Geography, Environment, and Society Northern Arizona University

Overview

The Geography, Environment, and Society programme at Northern Arizona University offers a multidisciplinary approach to understanding how modern civilisations interact with natural and urban landscapes. This Bachelor of Science degree prepares students to navigate the complex relationships between social systems, physical geography, and the technological tools used to manage regional and global environments.

Students engage with the social and physical dimensions of contemporary life, focusing on how cities and regions respond to accelerating growth and environmental threats. The curriculum emphasises the importance of planning as a response to climate change, ensuring that graduates can contribute to the development of more livable and resilient communities through scientific inquiry.

Why Geography, Environment, and Society at Northern Arizona University?

Northern Arizona University provides a distinctive learning environment through the Department of Geography, Planning, and Recreation. The institution is recognised for its commitment to sustainability and hands-on learning, allowing students to explore the biophysical basis of society within the unique landscape of Flagstaff and its surrounding protected areas.

The programme stands out for its integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies directly into the core curriculum. Students benefit from expert faculty guidance and a framework that encourages global awareness, preparing them to appraise diverse perspectives and approaches originating from different physical environments across the globe.

Facilities and partnerships at the university support a collaborative atmosphere where students work in teams to design sustainable places. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the professional field, incorporating land use planning, environmental impact studies, and ethics to ensure graduates are ready for the demands of the modern workforce.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 29568 per year
• National fee: USD 29568 per year
• Local fee: USD 11352 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum requires the completion of 120 units, including a dedicated minor to complement the major. Modules may include:

• World Regional Geography
• Environmental Geography
• Mapping and Geovisualization
• Community Planning and Development
• Geographic Information Systems
• Urban Geography
• Remote Sensing
• Environment and Society
• Social Statistics
• Technical Writing
• Senior Capstone

Careers with Geography, Environment, and Society

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional roles in both the public and private sectors, focusing on sustainability and spatial analysis. Common career paths include positions in land use planning, community development, and environmental consultancy, where alumni apply their knowledge of comprehensive plans and ordinances.

The degree also opens opportunities in the field of geospatial sciences, with graduates finding employment as GIS analysts and remote sensing specialists. Industries such as natural resource management, urban design, and government agencies value the research and analytical skills developed throughout the programme at Northern Arizona University.