Washington Geography Degree Programs

2026 Best Geography Degree Programs in Washington

If you're looking for the best geography degree programs in Washington, you've come to the right place. At geographydegrees.org, we've put together a list of top schools to help you find the perfect fit for your studies. Our rankings highlight programs that offer strong coursework, experienced faculty, and great opportunities for hands-on learning. We focus on what matters most to students, like career support and campus resources. For more details on how we create these rankings, check out our https://www.geographydegrees.org/ranking-methodology/ page. Start exploring today to take the next step in your education journey!

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA - Public 4-Year - washington.edu

Bachelor's - B.A. in Geography

Campus Based - Visit Website

The B.A. in Geography at the University of Washington-Seattle Campus explores the dynamic relationships between people and environments, with emphases on globalization, environmental change, and social justice. Students investigate urbanization, migration, and development through geographic perspectives, acquiring skills in ethnography, statistical analysis, and GIS. The 60-credit curriculum includes breadth and depth courses across four specialization tracks, integrating real-world applications and research opportunities. Admission requires a 2.0 GPA in any 200-level GEOG course and overall, with no entrance exam specified. This program prepares graduates for diverse careers by combining theoretical insights with practical methodologies.

60 credits required.
Four specialization tracks available.
Campus-based program.
Minimum 2.0 GPA for admission.
Focus on social justice.
Skills in GIS and mapping.
Real-world research opportunities.
No application for major declaration.
Prepares for diverse careers.
Emphasis on practical methods.

Bachelor's - B.A. in Geography with Data Science Option

Concentration: Data Science - Campus Based - Visit Website

The B.A. in Geography with a Data Science Option at the University of Washington-Seattle Campus integrates spatial analysis with data science, focusing on data management, visualization, and societal impacts. Students take courses in programming, machine learning, and statistics, alongside upper-division GIS classes, totaling 60-65 credits. Admission requires a 2.0 GPA in any GEOG 200-level course and a cumulative UW GPA of 2.00, with no entrance exam specified. This concentration equips learners with hands-on experience to address real-world challenges, blending geographic principles with cutting-edge data techniques for careers in technology and environmental sectors.

Campus-based program.
Focus on Data Science.
60-65 credits required.
Minimum 2.00 GPA.
Includes programming courses.
Machine learning options.
Upper-division GIS courses.
No application for major declaration.
Hands-on research preparation.
Societal implications of data science.

Master's - Master of Arts in Geography

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Master of Arts in Geography at the University of Washington-Seattle Campus provides advanced study in geographic research and theory. Students complete 36 credits, including 18 graded, and choose between a thesis or two research papers to develop expertise in research design and data analysis. The program fosters close faculty collaboration and covers various geographic subfields, requiring a 3.0 GPA in departmental courses for admission. No entrance exam is mentioned, making it accessible for those pursuing academic or professional advancement. This campus-based approach emphasizes original research projects, preparing students for doctoral programs or specialized careers in geography.

36 credits required.
Campus-based program.
Thesis or research papers.
3.0 GPA requirement.
Focus on research design.
Data analysis skills.
Close faculty collaboration.
Prepares for Ph.D. programs.
Original research project.
18 graded credits needed.

Show 2 More Programs ˅

Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA - Public 4-Year - cwu.edu

Bachelor's - Geography

Online Learning - Visit Website

Central Washington University's online Bachelor of Arts in Geography provides a comprehensive curriculum in human and physical geography, environmental science, and GIS mapping. Designed for careers in international affairs, planning, or education, this flexible program emphasizes critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills. With small class sizes and personalized faculty mentorship, students benefit from hands-on field experiences and cutting-edge laboratory work. Admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent; no ACT or SAT is specified. Competitive tuition and financial aid options support accessibility, while high job placement rates and a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio enhance outcomes.

Online program delivery
Comprehensive geography curriculum
Flexible study options
Small class sizes
Personalized faculty mentorship
Competitive tuition costs
Financial aid available
High job placement rates
15:1 student to faculty ratio
Hands-on field experiences

Bachelor's - Geography

Concentration: Environmental and Resource Geography - Online Learning - Visit Website

Central Washington University's Bachelor of Science in Geography with a concentration in Environmental and Resource Geography focuses on Earth's physical systems, including climate change, soil science, and natural hazards. Students gain hands-on experience in data collection and analysis, preparing for roles in environmental consulting, urban planning, and water resource management. The program offers small class sizes for personalized learning and mentorship, with practical skills tailored to Pacific Northwest challenges. Admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent; no ACT or SAT is specified. Emphasizing real-world applications, it includes field experiences and research opportunities for comprehensive scientific knowledge.

Specialization in Environmental and Resource Geography
Focus on Earth's physical systems
Hands-on data collection and analysis
Small class sizes for personalized learning
Prepares for careers in environmental consulting
Urban planning and water resource management focus
Curriculum includes climate change studies
Soil science and natural hazards covered
Practical skills for Pacific Northwest challenges
Mentorship from dedicated faculty

Show 1 More Programs ˅

The Evergreen State College

Olympia, WA - Public 4-Year - evergreen.edu

Bachelor's - Geography

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Evergreen State College's Geography program takes an interdisciplinary approach, blending human and natural geography with people-environment interactions. Students explore urban planning, climate policy, and global education through hands-on learning in Olympia. The curriculum emphasizes how historical events shape modern places, fostering skills for careers in sustainability and policy. With flexible full-time or part-time options, small classes, and engaged faculty, it suits diverse student needs. No entrance exam is required for this bachelor's-level program, making it accessible for those passionate about making a difference in environmental and social contexts.

Interdisciplinary study approach
Focus on human and natural geography
Prepares for diverse careers
Full-time or part-time options
Located in Olympia, WA
Emphasizes people-environment interaction
Opportunities in climate policy
Career paths in urban planning
Includes global education focus
Study past and present places

*Source: NCES, IPEDS 2023 data collection. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

2026 Most Affordable Geography Programs in Washington

Finding affordable programs in Washington is important for students. These options help people get a good education without high costs. The state has many schools in places like Seattle, Spokane, and the Puget Sound area. They offer bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees. This makes it easier for learners to pick what fits their budget. Low-cost programs mean less debt and more chances to succeed. In 2026, students can look for tuition that works for them. This focus on economical choices supports a better future for everyone in WA.

School Name	Highlights	Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Central Washington University Geography Geography - Environmental and Resource Geography	Specialization in Environmental and Resource Geography Focus on Earth's physical systems Hands-on data collection and analysis Small class sizes for personalized learning Prepares for careers in environmental consulting Urban planning and water resource management focus Curriculum includes climate change studies Soil science and natural hazards covered	$7,400 - $11,000 (Undergrad In-State) $21,400 - $32,100 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
The Evergreen State College Geography	Interdisciplinary study approach Focus on human and natural geography Prepares for diverse careers Full-time or part-time options Located in Olympia, WA Emphasizes people-environment interaction Opportunities in climate policy Career paths in urban planning	$7,200 - $10,800 (Undergrad In-State) $24,800 - $37,200 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
University of Washington-Seattle Campus B.A. in Geography Master of Arts in Geography B.A. in Geography with Data Science Option - Data Science	Campus-based program. Focus on Data Science. 60-65 credits required. Minimum 2.00 GPA. Includes programming courses. Machine learning options. Upper-division GIS courses. No application for major declaration.	$10,100 - $15,200 (Undergrad In-State) $33,600 - $50,400 (Undergrad Non-Resident) $14,900 - $22,400 (Graduate In-State) $26,000 - $39,000 (Graduate Non-Resident)

*Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023. National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

2026 Most Affordable Geography Programs in Washington

School Name	Highlights	Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Central Washington University Geography Geography - Environmental and Resource Geography	Specialization in Environmental and Resource Geography Focus on Earth's physical systems Hands-on data collection and analysis Small class sizes for personalized learning Prepares for careers in environmental consulting Urban planning and water resource management focus Curriculum includes climate change studies Soil science and natural hazards covered	$7,400 - $11,000 (Undergrad In-State) $21,400 - $32,100 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
The Evergreen State College Geography	Interdisciplinary study approach Focus on human and natural geography Prepares for diverse careers Full-time or part-time options Located in Olympia, WA Emphasizes people-environment interaction Opportunities in climate policy Career paths in urban planning	$7,200 - $10,800 (Undergrad In-State) $24,800 - $37,200 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
University of Washington-Seattle Campus B.A. in Geography Master of Arts in Geography B.A. in Geography with Data Science Option - Data Science	Campus-based program. Focus on Data Science. 60-65 credits required. Minimum 2.00 GPA. Includes programming courses. Machine learning options. Upper-division GIS courses. No application for major declaration.	$10,100 - $15,200 (Undergrad In-State) $33,600 - $50,400 (Undergrad Non-Resident) $14,900 - $22,400 (Graduate In-State) $26,000 - $39,000 (Graduate Non-Resident)

*Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023. National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

List of Washington Bachelors and Masters in Geography Programs

If you are looking for geography programs in Washington, this list helps you find schools offering bachelor's and master's degrees. It shows where each school is located, highlights key features of their programs, and provides direct links to learn more. You can easily compare options to find the best fit for your education goals in this field.

Jump to City:

Ellensburg, WA

Central Washington University

Bachelor's - Geography
Online Learning - Website
- Online program delivery
- Comprehensive geography curriculum
- Flexible study options
- Small class sizes
- Personalized faculty mentorship
- Competitive tuition costs
- Financial aid available
- High job placement rates
Bachelor's - Geography
Concentration: Environmental and Resource Geography - Online Learning - Website
- Specialization in Environmental and Resource Geography
- Focus on Earth's physical systems
- Hands-on data collection and analysis
- Small class sizes for personalized learning
- Prepares for careers in environmental consulting
- Urban planning and water resource management focus
- Curriculum includes climate change studies
- Soil science and natural hazards covered

Olympia, WA

The Evergreen State College

Bachelor's - Geography
Campus Based - Website
- Interdisciplinary study approach
- Focus on human and natural geography
- Prepares for diverse careers
- Full-time or part-time options
- Located in Olympia, WA
- Emphasizes people-environment interaction
- Opportunities in climate policy
- Career paths in urban planning

Seattle, WA

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Bachelor's - B.A. in Geography with Data Science Option
Concentration: Data Science - Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- Focus on Data Science.
- 60-65 credits required.
- Minimum 2.00 GPA.
- Includes programming courses.
- Machine learning options.
- Upper-division GIS courses.
- No application for major declaration.
Bachelor's - B.A. in Geography
Campus Based - Website
- 60 credits required.
- Four specialization tracks available.
- Campus-based program.
- Minimum 2.0 GPA for admission.
- Focus on social justice.
- Skills in GIS and mapping.
- Real-world research opportunities.
- No application for major declaration.
Master's - Master of Arts in Geography
Campus Based - Website
- 36 credits required.
- Campus-based program.
- Thesis or research papers.
- 3.0 GPA requirement.
- Focus on research design.
- Data analysis skills.
- Close faculty collaboration.
- Prepares for Ph.D. programs.

*The data used in this analysis come from NCES's IPEDS 2023 survey.