Geography, BA & BS

Central to Mapping the Future.

Central’s BA in Geography prepares students for careers in urban planning, environmental sustainability, social science teaching, business/tourism, and Geographic Information Sciences (GIS). Students receive a holistic, liberal education that integrates the study of human activity and the natural environment. Graduates have developed the skills for jobs that address real life community concerns, environmental issues, and systems that impact people’s economic, political, social, and spatial needs. Students train for and excel in careers with a conscience.

Program Features

  • Coursework that challenges and improves students’ understanding of topics leading to well-paid positions after graduation
  • Specialized tracks allow students to pursue education in individual interests while still learning employable skills
  • Opportunities for hands-on applied field work, internships, and courses abroad
  • Faculty who are experts in their field guide, mentor, and advise students throughout the program
  • Small department with a welcoming environment
  • Small class sizes
  • Financial aid and scholarships available
  • Free on-campus child care available

Geography at Central

While most people think of geography as naming places on Jeopardy!, a degree in Geography prepares you for much more. The fields of urban planning, environmental, sustainability, social science teaching, and Geographic Information Sciences (GIS) applications all come under the purview of a professional geographer. Students receive a holistic, liberal education that integrates the study of human activity and the natural environment. Founded in 1969, Central Connecticut State University has the largest Geography Department of any institution of higher education in New England. Our courses and research examine interaction within and between the biosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. In addition to lecture oriented courses, we also provide field-oriented, applied, and hands-on experiences throughout Connecticut and in far away lands. We strive to provide our students with a friendly, well-supported learning environment that trains them to be top scientists as well as citizens of the world.

Programs in Geography

Minors

Graduate

Geography, MS with the following specializations:

  • General Program
  • Specialization in Global Sustainability

Each graduate student's planned program of study is custom-designed to provide the best possible preparation for the career or future PhD study chosen by the student. Students enrolled in the M.S. in Geography program may emphasize any of the following areas:

  • Environmental studies
  • Cultural and world regional geography
  • Urban and regional planning
  • Computer mapping or geographic information systems
  • Travel and tourism

Students gain an understanding of the impact of human interactions on the environment. Graduates are prepared for careers in resource management, environmental & sustainable planning, outdoor/environmental education, environmental assessment/monitoring/restoration, and air/water/soil pollution prevention.

Provides a broad overview of the discipline of Geography and what it has to offer. BS is designed for students pursuing a career in teaching. BA is a great option for those who want a little bit of everything Geography has to offer.

Prepares students for careers in Geographic Information System (GIS) Mapping and Remote Sensing (RS), as well as their applications in fields like planning, marketing, crime mapping, health, environmental protection, and natural resources management.

Equips students for jobs as town or city planners with municipalities, as regional planners for regional councils of government, and for positions at state agencies, non-profits, and private consulting firms. Introduces students to the historical, legal, and applied contexts of planning in the United States and Connecticut, as well as subfields of planning, such as transportation planning, urban design, environmental planning, and economic development.

Prepares students to work in municipal, state, and federal agencies for positions such as planning, parks and recreation, ecotourism/nature-based tourism, cultural/historical tourism, and tourism development.

Geography, BA

Geography, Anthropology, & Tourism Department

Support Our Programs

Admissions Contact

Undergraduate Recruitment & Admissions
(860) 832-2278
admissions@ccsu.edu

Academic Contact

Brian Sommers
Professor, Department Chair
Geography, Anthropology, & Tourism
Professor
Geography
Co-Director
International Studies
Ebenezer D. Bassett Hall
417-01
860.832.2792
sommersb@ccsu.edu

After I graduate, I will be traveling to Madagascar as part of a volunteer program called International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ). The trip will be for about 12 weeks and during that time I will be scuba diving to help collect data on coral reefs for researchers that work to preserve and protect their habitat. Studying Geography, especially GIS since what I will be doing is pretty much the front lines of it all; has made me more and more excited to not only learn about the world but to go out and experience it first hand as well.

– Matthew Tattersall

Did You Know?

The Association of American Geographers has an excellent career overview that is very much applicable for the kinds of employment that our students land in after graduation.

Some occupations that could be held by graduates are:
  • Geospatial Information Scientists/Technologists
  • Geophysical Data Technicians
  • Geographic Information Systems Technicians
  • Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
  • Urban and Regional Planners
  • Transportation Planners
Source: aag.org/jobs-careers

Learning Outcomes

By the time of graduation, students will demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic concepts of physical and human geography.
  2. Use geographic theories, principles and data to solve spatial problems
  3. Apply basic research skills, including the ability to critically evaluate the research of others
  4. Show competent skills in oral or written expressions regarding the clarity, logic and effectiveness of arguments.
  5. Synthesize and produce graphic displays of spatial data (i.e., maps, graphs and database).
  6. Describe the nature of Geography as an academic discipline, including familiarity with its history and recognition of its major subfields.
  7. Demonstrate knowledge and skills that are sufficient to allow one pursue advanced study in geography and/or find employment in a geography-related field.