Explore the diverse geography programs offered at universities across Florida, each providing unique pathways to careers in environmental science, urban planning, GIS, and sustainability.
From hands-on fieldwork to advanced online degrees, these programs equip students with the skills needed to address global and local challenges in geography and related fields.
Online Programs in Florida
Florida International University
The Geography Major in Global Studies program equips students to analyze humanity’s spatial organization and its dynamic interactions with the Earth. With a focus on GIS technology, environmental management, and cultural geography, the program prepares graduates for impactful careers in urban planning, public health, and environmental sustainability. Designed to foster critical thinking, the curriculum combines rigorous coursework with guidance from expert faculty specializing in global and sociocultural studies.
On Campus Programs in FL
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- University of Florida
- University of Miami
- Florida State University
- University of South Florida
- University of West Florida
- Florida Atlantic University
- Florida International University
- Jacksonville University
- University of Florida Online
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
https://catalog.ufl.edu/UGRD/colleges-schools/UGLAS/GPY_BA_BS/#text
The Department of Geography at the University of Florida offers an in-depth and dynamic educational experience, blending research, technology, and real-world application to prepare students for diverse careers in geography and environmental sciences. The program emphasizes the importance of geography and geospatial science in addressing global challenges, from climate change to social inequality.
Undergraduate Programs and Specializations
Undergraduate students can choose from a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Geography, with options to specialize in fields like:
- geospatial analysis
- medical geography
- environmental studies
- geographic information science (GIS)
The curriculum is designed to be flexible, encouraging students to explore interdisciplinary paths that align with their career goals.
Hands-On Learning and Career Preparation
Practical learning is a core component of the program, with students gaining hands-on experience through fieldwork, internships, and lab-based projects.
These opportunities equip students with essential skills in spatial data analysis, environmental modeling, and GIS technology, bridging classroom knowledge with practical applications.
Graduate Studies and Research Opportunities
The department also offers graduate programs, including M.A., M.S., and Ph.D. tracks, allowing advanced students to focus on specialized research in physical geography, human geography, and GIS.
Graduate students work closely with faculty mentors on research that addresses significant environmental, health, and urban planning issues.
Scholarships and Student Recognition
To support academic excellence, the department offers scholarships and honors programs, recognizing outstanding student achievements in research and academics. Scholarships are awarded to support students in various fields within geography, enhancing their research capabilities and career readiness.
Faculty and Research Resources
Students have access to experienced faculty and state-of-the-art research facilities, including specialized labs for GIS, climate studies, and environmental modeling. Faculty members bring a wealth of expertise and are actively engaged in research, providing mentorship and guidance to help students achieve their academic and professional aspirations.
Career Paths and Opportunities
Graduates from the Department of Geography are well-prepared for careers in urban planning, environmental consulting, public health, GIS analysis, and research. With a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied geography, students are equipped to make significant contributions to environmental and social problem-solving on a global scale.
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
https://geography.as.miami.edu
The University of Miami’s Department of Geography and Sustainable Development offers a multidisciplinary program focusing on human-environment interactions, sustainability, and resilience. This approach equips students with the skills needed to address pressing global challenges in urban planning, climate change, and environmental justice.
Undergraduate Programs
The department’s undergraduate program offers a B.A. in Geography and Sustainable Development, with specializations in urban studies, geospatial technology, and environmental analysis. Through this flexible curriculum, students can tailor their studies to align with specific career goals in geography and sustainability.
Hands-On Learning
Students benefit from experiential learning through fieldwork, internships, and research projects that emphasize practical skills in data analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), and sustainability assessments. This hands-on approach bridges classroom theory with real-world applications.
Graduate Studies
For advanced students, the department offers an MPS in Urban Sustainability and Resilience, ideal for those interested in urban planning and climate adaptation. This program fosters collaboration with local organizations, enabling students to address real-world sustainability challenges.
Faculty and Mentorship
The department’s faculty bring expertise in fields such as climate science, spatial data analysis, and urban planning. Students receive close mentorship, with faculty actively involved in guiding research projects and supporting academic development.
Research and Resources
The department offers dedicated labs and resources focusing on geospatial analysis, climate resilience, and environmental monitoring. These facilities provide students with the tools needed for advanced research in sustainable development.
Scholarships and Support
To promote academic excellence, the department provides scholarships and support resources, encouraging students to pursue research and career development in geography and sustainability.
Career Pathways
Graduates from the program are well-prepared for careers in urban planning, environmental consultancy, GIS, and policy-making. Equipped with interdisciplinary skills and applied knowledge, alumni contribute to climate resilience and sustainable development efforts locally and globally. The department’s comprehensive approach to education prepares students to make impactful contributions in their chosen fields.
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
https://cosspp.fsu.edu/geography
The Department of Geography at Florida State University offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary program focused on human-environment interactions, climate science, and spatial analysis. The curriculum is designed to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and applied skills relevant to modern geographic and environmental challenges.
Undergraduate Programs and Specializations
Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Geography, with options to specialize in areas like human geography, physical geography, and environmental studies. These pathways enable students to tailor their degree to align with their career goals, whether in urban studies, environmental science, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Hands-On Learning and Research Opportunities
FSU’s geography program places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, offering internships, fieldwork, and research projects. This hands-on approach allows students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings, preparing them for diverse career paths in geography and environmental sciences.
Graduate Studies and Advanced Research
The department also offers M.S. and Ph.D. programs, with graduate students engaging in research areas like climate change, environmental sustainability, and spatial analytics. Graduate students collaborate closely with faculty mentors on specialized research projects, addressing pressing environmental and societal issues.
Faculty Expertise and Mentorship
FSU’s geography faculty bring expertise in areas including environmental science, urban planning, and geospatial technology. Faculty members actively mentor students, supporting their academic growth and guiding them through impactful research that contributes to local and global understanding.
Research Facilities and Resources
Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including labs dedicated to spatial science, GIS, and climate studies. These resources provide students with the advanced tools necessary for cutting-edge research in environmental and spatial sciences.
Career Preparation and Opportunities
Graduates from FSU’s geography program are well-prepared for careers in urban planning, environmental consulting, GIS analysis, and research. The department’s focus on both theoretical and applied geography equips students to make significant contributions in addressing critical environmental and social challenges.
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL
https://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/departments/geosciences
The University of South Florida’s Geography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program equips students to address environmental and social challenges through spatial analysis and geospatial technology. This program emphasizes both foundational knowledge and practical skills, preparing students for careers and graduate studies in diverse fields.
Program Concentrations
The program offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Geography and GIS, with three concentrations: Geography, GIS, and Society and Environment. Each concentration allows students to focus on unique aspects of human-environment interactions and spatial data analysis.
Geography Concentration
In the Geography concentration, students study both human and physical geography, examining how human activities impact urban areas, economic structures, and the natural environment. This track includes courses on climate change, natural hazards, and political geography, preparing students for careers in urban planning and environmental management.
GIS Concentration
The GIS concentration emphasizes the technical skills needed for mapping and spatial modeling. Core coursework includes remote sensing, spatial analysis, and geovisualization, equipping students for roles in government, consulting, transportation, and more.
Society and Environment Concentration
Focusing on the connections between society and environmental systems, the Society and Environment concentration explores sustainability, policy, and resource management. This track is ideal for students interested in environmental advocacy, policy development, and sustainable planning.
Geographic Information Systems and Technology Minor
The GIS and Technology minor provides students from various majors with skills in GIS, remote sensing, and geospatial analysis. This minor is popular with students in Geology and Environmental Science & Policy, enhancing their ability to address spatial challenges in diverse fields.
Graduate Programs and Research Opportunities
USF’s School of Geosciences offers Master’s and Ph.D. programs in Geology, Geography, and Environmental Science & Policy. Graduate students engage in research on critical environmental and social issues, supported by facilities like the Center for Geochemical Analysis and the Weather Center.
Career Preparation and Opportunities
Graduates from USF’s Geography and GIS program are well-prepared for careers in environmental science, urban planning, GIS analysis, and policy-making. With a focus on real-world applications and interdisciplinary study, the program equips students to contribute solutions to pressing environmental and social challenges.
University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL
https://uwf.edu/hmcse/departments/earth-and-environmental-sciences
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of West Florida provides a multidisciplinary curriculum that equips students to tackle environmental challenges. Combining natural science with resource management, the program prepares students to assess physical and socio-economic environments and make informed environmental management decisions.
Hands-On Learning and Facilities
Students engage in hands-on learning through access to the Gulf Coast environmental field labs and specialized facilities. Training includes remote sensing, GIS, spatial statistics, and environmental sampling, with smaller class and lab sizes (25-35 students in classes and 15-20 in labs) fostering individualized learning and collaboration.
Scholarship and Support Opportunities
The department supports underrepresented students in STEM with initiatives like the STEM Scholarship Endowment, which provides matched funding for scholarships to female and first-generation students. This scholarship helps expand access and support within the program.
UWF GIS Program and GeoData Center
UWF’s GIS program is recognized for preparing students to become skilled GIS professionals. The GeoData Center, designated as an ESRI Development Center, enables students to build innovative applications on the ArcGIS platform, with specialized GIS training and research opportunities.
Faculty and Alumni Contributions
The department commemorates the contributions of former faculty like Professor Mel Droubay, who shaped the Environmental Studies program. Alumni also continue to achieve recognition, such as GIS student Matthew Bradbury, recently published for his work in law enforcement GIS applications.
Research and Fieldwork
Students and faculty conduct research that includes studies on coastal sand dunes’ ecosystem services and GIS crime mapping. Fieldwork and community-centered projects allow students to apply their skills to real-world contexts, benefiting both the environment and the community.
Synchronous Online Classes
In 2019, UWF introduced synchronous online classes in the master’s program, catering to working professionals. These evening courses enable students to attend live, in-person classes remotely, providing flexibility for career development in environmental sciences.
Career Preparation and Academic Partnerships
Graduates are prepared for roles in environmental consulting, GIS, and resource management. The department also offers a 4+1 agreement with Broward College, allowing students to start graduate coursework during their undergraduate studies, accelerating the path to a master’s degree while meeting workforce needs.
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL
https://www.fau.edu/science/geosciences
The Department of Geosciences at Florida Atlantic University provides diverse undergraduate and graduate programs focused on earth systems science, human-environmental systems, and geo-information science. The department emphasizes fieldwork, GIS, and remote sensing as essential tools in understanding environmental and spatial relationships.
Undergraduate Programs
Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Geosciences, with concentrations available in Geography, Geology, or Climate Change. To add flexibility, the department also offers minors in Geography, Geology, and GIS, as well as GIS certificate programs. Courses are available in both traditional and online formats, with fieldwork and hands-on learning central to the curriculum.
Graduate Programs
The department offers advanced degrees, including a Master of Science (M.S.) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Geosciences, along with graduate certificates in specialized areas such as GIS and Environmental Sciences. These programs emphasize interdisciplinary research, particularly in hydrogeology, human-environmental modeling, and coastal geology.
Research and Specializations
Research in the department covers a wide range of topics, including hydrogeology, urban and regional development, paleoclimatology, and environmental geophysics. Fieldwork and laboratory studies are integral to these research areas, allowing students to explore geological formations and apply analytical techniques like remote sensing in practical settings.
Fieldwork and Experiential Learning
Field experiences, such as trips to the Southern Appalachians, are a key component of the program, enabling students to study geoscience in natural settings. These immersive opportunities provide a deeper understanding of earth systems and geological processes.
Online Programs and GIS Certificates
The department’s online offerings include M.S. and B.S. degrees in Geosciences with a Geography focus, along with a fully online GIS certificate program. These flexible options make the program accessible to working professionals and a broader range of students.
Scholarships and Financial Support
A variety of scholarships support geoscience students at FAU, with awards based on financial need, diversity, and academic achievement. Additional scholarships are available specifically for graduating seniors from Palm Beach County and transfer students from Palm Beach State College.
Hurricane Research and Regional Impact
The department’s faculty are actively involved in regional environmental issues, including hurricane predictions and flood risk studies. These research efforts, such as the 2024 prediction for an active hurricane season, underscore the department’s commitment to sustainability and resilience in the Atlantic and Gulf Coast communities.
Florida International University
Miami, FL
https://gss.fiu.edu/undergraduate/ba-geography
Overview of the Program
The Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies with a Geography Major at Florida International University offers an interdisciplinary approach to examining cultural, political, economic, and ecological dimensions of globalization. This program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of humanity’s relationship with the Earth, preparing them for careers in a globalized workforce.
Geography Focus
The Geography track emphasizes spatial organization at various scales, from local communities to global regions, and explores human-environment interactions. Topics include human impacts on natural environments and the use of geographic technologies like GIS and remote sensing to support social science research.
Skills and Career Paths
Geography majors gain essential skills in spatial analysis, GIS, and remote sensing, positioning them for careers in high-tech fields, public health, environmental management, disaster response, urban planning, and more. The program emphasizes real-world applications of geographic technology to analyze global challenges.
Program Requirements
Students in the program complete 30 credit hours, including an introductory course, core courses in global change, cultural and political geography, and methods courses such as GIS applications. The program also requires a minimum GPA of 2.0, foreign language competency, and upper-division course completion.
Minors and Certificates
FIU offers additional academic options, including a minor in Geography and certificates in Geographic Information Systems, Applied Social Science Research Methods, and Coastal and Marine Affairs. These credentials enhance students’ skill sets and expand their career opportunities.
Internships and Hands-On Learning
Internship opportunities with local businesses, government agencies, and non-profits allow students to gain practical experience. These internships provide a platform for applying classroom knowledge, building professional networks, and exploring potential career paths.
Student Support and Advising
The department encourages regular advising appointments to help students stay on track with their degree requirements and explore academic and career opportunities. FIU’s advising platform enables students to schedule appointments and communicate with their assigned advisor.
Research and Faculty Initiatives
The Department of Global & Sociocultural Studies is deeply involved in research, with faculty expertise in health and society, human-environment interactions, and urban geography. Collaborative initiatives like the Research Network for Health and Society foster interdisciplinary research and community engagement, focusing on critical global issues.
Jacksonville University
Jacksonville, FL
https://www.ju.edu/environment
The Sustainability, Geography, and Environmental Planning (SGEP) major at Jacksonville University offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. This interdisciplinary program, led by dedicated faculty, prepares students for careers in both the public and private sectors with a flexible curriculum across three concentration tracks.
Concentrations and Customization
Students can specialize in one, two, or all three concentration tracks:
- Sustainability and Resiliency
- Geography and GIS
- Environmental Planning
Each concentration completed provides a certificate, adding recognition to students’ degrees and enhancing their career opportunities.
Available Minors
The SGEP program offers three complementary minors—Geography and the Environment, GIS, and Sustainability. Each minor requires 15 credits and pairs well with various majors, providing students with specialized skills in environmental science, geographic information systems, and sustainable practices.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
SGEP students engage in internships, research projects, and service-learning opportunities. Partnerships with organizations like the JU Marine Science Research Institute and St. Johns Riverkeeper offer practical experience and networking connections to enhance students’ real-world knowledge.
Technology and Research Resources
The program integrates advanced technology, including drones, laser plotters, and software like ArcGIS and Python. These resources help students develop critical skills in data collection, mapping, and spatial analysis, preparing them for technical roles in their chosen fields.
Global Learning Opportunities
The SGEP program offers study abroad programs to destinations like Cuba, Ecuador, and the United Kingdom. These international opportunities allow students to examine environmental issues from a global perspective and enrich their understanding of geography.
Focus on Geography
Geography within the SGEP curriculum focuses on questions of “where” and “why,” helping students understand spatial patterns across human (social, political, economic) and physical (climate, geology) landscapes. Technical geography skills, including GIS and mapping, are emphasized throughout the coursework.
Career Preparation with GIS
The GIS minor equips students with valuable spatial data analysis skills applicable to fields like government, engineering, health sciences, and environmental planning. This minor prepares students to work in data visualization and spatial relationship roles, broadening their career options.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is central to Jacksonville University’s mission. The university strives to become a model for “green” initiatives, and the Sustainability minor prepares students to advocate for balance across environmental, societal, and economic systems.
Internships and Career Support
Students can explore internships through Handshake and receive support from career services to identify, apply for, and record internships. The career team offers guidance at every step, helping students build experience and connections aligned with their professional aspirations.