College of the Sciences
Environmental Resource Geography
Bachelor of Science | Major
Geography, BS—Environmental and Resource Geography Specialization
This specialization will prepare you for in-demand careers in resource management, environmental analysis, hydrology, soil science, and climatology, as well as advanced studies at the graduate level.
The Environmental and Resource Geography Specialization at CWU emphasizes concepts, methods, and applications in courses concerned with the Earth’s physical systems and its resources. This program is designed so that you develop in-depth data collection and analysis skills, a thorough understanding of laboratory processing and analysis methods, and comprehensive, integrated scientific knowledge of earth systems and the relationships of human societies to those systems – especially in the Pacific Northwest. Areas of particular emphasis include weather and climate change, soils and landform processes, wetland and coastal environments, natural hazards, and environmental change at multiple scales.
Questions? Contact Us.
Department of Geography
Dean Hall 301
You Belong Here
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
Environmental Geography Specialization
Environmental Geography
- GEOG 386 - Geomorphology
- GEOG 387 - Biogeography
- GEOG 388 - Weather and Climate
- GEOG 451 - Mountain Environments
- GEOG 454 - Forest Environments
- GEOL 445 - Hydrogeology
Techniques Courses
- GEOG 409 - Quantitative Methods in Geography
- GEOG 325 - Field Methods in Geography
- GEOG 330 - Airphoto Interpretation
- GEOG 403 - GIS and Data Management
Resource Geography Courses
- GEOG 305 - Introduction to Land Use Planning
- GEOG 373 - Water Resources
- GEOG 422 - Geography of Food and Agriculture
- GEOG 445 - Environmental Law
- GEOG 455 - Pyrogeography
- GEOG 458 - People, Parks, and Protected Areas
- IEM 302 - Energy, Environment, and Climate Change
Culminating Experience Courses
Department-Approved Electives
Personalized
Tailor coursework based on your career goals. After your core curriculum you'll choose classes in four subfields: environmental geography, resource geography, geographic techniques, and regional geography.
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.
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 Rates
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.
Programs
Currently, CWU has the only geology bachelor’s of science degree in Washington state.
Why Study Geography at Central?
Career Pathways
Natural Resource Manager
Environmental Consultant
Urban Planner
Climate Change Analyst
Water Resource 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 107 Our Dynamic Earth
- GEOG 273 Geography of Rivers
- GEOG 305 Introduction to Land Use Planning
- GEOG 306 Transportation Geography and Planning
- GEOG 355 Geography of the Pacific Northwest
- GEOG 368 Geography of Middle America
- GEOG 371 Geography of Europe
- GEOG 373 Water Resources
- GEOG 422 Geography of Food and Agriculture
- GEOG 440 Ecology and Culture
- GEOG 488 Weather and Climate
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.