Geography (BSc)

Want to create a more sustainable future for generations to come? Learn how humans have modified urban and natural systems to intervene and create a more sustainable future.

You will study weather patterns, climate systems, Earth's surface processes, the distribution of water on the planet and more. This program will leave you feeling prepared to seek professional registration as an environmental geoscientist (PGeo). Geography is also available as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree.

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Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on:

  • Career-Ready Curriculum: Our BSc in Geography immerses you in physical geography, covering geomorphology, climatology, biogeography, and hydrology. Study how natural processes shape Earth’s surface, weather, climate, and water distribution. 
  • Become an Environmental Geoscientist: Choose courses that prepare you for professional registration as an environmental geoscientist (PGeo) in Ontario, enabling you to practice geoscience professionally.
  • Specialize in Your Passion: Align your studies with your career aspirations and personal interests. Select from a wide range of specialized, direct-entry programs to dive deep into topics that interest you. 

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more!):

  • Co-op: You can apply to co-op at the end of first-year, and complete 12 to 16 week placements throughout the course of your degree.
  • Fieldwork with Faculty Researchers: Senior undergraduate students can participate in fieldwork with faculty researchers in a variety of subdisciplines in Geography, ranging from working in the Northwest Territories studying impacts of a warming climate on permafrost to studying sand dune restoration and the ecological impacts of controlled burning at Pinery Provincial Park on the shore of Lake Huron. 
  • Become a Member: Consider joining the Canadian Association of Geographers as a student member or become a panel member and provide environmental assistance to outside advisory panels (e.g., Laurel Creek Citizens’ Working Group). 

Courses, Options and Pathways

Courses

Program Options

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term)
  • OUAC code: UHG; UMD (Geography BSc with Management Option)

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • cartographer
  • ecologist
  • environmental geoscientist (PGeo)
  • GIS applications specialist
  • hydrographer
  • hydrologist
  • industrial meteorologist
  • public policy analyst
  • sustainability officer
  • teacher/educator

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Your Co-op Experience

Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate with work experience.

You can apply for admission to co-op in your first year and may be eligible for an admission interview early in your second year. As a student in this program, you will be eligible to complete paid work terms lasting 12 to 16 weeks.

Interested? Learn more about co-op.

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98%employment rate for co‑op students – 2023 / 2024

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Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Global 2000 World University Ranking

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2023

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2023

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

Chat with Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be in this program? U Community is our Discord server where future Golden Hawks like you can connect with current students to get their first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?