Undergraduate programs
Geography
Undergrad major Undergrad minor Undergrad certificateGeography is the science of place and space. Geographers ask where things are located on the surface of the Earth, why they are located there, how places differ from one another, and how people interact with the environment. Geographers have skills in cartography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). There are four main branches of geography: human geography, physical geography, environmental geography, and geographic information science (GIS).
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 ScienceGeographic Information Science Concentration
Undergrad major Undergrad minor Undergrad certificate View a sample plan for Geographic Information Science Catalogfor Geographic Information ScienceHumans & the Environment Emphasis
Undergrad major Undergrad minor View a sample plan for Humans & the Environment Catalogfor Humans & the Environment
Environmental Science
Undergrad majorRooted in geography, biology, chemistry and microbiology, and environmental studies, environmental science applies knowledge from the natural and social sciences to understand issues in the environment with the goal of protecting the Earth and human health.
Areas of study
Environmental Biology Track
Undergrad major View a sample plan for Environmental Biology Track Catalogfor Environmental Biology TrackEnvironmental Chemistry Track
Undergrad major View a sample plan for Environmental Chemistry Track Catalogfor Environmental Chemistry TrackEnvironmental Geospatial Techniques Track
Undergrad major View a sample plan for Environmental Geospatial Techniques Track Catalogfor Environmental Geospatial Techniques TrackEnvironmental Microbiology Track
Undergrad major View a sample plan for Environmental Microbiology Track Catalogfor Environmental Microbiology Track
Earth Science
Undergrad minorEarth Science aims to understand the structures and processes of the world. This includes how these phenomena shape the land and air around us, and how we, in turn, impact Earth's environmental systems. It encompasses fields such as geography, geology, environmental science, meteorology and climatology.
Geoarchaeology
Undergrad minorGeoarchaeology is a field that uses skills and knowledge from physical geography to answer archaeological questions. With a minor in geoarchaeology, you will begin to understand clues in the natural landscape that can lead to new discoveries about the environment people lived in long ago. A geoarchaeologist not only has a good foundation in archaeology, but also an understanding of how to apply methods of landscape evolution and an understanding of environmental change.
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.
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Upcoming events
Geography and Environmental Science Club
Weekly Meeting
Multiple dates (2 upcoming)
Getting Started
Undergraduate Research & Creativity
5:30 to 6 p.m. Wed, April 30
Archaeology Field Survey Opportunity
Volunteers assist with surveys of local fields to find unreported archaeological sites.
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat, May 3
Upcoming Academic Calendar dates
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.
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Taylor Prill
UWL has provided me with the strong foundation in research, planning and knowledge needed to be where I am today.
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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.
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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.
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.