Kansas offers a variety of geography degree programs designed to equip students with the skills to address global and regional challenges. With programs spanning from undergraduate to doctoral levels, the following schools emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, hands-on learning, and cutting-edge technology like GIS and remote sensing:
Students are prepared for impactful careers in fields like environmental science, urban planning, data analysis, and international relations, contributing to a more sustainable and informed future.
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS
https://www.k-state.edu/geography
The Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences offers a comprehensive educational experience, preparing students for impactful careers at the intersection of nature, society, and technology.
Recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a leading field, the program highlights geography and GIS as essential disciplines for understanding environmental and societal challenges.
Undergraduate Programs and Specializations
Undergraduates can pursue a B.A. or B.S. in Geography or a unique interdisciplinary B.S. in Geographic Information Science & Technology (GIS&T), the only program of its kind in Kansas. The curriculum includes specializations such as environmental studies, community studies, and planning, with opportunities to earn additional certificates or dual degrees without exceeding the standard 120-credit requirement.
Hands-On Learning and Career Preparation
Students gain practical experience through fieldwork, lab research, and internships, equipping them with skills in spatial data analysis, environmental management, and urban planning. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
Graduate Studies and Research Opportunities
For advanced students, the department offers M.S. and Ph.D. programs with flexible tracks that include a thesis, professional report, or teacher-focused option. Graduate students work closely with faculty on specialized research projects, gaining expertise in fields such as environmental science, geographic information systems, and human geography.
Scholarships and Student Recognition
The department annually awards substantial scholarships and recognizes academic excellence through its honors program, fostering an environment that supports student achievements and research. Recent student awards include recognition for poster presentations at national conferences and graduate fellowships.
Faculty and Research Resources
The department is home to award-winning faculty who guide students through research in specialized labs and offer mentorship tailored to individual career goals. With access to advanced labs and resources, students can engage in cutting-edge projects that address critical issues in climate, resource management, and urban planning.
Career Paths and Opportunities
Graduates are well-prepared for diverse roles in environmental science, urban and regional planning, GIS analysis, and academia. By fostering a blend of theoretical knowledge and applied skills, the program equips students to make meaningful contributions to addressing global environmental and social challenges.
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
The Geography and Atmospheric Science programs at the University of Kansas offer an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the planet’s physical landscape, human-environment interactions, and atmospheric systems.
These programs are rooted in research and aim to prepare students for impactful careers that address real-world challenges through a rigorous academic curriculum.
Undergraduate Programs and Degree Options
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.) in Geography gain a broad liberal arts education with courses in physical, human, regional, and techniques-based geography.
The B.A. degree includes a foreign language requirement and general KU Core classes, while the B.G.S. focuses more heavily on core geography courses and includes a concentration or minor in another field of study. For those interested in atmospheric science, KU offers specialized degrees that integrate meteorology and environmental science.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Geography
The B.S. in Geography offers two distinct tracks: Physical Geography and Geographic Information Science (GIS). These options provide focused training in environmental assessment, problem-solving, and spatial analysis.
Students in the Physical Geography track study climate, soil, and geomorphology, while GIS students focus on spatial analysis, remote sensing, and data visualization, preparing for careers in geographic data management and environmental policy.
Graduate Programs in Geography
Graduate students can pursue a Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Science (M.S.) in Geography, with options for thesis and report-based tracks, as well as a Ph.D. for in-depth, specialized research. These programs encourage students to engage in original research in areas such as cultural geography, GIS, and environmental science, often with interdisciplinary faculty committees.
Thesis and Dissertation Requirements
Both M.A. and Ph.D. students must complete a thesis or dissertation involving research that contributes new knowledge to the field.
KU encourages graduate students to publish their work and present findings at conferences, reinforcing a strong professional foundation. Proposals and final defenses are conducted publicly, ensuring rigorous academic standards.
Research and Faculty Expertise
KU Geography faculty members are experts in various fields, including regional development, climatology, geoinformatics, and physical geography. Students benefit from hands-on research opportunities, such as drone technology applications and environmental fieldwork, supported by faculty-led projects and cutting-edge technology in GIS and remote sensing labs.
Events and Departmental Activities
The department hosts regular colloquia, featuring faculty and guest speakers who present on relevant topics like solar geoengineering and territorial conflict.
Other events, such as the annual “Donuts and Drones” workshop, provide practical training in modern geographic tools, adding a dynamic component to students’ educational experience.
Career Prospects and Impact
Graduates are well-prepared for diverse careers in academia, environmental consulting, urban planning, and atmospheric science. KU’s Geography and Atmospheric Science programs equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive impact on environmental sustainability, public policy, and community resilience, aligning with the department’s mission to contribute to a more sustainable and informed world.
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KS
https://www.pittstate.edu/hpss/programs/geographical-and-political-sciences/index.html
he Geographical and Political Sciences major provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding complex global issues by combining geography and political science.
This major offers specialized emphases in Political Science (with a pre-law focus), Geography, and International Studies, equipping students for diverse careers in law, government, and international relations. Through these tracks, students can tailor their studies to align with their career aspirations, whether they aim to navigate political systems, understand geographical influences, or engage in global affairs.
Program Highlights
Interdisciplinary Approach
Integrating geography and political science, this program provides a well-rounded perspective on global issues, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills essential for various professional fields.
Specialized Emphases
Students can select from Political Science, Geography, or International Studies, enabling them to focus on areas that match their career goals, from urban planning to international diplomacy.
Global Perspective
The curriculum emphasizes a deep understanding of global dynamics and cultural diversity, preparing students to work effectively in an interconnected world.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
Students gain practical experience through internships, fieldwork, and research projects, applying academic knowledge to real-world situations and enhancing their professional skills.
The program also leverages expert faculty guidance, fostering a supportive learning environment.
Career Preparation
Graduates are equipped with skills in research, communication, and analysis, providing a strong foundation for careers in urban planning, government, international relations, and more.
The program also prepares students for advanced studies in fields such as law, political science, and international relations.
Emphasis Tracks
International Studies: Focuses on global cultures, politics, and economics, incorporating foreign language training to prepare for roles in diplomacy, international law, and policy analysis.
Political Science: Delves into governance, policy-making, and societal structures, ideal for students interested in law, public policy, and government roles.
Geography: Explores spatial science, environmental interactions, and urban development, offering coursework in GIS, sustainability, and urban planning for careers in environmental consulting and urban development.
Core Requirements and Electives
The Geography emphasis requires completing the Pitt State Pathways and a minor or second major, with options such as General Geography, Environmental Geography and Sustainability, Geographic Information Systems, or Urban Development.
Required courses include World Regional Geography, Geographic Information Systems I, and Senior Seminar in Geography, alongside electives in areas like environmental geography, global economics, and environmental politics.
General Education and Specialized Skills
Students fulfill general education requirements and gain technical skills in mapping, GIS, and data analysis, making them adept at using technology essential for roles in public and private sectors.
With these skills, graduates are prepared for positions such as GIS Specialist, Urban Planner, and Environmental Impact Evaluator, making impactful contributions in their chosen fields.
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS
Fort Hays State University’s Geosciences Department provides an in-depth education that prepares students to explore the world’s natural processes and human-environment interactions.
With programs available both online and on-campus, students can pursue careers in diverse fields, including education, government, and industry.
Through specialized degrees, the department emphasizes hands-on learning, enabling students to transform their passion for geology and geography into impactful careers.
Academic Programs
The department offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Geosciences with emphases in Geology, Applied Geology, and Geography, as well as a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Environmental Geosciences.
Additionally, students can pursue a Master of Science (M.S.) in Geosciences, a minor, and certificates in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Museum Studies, and Crime Mapping and Analysis.
Career Paths
Graduates from the Geosciences program are equipped to enter various sectors, including urban planning, environmental consulting, and resource management. Alumni work across the country in roles that leverage their knowledge of geology, geography, and GIS technologies.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
The program offers field-based experiences, such as internships, independent research, and field camps, where students practice techniques like geologic mapping, environmental geophysics, and GPS navigation.
Field trips to locations like Kansas chalk beds, the Colorado Front Range, and international destinations enhance learning and provide real-world experience.
Specialized Certificates
For students interested in specialized skills, the department offers several certificates, including:
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) User Certificate (available online and on-campus)
- Museum Studies Certificate (on-campus)
- Certificate in Sustainability (interdisciplinary, available online and on-campus) These certifications provide additional career-specific skills and are often integrated into degree programs.
Unique Courses and Field Studies
The department provides unique courses such as Synoptic Meteorology, GPS & Land Navigation, and Geography of Foods. Additionally, experiential courses like Disaster Planning and Response and Urban Geography prepare students to address real-world challenges in various professional settings.
Facilities and Resources
Students benefit from state-of-the-art labs and equipment, including software for mapping, environmental analysis, and 3D modeling. The department also collaborates on international research, such as the IRES project in Cameroon, which focuses on carbon cycling and marine geochemistry.
International Opportunities
The Geosciences Department frequently offers international study programs, such as trips to Hawaii, Italy, and Ecuador. These opportunities allow students to explore cultural and environmental landscapes globally, enhancing their academic experience and broadening their perspectives.