverse career paths, including social work, healthcare, and policy analysis. A unique fast-track option allows students to earn both a bachelor’s in sociology and a master’s in social work within five years. This accelerated pathway, combined with hands-on learning and faculty mentoring, provides sociology students with the foundation to succeed in roles that contribute to building and supporting communities.

Specialized Programs and Minors

Samford offers a Geography major with a GIS Certificate for students interested in geographic technology, adding a certification that enhances career readiness in spatial analysis. Minors in Sociology, Environmental Studies, and Race, Ethnicity, and Social Justice support interdisciplinary learning, providing students with a well-rounded education that addresses the social, environmental, and ethical dimensions of modern-day issues. Each minor complements majors across various fields, enriching students’ understanding of human and environmental interactions.

Graduate and Professional Development Opportunities

Students can further their studies through a Graduate Certificate in GIS, available online, which trains students in mapping, spatial analysis, and reporting for environmental management. Additionally, the department’s Geography major combines a liberal arts education with modern technology, ideal for students interested in a range of disciplines. Scholarships such as the Bobbie Armstrong Floyd Scholarship for sociology majors and the William Samuel Tynes Scholarship for geography students offer financial support, celebrating academic achievement and dedication to the field.