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BA or BSc major

In both the BA and BSc programs you'll take introductory geography courses in physical geography, environmental management, human geography, geomatics, statistics or regional geography.

Advanced studies in the BA program explore topics like political geography and cultural geography. They also focus on social geography, health geography and economic geography. 

Advanced studies in the BSc program focus on topics like advanced GIS applications, remote sensing, cartography, geomorphology, hydrology, climatology, biogeography and landscape ecology.

Admissions

Learn everything you need to know about becoming a UVic student, from choosing a program and reviewing admission requirements to submitting your application and reporting your grades.

If you have questions, talk to a student recruiter or attend one of our events.

Courses

Our courses are grouped into 4 focus areas:

  • physical geography
  • environment and sustainability
  • human geography
  • geomatics

Learn about course planning in these focus areas

See the University Calendar for a list of all geography courses

Community engagement option

Community-engaged learning (CEL) takes geography out of the classroom and into our communities. As a geography major or honours student, you can take courses that give you skills to work, learn and conduct research with community partners.

Our CEL courses allow you to work with non-profit organizations to design, develop and plan projects to serve their needs.

BA community engagement option 

BSc community engagement option

Funding

UVic offers scholarships, bursaries, awards and other funding opportunities to help you further your education and succeed in your studies. Explore funding options at UVic.

Most scholarships are awarded based on recommendations made by the department. However, some require a separate application form.

Awards for geography students

Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards (JCURA)

The Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Award (JCURA) supports students who complete a research project under the mentorship of a faculty supervisor.

Full-time third- and fourth-year students with a GPA of 7.0 or above are eligible to apply. Each successful student receives a $1,500 credit in their UVic account.

Valerie Kuehne Undergraduate Research Awards (VKURA)

Valerie Kuehne Undergraduate Research Awards (VKURA) give first- and second-year students the opportunity to gain research experience with a faculty member. Paid research internships are full-time for 12 weeks (between May 1 and August 31).

Career options

Our graduates work in fields like resource management, environmental consulting, urban planning, international development and geographic information systems.

Career Services can help you develop a career you love. From exploring career options to applying for jobs, they've got you covered.

Some career options for geography majors

Meet some of our alumni

Co-op

Our optional co-operative education (co-op) program gives you hands-on paid work experience related to what you're studying. It's the perfect way to develop your skills and find a career you love.

Learn more about what co-op ishow it works with your degree and what to expect as a co-op student

Geography students have had co-op placements at:

  • Parks Canada – ecological monitoring assistant
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Canadian Hydrographic Service – GIS analyst
  • BC Ministry of Energy and Mines – mapping assistant
  • BC SPCA, WildARC – wildlife rehabilitation assistant
  • Sooke Regional Museum – museum assistant
  • Canadian Forest Service – research assistant, Mountain Pine Beetle

Co-op requirements