Geography

The Department of Geography & Environmental Engineering offers some of the best undergraduate facilities in the country for the study of geography, environmental engineering & science, and geospatial information science. Cadets interested in the geography major can choose from one of three tracks – each with the option to pursue an honors program. Each track and every course offering will help to develop cadets as a self-learners, problem solvers and critical thinkers, all which are critical attributes for success as a future leader in the Army. The instruction is current, accurate, relevant, and engaging. 

Ready to understand the world? The Geography Program has three great majors, Physical Geography, Human Geography, and Human Environmental Geography, that will change how you look at human and physical environments. We also provide a Geography Minor that will allow you to explore the world and enhance your knowledge as you prepare for your military career. For information, contact your Dirt P, LTC Fuhriman, Dr. Malinowski, Dr. Richmond, or any member of the Geography Faculty. 

To learn more, see our intro brochure. We will be more than happy to sit down with you and explain your options. We have a Human Geography, Physical Geography, and Human Environmental Geography program. 

Each track has an Honors Program option as well.

Geography majors have a lab requirement component. 

Physical Geography Track 

The physical geography track is for cadets interested in environmental issues, natural landscapes, meteorology, climate resource studies, environmental conflict, and global environmental change. This track prepares majors for careers in organizations that analyze and address environmental issues or problems, as well as businesses, government agencies, or NGOs that work in the field of conservation or natural hazards. Physical geographers are skillfully positioned to excel in aviation and engineering careers. 

Human Geography Track 

The human geography track is a good choice for cadets who want to learn the who, where, and why of cultures, religions, and nationalities around the globe. This track prepares majors for careers in any international field, such as foreign service, international business, non-governmental organizations, or an entire career in the Army (Intel, Psyops, Special Operations Forces). 

Key Points about Human Geo Major:

• Social science major will research and answer questions about the world we live.
• We offer regional geography courses, so it is a great major for anyone interested in learning more about our world, global cultures, or international issues.
• We have an honors sequence for cadets with high GPAs or who want to do their geographic research.
• This major prepares you well for careers in any international field, such as foreign service, international business, non-governmental organizations, or an entire career in the Army (Intel, Psyops, SOF, etc.).
• Human geographers learn the who, where, and why of cultures, religions, and nationalities around the globe.
• Over the past decade, Human Geography has been one of the most popular majors at the Academy.
• In the last five years, we have graduated about 150 human geographers working around the world.

Human-Environment Geography Track 

The human-environment geography track is the best choice for any cadet interested in modifying the environment and influencing humans. Any cadet who wants to think big should consider this track. Human-environmental geographers hold positions in organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Parks Service, the National Intelligence Agency, and various renewable energy corporations, conservation organizations, and even the top tier of global politics. Human-environmental geography is also listed as one of the degrees needed to be an army strategist.  

Key Points about Human-Environment Geo Major:

• This major is a blend of natural science and social sciences courses, so you will get a broad education that will allow you to look at the world from different perspectives.
• You will have the flexibility to choose an emphasis on the physical landscape or the human landscape.
• We emphasize the interaction between humans and their environment. 
• You will also take a regional geography course to learn about the cultures of other regions of the world. 
• We have an honors sequence for cadets with high GPAs or who want to do their geographic research. Human-Environment Geography is the best major for any cadet interested in how humans modify the environment and affect humans.
• How do we shape our environment to fit our needs?
• How do the seemingly-mundane pressures of the environment shape our everyday lives?
• This major is perfect for anyone seeking to understand the synthesis between humanity and nature.
• You will learn to think like a geographer, understanding how the human physical worlds are the result of many different factors.
• Not all of these factors are related unless you are smart enough to know how to look. Are you?
• This major prepares you well for any Army career---as an officer, you must be able to place many facts into a cohesive understanding of your environment and act on them decisively. 
• Geographers hold vital positions in governmental agencies from the EPA to the National Parks Service and National Intelligence Agency, renewable energy corporations, conservation organizations, and even the top tier of global politics.
• It is too late if you wait until you are a senior officer to learn how to think strategically.

Watch a video about why you should become a geographer. 

To learn more about this area of study, visit the Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering.