Overview

The Geography degree at the University of California, Santa Barbara offers a broad and integrative approach to understanding the complex interactions between people and their environment. Students engage with a curriculum that spans the department's core strengths in physical systems, human societies, and geographic information science.

This Bachelor of Arts degree is specifically designed to allow students to sample broadly across various topical domains. By exploring the integration of different geographic approaches, learners gain a holistic perspective on the study of the Earth as the home of humanity, preparing them for diverse professional challenges.

Why Geography at the University of California, Santa Barbara?

The department is recognised for its significant strengths in combining traditional geographic study with modern data science and geographic techniques. Students benefit from an environment that fosters interdisciplinary learning, bridging the gap between biophysical sciences and the study of human culture and economics.

Facilities at the institution support advanced research in areas such as remote sensing and mathematical modelling. The programme's structure encourages students to explore the biophysical Earth, including atmosphere, climate, and landforms, alongside the study of population dynamics and geographically-referenced information systems.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 14934 per year
National fee: USD 14934 per year
Local fee: USD 14934 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Atmosphere and Climate
Oceans
Soil and Landforms
Rivers and Lakes
Plants and Animals
Mind, Activity, and Culture
Society and Population
Economics
Cartography
Remote Sensing
Mathematical Modelling
Statistics
Geographic Information Systems

Careers with Geography

Graduates from this programme are well-equipped for a variety of professional roles across multiple sectors. Many find success as Cartographers, Demographers, or Educators, while others pursue technical paths as GIS Analysts, Remote Sensing Analysts, or Location Analysts within private and public organisations.

The degree also prepares students for impactful roles in planning and consultancy. Common career destinations include positions as Urban, Regional, and City Planners, Transportation Planners, Environmental Consultants, Emergency Management Planners, Public Health Officers, and dedicated Researchers in geographic fields.

Programme Structure

Courses

Atmosphere and climate, oceans, soil and landforms, rivers and lakes, and plants and animals;
The human Earth, including mind, activity, culture, society, population, and economics; and of geographically-referenced information
Techniques for applying it, including cartography, remote sensing, mathematical modeling and statistics,
Geographic information systems (GIS).

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Barbara, United States

Disciplines

Geography View 456 other Bachelors in Geography in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Other requirements

General requirements

The University of California sets slightly different criteria for applicants who are not California residents. If you are an out-of-state applicant, you must meet the same admission requirements as a California resident student.

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

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year
Out-of-State

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Barbara

United States

1640 - 2480 USD / month

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

Funding

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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

Santa Barbara

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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