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Geography, B.A.

College of Arts and Sciences

Explore human interactions with the environment, and propose solutions to some of the world's most urgent problems, through our geography program.

Geography is an ideal major for students who embrace interdisciplinary learning and don't want to limit themselves to either social or physical science only. You'll be able to explore society and politics, environmental change and sustainability while also gaining skills in computing and geospatial technologies.

Program Highlights

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    Internship Program

    Earn valuable work experience in local businesses, nonprofits and government agencies.

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    Engaging Courses

    Enjoy smaller class sizes and an approachable faculty committed to student success.

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    Course Variety

    Take a variety of courses covering physical science, social science and technology, among other topics.

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    Research Opportunities

    Conduct research in several labs across campus, such as the Center for GI Science and Geospatial Big Data.

What You’ll Study

Popular geography courses include Sustainable Cities, America's National Parks, Global Food Politics and Geography of Human Rights. All geography majors complete their studies with a capstone seminar that involves project-based learning with community partners, such as Habitat for Humanity and the Harbison State Forest.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

  • Multicultural Awareness

    Understanding cultural variation and adapting behaviors and communication styles accordingly

    Presentation Skills

    Preparing and delivering effective and engaging presentations to inform, persuade or inspire

    Writing

    Creating professional written content for inclusion in scholarly journal articles, books and reports

  • Critical Thinking

    Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions or judgments

    Data Analysis

    Examining and interpreting information to uncover insights and inform decision making

    Organizational Skills

    Planning, prioritizing and managing tasks and resources to achieve specific objectives

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Learn how alumni use degrees with outcome data from Gamecock GradStats, a service of the University of South Carolina Career Center.

Potential Careers

  • Urban Planner
  • Natural Resource Manager
  • Emergency Manager
  • Geospatial Intelligence Agent
  • Environmental Policymaker

Job Titles of Alumni

  • ArcGIS Support Analyst
  • Geospatial Systems Administrator
  • GIS Specialist
  • Territory Manager
  • GIS Analyst
  • GIS Field Technician

Average Alumni Salary

Five to 10 years after graduation without additional education $61,555

Workplace Settings

  • Government
  • Nonprofits and NGOs
  • Business
  • Research

Employers of Alumni

  • GEOGRAPH Technologies, LLC
  • Westat
  • South Carolina Department of Transportation
  • Geo-Systems Design and Testing

Advanced Degrees

Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.

Geography at USC means understanding the environmental, social and political forces that shape our world in order to solve the world’s complex problems. USC has done a phenomenal job at providing me with resources, like beyond-the-classroom experiences, while encouraging me at an individual level.

Blake Gibbons
Portrait of Blake Gibbons

Is USC Right For You?

There are many reasons we could be your ideal university. There's the award-winning academics, the globally modeled student life, and abundance of study abroad and experiential learning options. Take a closer look at what USC could mean for you.

Degree content is provided for informational purposes only. The Academic Bulletin is the source of record for all degree information.
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