College of the Sciences
Geography
Bachelor of Arts | Major
Geography, BA
Our BA offers a broad range of courses that cover topics such as human geography, physical geography, environmental science, and GIS mapping.
The Bachelor of Arts at CWU is an excellent choice if you are interested in broad geography training that will lead to careers such as international affairs and trade, planning, or education. The BA also provides the flexibility to customize your geography curriculum with your other interests and career plans.
Questions? Contact Us.
Department of Geography
Dean Hall 301
The Center of a Better Future
What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | Geography Department Website
Core Courses
- GEOG 101 - World Regional Geography
- GEOG 107 - Our Dynamic Earth
- GEOG 208 - Our Human World
- GEOG 250 - Resource Exploitation and Conservation
- GEOG 301 - Introduction to GIS and Maps
- GEOG 489 - Geography Capstone
Department-approved Electives
Human Geography Electives
- GEOG 304 - Economic Geography
- GEOG 306 - Transportation Geography and Planning
- GEOG 346 - Political Geography
- GEOG 381 - Urban Geography
- GEOG 422 - Geography of Food and Agriculture
- GEOG 440 - Ecology and Culture
- ANTH 440 - Ecology and Culture
Resource and Physical Geography Electives
- GEOG 305 - Introduction to Land Use Planning
- GEOG 373 - Water Resources
- GEOG 386 - Geomorphology
- GEOG 387 - Biogeography
- GEOG 388 - Weather and Climate
- GEOG 486 - Geomorphology
- GEOG 487 - Biogeography
- GEOG 488 - Weather and Climate
- GEOG 445 - Environmental Law
- GEOG 451 - Mountain Environments
- GEOG 454 - Forest Environments
- GEOG 455 - Pyrogeography
- GEOG 458 - People, Parks, and Protected Areas
- IEM 302 - Energy, Environment, and Climate Change
Regional Geography Electives
- GEOG 355 - Geography of the Pacific Northwest
- GEOG 368 - Geography of Middle America
- GEOG 370 - Geography of South America
- GEOG 371 - Geography of Europe
- GEOG 375 - Geography of Asia
Techniques Electives
- GEOG 325 - Field Methods in Geography
- GEOG 330 - Airphoto Interpretation
- GEOG 403 - GIS and Data Management
- GEOG 404 - GIS Analysis
- GEOG 409 - Quantitative Methods in Geography
- GEOG 411 - GIS Programming
- GEOG 417 - Workplace GIS
- GEOG 430 - Remote Sensing
Relevant
Gain a deep understanding of the complex social, economic, and environmental systems that shape our world such as climate change and other important topics of our day.
Support System
Our faculty is committed to providing a supportive and engaging learning environment where you take an active role in your education.
Impact
A foundation in geography can lead to the the ability to influence real policy changes at an environmental level.
Personalized
Tailor coursework based on your career goals. After your core curriculum you'll take classes in subfields including: Human Geography, Resource and Physical Geography, Regional Geography, and Techniques.
Apply
Discover how to apply to your program of choice at Central.
Financial Aid
Our Financial Aid staff are here to help you navigate financial aid.
Student Life
Pursue your interests in a supportive community. Learn more.
Visit
The best way to discover what makes CWU so special is to experience it yourself.
Job Placement
High job placement rates in Washington state are due to the demand for natural resource managers.
Student to Faculty Ratio
You'll get to know your professors and they will know you by name, one of the benefits of small class sizes.
Learning
Choose in-person classes or our convenient 100% online program delivery, with access to faculty when you need it.
Why Study Geography at Central?
Career Pathways
Wildlife Manager
Spatial Analyst
GIS Technician
City Planner
Forestry Resources Manager
Commitment to a Sustainable World
Central Washington University is committed to integrating sustainability across academics, operations, and campus life. Many CWU programs embed sustainability-related concepts, skills, and applied learning that prepare students to think critically about their impact on the world around them.
CWU is nationally recognized for this work through the AASHE STARS Gold rating, reflecting our dedication to transparency, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement.
Sustainability courses include:
- GEOG 101 World Regional Geography
- GEOG 208 Our Human World
- GEOG 250 Resource Exploitation and Conservation
- GEOG 306 Transportation Geography and Planning
- GEOG 370 Geography of South America
- GEOG 375 Geography of Asia
- GEOG 387 Biogeography
- GEOG 388 Weather and Climate
- GEOG 445 Environmental Law
- GEOG 455 Pyrogeography
- GEOG 458 People, Parks and Protected Areas
Learn more about CWU’s sustainability efforts through the Office of Sustainability, explore CWU’s national sustainability recognition, or view the full AASHE STARS report.