COURSE CURRICULUM

An Earth Systems Geography degree offers a strong blend of scientific learning, research opportunities, and real-world application focused on understanding how the Earth’s physical systems operate and interact over time. A key highlight of the program is its faculty, who are highly successful researchers working on cutting-edge topics in physical geography, environmental change, and earth system processes, ensuring students learn from experts actively contributing to the field. The program provides engaging undergraduate and graduate learning environments where students can explore complex topics through discussion, fieldwork, and data analysis. Students also benefit from active participation in student organizations related to geography and earth sciences, which help build academic interest, collaboration, and professional networking opportunities. A strong emphasis is placed on faculty investment in student success, meaning students receive close academic support, mentorship, and guidance throughout their studies. This supportive environment contributes to strong career outcomes, with students securing internships and employment across a wide range of fields related to environmental science, geography, and earth systems analysis. The curriculum includes courses designed to build both theoretical understanding and practical skills. Students may study subjects such as Culture, Environment and Society, which explores the relationship between human activity and natural systems, and Geosystems, Environment and Society, which introduces the interactions between physical landscapes and environmental processes. Additional courses like Historical Geology provide insight into Earth’s geological history, while Weather and Climate focuses on atmospheric systems and climate dynamics. Applied Biogeography examines the distribution of ecosystems and living organisms across environments, and Foundations of Geographic Research develops essential skills in data collection, analysis, and scientific investigation. Overall, the degree equips students with a strong foundation in physical geography and earth system science, preparing them for careers and advanced study in environmental research, climate science, GIS, natural resource management, and other fields that address important global environmental challenges.