Geography University of Northern British Columbia

Overview

The Geography programme at the University of Northern British Columbia provides an interdisciplinary bridge between physical and human sciences. Students explore the complex relationships between people and their environments, with a particular focus on northern regions and contemporary technologies.

The Bachelor of Arts stream emphasises human geography, focusing on the social, political, and economic connections that define our world. This pathway explores issues such as social justice, environmental equity, and population health. It provides the conceptual tools needed to understand place-making within a global context.

Alternatively, the Bachelor of Science stream treats the subject as an earth science. This route integrates biology, chemistry, and physics to study the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.

Why Geography at the University of Northern British Columbia?

The institution is home to several Canada Research Chairs, including specialists in Rural and Small Town Studies and the Cumulative Impacts of Environmental Change. This research-intensive environment ensures that teaching is informed by the latest developments in the field.

Students benefit from specialised facilities such as the GIS lab and the Northern Sport Centre. The university's location provides a natural laboratory for studying northern environments, offering a distinctive advantage for those interested in cold-climate geomorphology and indigenous geographies.

The faculty includes experts in glaciology, health geography, and political ecology. This breadth of expertise allows for a wide range of joint majors, enabling students to combine their geographic studies with anthropology, history, or political science for a tailored educational experience.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 963 per credit
• National fee: CAD 204 per credit

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Planet Earth
• Earth from Above
• British Columbia: People and Places
• Canada: Places, Cultures, and Identities
• GIS
• Earth Science
• Basic Statistics
• Resources, Economies, and Sustainability
• Cartography and Geomatics
• Social Geography
• Migration and Development
• Natural Hazards
• World Regions: Latin America and the Caribbean
• World Regions: Inuit Nunangat
• Tenure, Conflict, and Resource Geography
• Indigenous Geographies of Climate Resilience
• Mountains
• Environmental Justice
• Northern Communities
• Geographies of Culture, Rights and Power
• Hydrology
• Watershed Geomorphology
• Earth's Critical Zone
• Fluvial Geomorphology
• Glacial Geology

Careers with Geography

Graduates are well-positioned for roles in environmental consulting firms and various government agencies. The technical training in GIS and remote sensing is highly sought after for data analysis and spatial planning positions across multiple industries.

The programme prepares students for careers in community development, resource management, and public administration. Those completing the B.Sc. route often find opportunities in fields related to hydrology, soil science, and environmental impact assessment.

The B.A. pathway supports careers in social policy, urban planning, and international development. Additionally, the Honours option provides a strong foundation for students intending to pursue postgraduate research or academic careers in geographic sciences.