Overview

The Geography programme at Portland State University provides a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the complex interactions between human societies and the physical environment. Students explore critical issues such as urban sustainability, cultural landscapes, and climate science while developing technical expertise in geographic information systems. This degree equips graduates with the analytical tools necessary to address local and global challenges.

Why Geography at Portland State University?

Portland State University offers an ideal setting for geographic study, situated in downtown Portland with proximity to the Pacific Coast and Cascade Mountains. This location facilitates extensive fieldwork opportunities in urban, rural, and wilderness environments. Students benefit from the university's strong connections with local and federal agencies, enhancing research prospects.

The department is a leader in spatial science training, housing faculty who conduct international research in hydrology, biogeography, and land use analysis. Students can join active organisations like the ASPRS/GIS Club, which fosters professional development and industry partnerships. This close-knit academic community ensures that research findings are directly integrated into the classroom experience.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 34599 per year
National fee: USD 34599 per year
Local fee: USD 12999 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical technical skills. Modules may include:

Geographic Information Science
Remote Sensing
Spatial Analysis
Cartography
Biogeography
Climate Science
Cultural Ecology
Land Use Analysis
Hydrology

Careers with Geography

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional paths in both the public and private sectors. The programme provides the essential training required for roles in resource management, urban planning, and environmental consultancy. Many alumni find success in technical positions focusing on spatial data and statistical analysis.

Common career destinations for graduates include:

Urban Planner
GIS Specialist
Cartographer
Environmental Manager
Climatologist
Transportation Manager
Demographer
Emergency Management Specialist

The degree also serves as a foundation for careers in education, foreign service, and public affairs. Graduates often secure positions within the National Park Service or pursue roles in marketing and real estate appraisal, demonstrating the versatile application of geographic expertise.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Physical Geography

Maps & Geographic Information

Environment & Society: Global Perspectives

World Population and Food Supply

Apline Environment

Severe Weather

Cultural and Political Ecology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-07-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-05 00:00:00
Starting 2026-09-30 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-05 00:00:00
Starting 2027-03-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-05 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

180 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Portland, United States

Disciplines

Geography View 457 other Bachelors in Geography in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must have a cumulative (overall) grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 when converted to the U.S. 4.0 grading scale.
Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement. You may be admitted to Portland State University and an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) pathway if you do not meet PSU's English Language Proficiency Requirement. Learn more about PSU’s English language programs.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Out-of-State

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12999 USD / year

≈ 12999 USD / year

Living costs

Portland

United States

1271 - 2262 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Geography.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Portland

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners