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Geography & Environmental Science

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Broaden your horizons in the Geography and Environmental Science department through extensive hands-on experience both in and out of the classroom.

The Department of Geography and Environmental Science develops skills to address pressing environmental and societal issues including land-use change, natural resource management, climate change, natural hazards and disaster management, population growth and migration, and globalization.

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Interested in one of our majors, minors or certificates? Fill out the declaration form to declare a major or minor.

Undergraduate programs

Geography

Undergrad major Undergrad minor Undergrad certificate

Geographers study the relationship between humans and their environment. See if UWL's Geography program is the right fit for you.

Areas of study

Environmental Science Concentration

Environmental science applies knowledge from the natural sciences to understand issues in the environment with the goal of protecting the Earth and human health.

Undergrad major View a sample plan for Environmental Science Catalogfor Environmental Science

Geographic Information Science Concentration

Undergrad major Undergrad minor Undergrad certificate View a sample plan for Geographic Information Science Catalogfor Geographic Information Science

Humans & the Environment Emphasis

Undergrad major Undergrad minor View a sample plan for Humans & the Environment Catalogfor Humans & the Environment
Catalogfor Geography
Quick glancefor Geography

Environmental Science

Undergrad major

In UWL’s Environmental Science major you'll gain an interdisciplinary scientific skillset to address pressing environmental issues.

Areas of study

Catalogfor Environmental Science
Quick glancefor Environmental Science

Earth Science

Undergrad minor

With an Earth Science minor you'll learn about processes and structures on Earth that shape the landscape we live in.

Catalogfor Earth Science
Quick glancefor Earth Science

Geoarchaeology

Undergrad minor

Why did past groups of people chose certain places to live? Geoarchaeology helps us answer this question and many more.

Catalogfor Geoarchaeology
Quick glancefor Geoarchaeology

Related programs from other departments

Biology
Chemistry
Microbiology
Archaeological Studies
Sustainability & Environmental Studies

Graduate program

Fundamentals of Geographic Information Science

Graduate certificate

This certificate prepares graduate students with the technological and theoretical skills needed to apply geospatial tools.

Catalogfor Fundamentals of Geographic Information Science
Quick glancefor Fundamentals of Geographic Information Science
Students and a professor working outside at a computer
Students aboard Research Vessel Prairie Springs on the Mississippi River
Video of students and professor mapping a glaciers in Nepal
Students with a professor using sonar on a boat on the Mississippi River.
Students clearing invasive vegetation in Hixon Forest
Student working with a professor in the GIS lab
Student working on sediment core sample in the lab
Students using surveying equipment in the field
Student and professor working with a drone in the field
Students mapping a stream during a geography course
Students looking through microscopes in the laboratory
Students using surveying equipment in the field
Students hiking the bluffs overlooking campus
Tundra swan migration fieldtrip on the Mississippi River
Students and professor mapping trails in Hixon Forest near campus

View the map full screen

The accessibility map is created and maintained by Geography & Environmental Science students.

Portrait of Courtney Osmek

Hear from an alum

Courtney Osmek

I am so grateful for my time with the UWL Geography Department. The knowledge and experience I have gained, along with the support from my professors, have really helped prepare me for my future in this field.

Portrait of Annie McIntyre

Hear from an alum

Annie McIntyre

I love my career. I work for a large-scale wind and solar developer. The UWL geography program helped me prepare by showing me the numerous ways GIS is used in careers. The faculty holds vast knowledge from multiple geography fields.

Portrait of Jackson Radenz

Hear from an alum

Jackson Radenz

I’ve gained confidence in myself and my ability to solve problems on my own and overcome shortfalls too, which I’ll need in the job market. I’m so grateful for the undergraduate research experiences I’ve had with my faculty mentor, Dr. Niti Mishra.

Portrait of Jenna DeShaney

Hear from an alum

Jenna DeShaney

I work at a national consulting firm as an Environmental Scientist. I apply many of the disciplines I've learned at UWL to my career, including field work techniques and GIS.

Portrait of Taylor Prill

Hear from an alum

Taylor Prill

UWL has provided me with the strong foundation in research, planning and knowledge needed to be where I am today.